Bible Pathway - September 8
Read Ezekiel 25 – 28
Highlights:
Six of Judah’s enemies receive promises of destruction from the Lord. Can you name them (25:1,8,12,15; 26:2; 28:2,21)? What did they do against God? Read and learn (25:3,8,12,15; 26:2; 28:24).
Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin (Ezek. 27:27).
People put their stock in life in all manner of things. Some trust in their finances. They feel if they make enough money everything will be alright. The old phrase used to be “keeping up with the Joneses." It seems in today's society keeping up is not good enough. People feel they need to surpass everyone else. They need the biggest house, the best car and the finest things. They take extravagant vacations and try to give their children the best things in life.
What will all this get you in the end? What will you really accomplish? What does the Word of God have to say about this kind of life? For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (Matt. 16:26)?
Still others may build their lives around their accomplishments. They may seek to be the best in their field. To this person, money may mean very little. It is the intense feeling of pride found in doing something that no one else has done that they seek.
This type of personality can be found in any field; it is not limited to athletes or entertainers. A person in just about any career could fall prey to this mindset. An architect could desire to build the tallest skyscraper, or an inventor could seek to create a device that would change the world. A chemist might desire to discover a medical miracle drug.
It could easily be said that these things could leave a mark on the world. But how long will this mark last? Most likely only until a better skyscraper, invention or medicine comes along. These things are all temporary. They are much like our lifetimes here on earth. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).
There is a continuing theme throughout the Word of God that tries to convey this message to mankind. If only we would get a grasp on what God wants us to understand down deep in our hearts! He is very clear on how we should prioritize our lives.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to better our lives as long as our aspirations are kept in proper perspective. There is also nothing wrong with wanting to leave a mark on the world as long as our reasoning is not selfish. These things can be part of a productive life for the Lord as long as our actions are done with the full intentions of honoring Him with all that we do.
God should be the primary focus of the life of every individual. All the things in life that come after Him, including family life, career and recreation, should be done in such a way that is not only directed by, but also bringing honor to, the Lord.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:19-20).
Thought for Today:
With every temptation God provides His way of escape.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who will rule over the destruction of Satan at the end of time: Therefore will I bring forth a fire . . . it shall devour thee (Ezek. 28:18-19). As Jesus reigns following the Great White Throne Judgment, the devil . . . was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:1-14).
Word Study:
25:5 couching place, resting place; 26:9 engines of war, battering rams; 26:17 haunt it, dwell there.
Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Ps. 92:1).
Optional Reading: Revelation 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 145:3
