Bible Pathways - Sept. 8, 2008
September 8
Highlights In Today's Reading:
We find The Word of the Lord speaks against six kingdoms. Can you find them (25:3,8,12,15; 26:2; 28:22)? Catch the indirect reference to Satan and the Creator's denunciation of his arrogance as he fulfills himself through an earthly king (28:11-19).
The island fortress of Tyre, including its coastal territorial possessions, was the greatest international trading center of the world. Tyre gained control of world commerce when Jerusalem, her greatest competitor, was destroyed. Because of their rejoicing over the fall of God's people, Ezekiel prophesied that Tyre would be like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the Lord have spoken it, saith the Lord God. . . . and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord God (26:14-21).
Tyre seemed like the most secure place on earth. But, Nebuchadnezzar battled against this mighty city and besieged its fortress for thirteen years until it was defeated.
After the experience with Nebuchadnezzar, the rulers of Tyre decided they would move to the island a half mile from the mainland. Surrounded by water that protected her great fleet of Phoenician ships, the new Tyre appeared secure above all places on earth.
But Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, tore down the walls, towers, and other buildings of the old Tyre on the mainland, and used them as material to build a causeway in the water, literally a rock road directly to the island, fulfilling Ezekiel's amazing prophecy: They shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water (26:12). Ezekiel's prophecy was literally fulfilled. The ancient island city of Tyre has never been rebuilt to this day. It is only a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea (26:5).
Every hour of every day the ancient Tyre is a testimony that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. If there is no God why hasn't someone built upon its ruins that still sit upon the "rock island?" Why haven't the atheists built on this ancient site as a monument to their efforts to disprove the Bible and the very existence of God? There are no laws in the world that say they can't do it, but the One who inspired Ezekiel to make that prophecy said it shall never be rebuilt.
The sinful, gloating attitude of Tyre over Jerusalem's fall (26:2) should be a warning to those who rejoice when their competition goes bankrupt, to the “Christian” who resents the success of his “rivals” who conduct the choir or play the piano in the church or their competition in the marketplace. Some Christians have much to repent of. Our gossip does more damage than we can imagine when we rejoice over the so-called “failures” of other Christians.
Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever (Psalm 119:160).
Thought for Today:
We can't justify our actions by comparing ourselves to the failures of others. Just because "everyone else is doing it" does not measure up to God's Word.
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 (Ezekiel 28:18-19). As Jesus reigns following the Great White Throne Judgment, Satan, the devil . . . was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation: 20:1-10,14).
Word Studies:
25:5 couchingplace =b> resting place; 26:9 engines of war =b> battering rams; 26:17 haunt it =b> dwell there.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Janice Durano • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. W.C. Williams • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Sen. Bernard Sanders (VT), and Rep. Michael Simpson (ID) • Country: Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray aloud with your voice — God hears (Psa. 3:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:24
