Bible Pathway - Sept. 9, 2011
Read Ezekiel 29
Highlights:
Another enemy and its destiny (Ezek. 29:3,13-15)! How quickly we forget the days of slavery (29:16)! A sad day for Egypt and its allies (30:2-8). Egypt, a prideful and arrogant nation (chap. 31). Look who God uses to defeat the Egyptians (32:11). Read the list of others who were judged by God (32:17-31).
At the time of the Exodus, Egypt had grown to be a magnificent world power and had become famous in commerce, art, literature, science, and military might. The ten plagues forced the Egyptians, and the nation's counselors to Pharaoh, to acknowledge that their own gods were powerless against the One True God. This should have caused Egypt to reject their idols and worship the One True God of creation.
Ezekiel courageously foretold: The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt. . . . I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the Lord. . . . they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations (Ezek. 29:1-3,8-9,14-15). Consequently, although this shocking prophecy would appear most unlikely, God did bring judgment upon Egypt, Israel, and Judah. The phrase: They shall know that I am the Lord is mentioned 66 times in this book to point out the importance of worshiping the Almighty God and obeying His Word. Nebuchadnezzar did not know that Jehovah was preparing him and his Babylonian armies to be His servants. Neither did he know that he was fulfilling prophecy even when he devastated Israel and then Egypt. But after Babylon accomplished the purpose of God, Babylon was forever destroyed.
A future time of redemption and restoration was also foretold: In that day will I cause the horn (strength) of the House of Israel to bud forth (29:21). The horn is a symbol of power (I Sam. 2:10; Ps. 92:10). As prophesied, the people of God, both Jew and Gentile, have a future destiny of glory with Jesus as their Messiah. The thoughtful disciple, therefore, will not become preoccupied with great material success or pleasures. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. . . . Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake (I Pet. 2:11-13).
Thought for Today:
Cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in Mine hand (Jer. 18:6).
Christ Revealed:
By the Word of the Lord (Ezek. 29:1). In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). God . . . Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).
Word Studies:
29:7 loins to be at a stand begs to give way or stagger; 29:18 peeled rubbed bare; 30:2 Woe worth the day mourn the coming day (of terror); 31:3 with a shadowing shroud evershadowing the forest.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Howard (Buck) McKeon (CA), Sen. Chris Coons (DE) and Gov. Mary Fallin (OK) • Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59.4 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Welsh • Religious freedom • 55% Anglican; 16% Catholic; 6% Other Protestant; 2% Muslim; .9% Sikh; .8% Hindu; .6% Jewish; .2% Buddhist; 10.5% Other; 5% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: When you are afraid, have confidence in and rely upon the Lord (Ps. 56:3-4).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
John 1:10
