Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 29 & 30

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.
God has a purpose for all of His actions.  As this writing continues, talking to various nations that had rejected God, we come to His judgement against Egypt.  Here we find seven prophecies of judgment against Egypt.  It was a world power that had rejected God and worshiped many gods and proudly boasted of its strength.  Again, we see the issue of pride.  So God said that he would bring an army against Egypt and destroy everything, people and animals.  Egypt will become a desolate wasteland.  Sadly, there are times when God has to use a divine sledge hammer to get the attention of stubborn people.  God said that then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.
Again we see God declaring Himself the enemy of a nation.  He promised to make the land of Egypt a totally desolate wasteland.  For forty years no one would pass that way, it would be completely uninhabited.  Then, after forty years the Egyptians would be home again from the nations to which they had been scattered.  But Egypt would remain an unimportant, minor kingdom, the lowliest of all the nations, never again great enough to rise above its neighbors.  An interesting thought and purpose was that Israel would quit being tempted to trust in Egypt for help.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The people, the nations, the organizations that seem so important and powerful can quickly be gone.  I have seen many famous names disappear during my lifetime.  All it takes is the word from the Lord and they are gone.  Anyone who doesn’t put their trust in God will some day see how weak they really are.  Nations that at one time were great have vanished from the face of the earth.  Civilizations have disappeared.  So, what does this say?  We only have life and vitality from God.  He will bless the faithful and obedient and judge the wicked and rebellious.  Wow, that’s a powerful lesson.

3.  How can I help someone?
How did you get to where you are in life?  How have you made so many great accomplishments?  Where did you get your talents and abilities?  For the answer to these questions, I am reminded of James 1:17 (NKJV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.