September 6, 2013 (Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Then Israel will no longer be tempted to trust in Egypt for help. Egypt’s shattered condition will remind Israel of how sinful she was to trust Egypt in earlier days. Then Israel will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 29:16 NLT
Observation: Egypt was a strong, powerful, prosperous nation with many great strengths and provisions. A powerful army and a land that was fruitful and filled with riches. The power and wealth of Egypt tempted Israel to sin by trusting in her as an ally and ultimately an idol. God would use king Nebuchadnezzar, an evil man, to work for Him and overcome Egypt and destroy her power and plunder her wealth. Egypt had to be destroyed because of the trust Israel had put into Egypt as its ally. Only through Egypt’s shattered condition would Israel be reminded of how sinful she was to have ever trusted in Egypt’s strength more than in their God. God would prove to Israel through the destruction of Egypt that He was the Sovereign Lord of all. It’s the Lord that lifts up a nation, and it’s the Lord that brings one down. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Application: The depiction of Egypt’s destruction has been preserved for more than just a historical record. It serves as a great lesson of warning to Israel and to the nations that would serve as her allies. God used the destruction of a nation that was once great to remind Israel to trust in Him only for their strength and provision. God is not bound or limited in His ability, and nothing is off limits for His use. He can use who He chooses, and what He chooses, to accomplish His plan and purpose. America, as an ally to Israel, should also learn a lesson from this historical account. We should be very careful not to tempt Israel to sin by encouraging them to trust in our strength, power or wealth. Israel’s help comes from God and the strength of any ally was given to them by God. America has been given the privilege of being Israel’s ally and we should not take that privilege lightly, nor arrogantly, less we find ourselves being destroyed by a modern day Nebuchadnezzar.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the privileges and honors You’ve blessed me with. Thank You for Your power and strength that sustain and protect me. Thank You for having a plan, and knowing how to win the victory. Help me to trust in You alone as my strength, for I know You are indeed enough. You know the battle I face and I know You will send Your army to fight on my behalf! May my enemies suffer the same fate as Egypt for trusting in the sinful power and strength of corrupt allies, in Jesus name, Amen!