Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 31 & 32

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.
In reading this large section of chapters about the downfall of nations, there is a constant reminder of the importance of obedience to God.  I find myself writing about this over and over.  The conclusion I draw is that obedience is vitally important to God.  Since God is the same every day throughout eternity, these warnings are just as important today.  God spoke of Egypt’s pride and arrogance, because it set itself so high above the others, it was judged.  It deserved destruction because of its wickedness.  Modern nations had better wake up, or the same fate awaits them.
A very interesting message to Pharaoh, king of Egypt.  From chapter 32 (NLT) “You think of yourself as a strong young lion among the nations, but you are really just a sea monster, heaving around in your own rivers, stirring up mud with your feet. Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will send many people to catch you in my net and haul you out of the water.  I will leave you stranded on the land to die. All the birds of the heavens will land on you, and the wild animals of the whole earth will gorge themselves on you.”  Pharaoh thought no one could touch him, but all it took was a word from the Lord.  Enough said.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What can we apply to life?  What can we learn?  The fate of many of these proud people was not what they expected.  They have a resting place among the slaughtered. They terrorized nations.  They ended up in shame with others in the pit, all of them outcasts.  Ezekiel compared the glory days of Egypt and Assyria.  But they fell.  Once major world powers, they were destroyed.  They were destroyed because of their wickedness. God’s judgments do not happen by chance. They are a direct result of the iniquity done by people.  One day God will judge those who reject Jesus as Lord.  Everyone will one day have to answer to God.  We all have to follow God’s direction in the Bible for face the consequences.

3.  How can I help someone?
How strong are you, really?  How independent are you?  I think of what God said to Job in a time of Job’s boasting.  Where were you when I formed the world?  That is a good question for all to ask of themselves.  We are all dependent on God.  We must all submit to Him and receive the blessings of life and eternity He has promised.