In Ezekiel 29, we read about God's judgment upon Egypt, that proud
nation, which caused so much distress to His people, Israel. Egypt's time
of power had come to an end. Their position of power had been taken by
Babylon. The Lord is looking beyond the day of Babylon's power. He is
doing a work that is eternal. His work centres upon His people, Israel -
"On that day, I will make the people of Israel strong again ..."
(Ezekiel 29:21).
In Ezekiel 30, we read about the fall of Egypt
and the rise of Babylon. The history of our world is the history of the
rise and fall of nations. Whatever happens, the Lord remains the Lord of
history. Kingdoms rise. Kingdoms fall. The Kingdom of the Lord endures
forever. This is a great encouragement to God's people. The knowledge
that God is in control assures us that there is, in history, more than
just the ever-changing flow of events. There is the God whose love
remains forever.
Egypt will be conquered. This message, from
Ezekiel 29-30, continues in Ezekiel 31. The time of Egypt's power will
come to an end. The power of God is very different. He is the eternal
God. His power is a very special power. It is the power of love. His
love is as great as His power. When we sing, "How great Thou art", we do
not sing only of His great power. We sing also of His great love. In
the events of history, we must learn to see God at work - in power and
love. The power of God's love is so different from Egypt's love of
power.
Again, in Ezekiel 32, we read about God's judgment on
Egypt. God's Word of judgment is awesome. There is a real sense of the
holiness of God. Men cannot do what they like, and expect that God will
not punish them. When we read of such things, it becomes clear to us
that it is better to listen to God and obey His Word than to ignore him
and invite Him to send His judgment into our lives.
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