Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 27 & 28

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A funeral song.  This was a message of finality and judgement for Tyre, that had been a mighty gateway to the sea and a trading center of the world.  God sent this message because they boasted of their perfection.  They thought they were the best.  Throughout this passage we see their pride.  But, judgement was coming.  They would be wrecked in the heart of the sea!  Everything will be lost, their riches and wares, sailors and pilots, ship builders, merchants, and warriors.  It will all be gone.  They will cry aloud and weep bitterly.  They will be a wrecked ship, broken at the bottom of the sea. All their merchandise and crew will be gone.
God spoke to the leader of Tyre.  In his great pride he claimed to be a god.  But God reminded him that he was only a man and not a god, even though he boasted that he was a god.  It is true that he had amassed great wealth, gold and silver for the treasuries. His riches made him very proud. So, God told him that foreign armies would come against him and bring him down to the pit.  His boasts will then do him no good.  His death was sure.  God judges the proud.  Pride is one of Satan’s biggest faults and he uses it to bring down many people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I read this passage, I am reminded of the importance of a proper attitude towards pride.  Pride, wisdom and accomplishments were the downfall of Tyre.  Corruption came to them.  So, God threw them down to the ground and exposed their sin and dishonest trade.  They were consumed.  God said to another group, the people of Sidon, that He was their enemy.  That is scary, the thought of being God’s enemy.  God said he would reveal His glory by what He did to them. He brought judgment and revealed His holiness among them.  It is vital to not let pride get in the way of serving the Lord and keeping Him in control and giving Him honor and obedience.

3.  How can I help someone?
With all this emphasis on pride in this passage, I am reminded of the inimitable words of my mother. If someone was acting in a prideful way, she would say, “S.P.S.”  It means Self Praise Stinks.  That’s some really good advice.