Bible Reading

Ezekiel Chapter 31

Written by

Isaac

|

2 min read

“History looks very different depending on which window you open to look at it” (Ben Rhodes)

This is the third of four chapters detailing the words of God and lamentation directed towards Pharoah and Egypt.  This chapter specifically highlighted Assyria as an example, a warning to Pharoah (and Egypt) not to be conceited and arrogance before the Lord God.  Though in splendour, glory and greatness, they excel even above the chosen people of God, they shall meet their downfall in the Pit.

But the point is, will they listen.  Even when the outcomes of those who came before them are clearly manifested.  Will they see life’s lessons plainly spelt out through the historical records.  Does not the quotation ring a bell.  Oftentimes, we shut our eyes and refuse to see and acknowledge the similarities and connections, we turn a deaf ear, pretending not to hear the wise counsel, we refuse to think and reflect as such stirrings do not reach our mind and heart.  

While these words no longer serve much purpose to the original recipient of the word of the Lord, what we need to recognise is that these ‘historical records’ serve a higher purpose for us.  Just as Paul pointed out to the gentile believers in Corinth (1 Cor 10:1 - 15; that though it seemed that the Israelites journey in the wilderness is an incident in the Old Testament.  There is deep meaning and purpose in their recording.  Paul in v1 formed the intimate link and connection, when he emphasised on “our fathers” – not a physical lineage connection for there is none, but a spiritual link (cf Gal 3: 27 -29) and in v11 that these things become our examples, written for our admonition and v15, that if we are truly wise, we will surely heed and pay attention by deep thinking and making a judgement for ourselves.

Hence are we also like Pharoah and the Egyptians towards God and men.  As God ask Pharoah, the same question is asked of us “whom are you like in your greatness?”.  Do we ascribe all glory to ourselves rather than to God.  Remember Nebuchadnezzar.

Finally, it is interesting to note in v6, that in the parables of Jesus, He also bring to mind the birds (Matt 13 Parables of Sower and Mustard Seed).  In the parables of Jesus, the birds ate the seed (the words of God), thus destroying the work of God.  In like manner, as we prosper and grow, as we increase in abundance and greatness, will the word that is in us also be chipped away.  Let us guard what is most precious in us and not be robbed from the eternal rewards in heaven.  It will be a great pity if, despite all the grace that God showered upon us, we end up in the Pit.

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See Also

Daniel Chapter 4 - Let the Most High God Reign in Your Life

Daniel Chapter 4 - Let the Most High God Reign in Your Life

The story in Daniel Chapter 4 is perhaps not unfamiliar to many of us. King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the great Babylonian empire, the king of kings, being turned into a beast, how spectacular is that? It's not until we read through this chapter for ourselves that we realise something even more spectacular: this whole chapter is told by King Nebuchadnezzar himself. Daniel Chapter 4 is King Nebuchadnezzar's own personal testimony! Isn't King Nebuchadnezzar the infamous evil king? How is it that in this chapter he gives praise to the almighty God? Perhaps the first thing that should catch our attention from today's chapter is the repeated phrase in verses 17 and 32. The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He wills. This phrase can even be said to be the theme of the whole Book of Daniel. This book is mostly set in the time of exile, when there seemingly was no longer any king over the people of God. Yet, in the Book of Daniel we see that though there was no earthly king ruling over Israel, God made it clear to these foreign kings that He is the almighty God. He was still the one who was truly the King. The outcome of this is that the evil king Nebuchadnezzar, probably the greatest and most powerful man during his time, writes this testimony for all peoples, nations, and languages to hear (Daniel 4:1-3). Imagine being a subject in the Babylonian empire, and receiving this declaration from king Nebuchadnezzar praising and glorifying the God of Israel. Though God's people sin against Him and are punished by being taken into exile, the name of God is still magnified. God is not put to shame. Today through baptism we have entered into the Kingdom of God. Yet, it is key for us to consider whether God truly is the King of our lives. It's natural to make many plans for our future, out of a desire to lead our dream lives. But for us Christians, the sovereignty and authority of God is something that we must be well-aware of and fully willing to submit to. If God doesn't let me get that job, are we able to accept it? If God closes the path towards our dreams, are we will to say "Let Thy will be done"? If God takes away all that we have, are we able to be like Job and say "Blessed be the name of the Lord"? If all this is causing us to struggle, remember this: God loves us. He knows what's best for us, He knows what we need. He has already given His life for us, and given us His precious Spirit to dwell within us. Having faith in God's love towards us gives us strength to submit to our King with full assurance that this is the best path for us, this is the way to blessing and to eternal life. Since our God is the highest and rules over the kingdom of man, what then should our response ought to be? Nebuchadnezzar begins and ends his testimony by praising and glorifying God. Giving praises to God is something that we have been often taught but perhaps we have not given enough thought to or taken seriously enough. Yet, throughout the Bible, it's clear that praises are a key part of our worship to God (just read the Book of Psalms). What might we praise God for? Like Nebuchadnezzar, we can praise God for His greatness and His almightiness. Just consider the stars, or the intricacies of the human body. We can praise God for His love and wisdom as seen in His creation as well as in His word. The more we study into the holy scriptures, the more we are filled with awe at how complete, connected, and wonderful these life-giving words are. We can also glorify God for His salvation which He has so freely given to us. Imagine how different our lives might be today if not for His grace and mercy! It's when we decide to finally take the importance of praising God seriously and intentionally set aside some time in our daily prayers to praise God, that we truly experience the blessing that comes along with it. We go through life being filled with joy and gratitude, knowing that we have such a great and powerful Heavenly Father who loves us. In fact, it was when Nebuchadnezzar took the glory for Himself rather than giving all glory to God, that the infamous transformation into a beast took place. This brings us nicely to the final point of reflection for this devotional. Pride - when we take glory for ourselves rather than giving glory to God. Nebuchadnezzar's testimony serves as a stark warning for us. Even just a sentence or thought of pride can greatly displease God. How often have we unknowingly taken credit for ourselves for any achievements we have, or for any divine work that we do? Being puffed up with pride and not keeping to one's proper domain is precisely the sin of satan (1 Tim 3:6, Jude 6-7). If we are filled with pride, what difference is there between us and satan? In fact, while satan exalted himself, God on the contrary lowered Himself, coming in the likeness of man and humbling Himself even to the point of death (Phil 2:5-8). Whose example do we want to follow, that of God or of satan? Let us take warning from the story of Nebuchadnezzar and carefully consider who's example we want to follow. Indeed, God opposes the proud while giving grace to the humble. He blesses the meek, that they might inherit the earth .

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