DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Ezekiel 26 (Focus vs. 1-6 & 17-18)
MEMORY VERSE
“Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us . . . worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
BACKGROUND
“You have to be careful about the snakes, insects, jaguars and everything else,” said archaeologist Ivan Šprajc. Wielding chainsaws and machetes, he and his team slashed through thick jungle to try to reach the lost city of Ocumtún.
The ancient metropolis had disappeared along with the rest of the once-vibrant Mayan civilization on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. No one knows why.
“The study of history is, in large measure, the study of ruins,” says author George Will—an apt testimony to our human inability to do things that last.
In the Bible, we read a prophecy about a thriving city. “They will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers,” God said through His prophet Ezekiel (26:4). “Out in the sea she will become a place to spread fishnets” (v. 5).
Tyre had been “a power on the seas” who put “terror on all who lived there” (v. 17). They’d also celebrated Jerusalem’s fall (v. 2). A companion prophecy says of Tyre’s destruction, “The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor” (Isaiah 23:9). Tyre fell because of its pride.
Working hard to create new things is one way we reflect God’s image. But beware the fatal trap of pride. Whatever we do, let’s do it for our eternal God and in His strength. He promises us “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).
Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
Ezekiel pronounces judgment not only against Jerusalem but also the nations who celebrated the downfall of God’s people. Chapters 25-32 include prophecies against seven nations, including Tyre (26:1–28:19).
Judgment would be thorough; for instance, Egypt would go down “to the earth below . . . to the pit” (32:18), a reference to the place of the dead. And Tyre, a preeminent naval power (26:17), would disappear beneath “the ocean depths” as they also would go “down to the pit” (vv. 19-20).
Pride inevitably leads to a fall. Serving God ultimately leads to peace (28:26). Today, God can help us serve Him in His strength.
Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
What city or civilization do you admire and why? How do you think of it when you consider that one day it will no longer exist?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Working hard to create new things is one way we reflect God’s image.” Tim Gustafson
PR’s TAKE
“Out of these ashes beauty will arise.” *Steven Curtis *Chapman*
“God is the (MASTER) of bringing people from a place of destruction to a place of total victory.” Joyce Meyer
“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” C. S. Lewis
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me serve You well as a citizen of Your kingdom, which can never be shaken.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WILDERNESS” EVC WORSHIP
I can’t feel you near
I dread what you’ll allow
But there’s no courage without fear
There’s no faith without the doubt
I know that you are near
And I cannot hear a sound
So I’ll testify to fear
And I’ll sing it to my doubt
Life from death
Surrender then redemption
I hear you call for my last breath
My weakness your strength
Beauty from my broken things
Bitter water turning sweet
I’m thankful for the wilderness
If that’s what you want for me
I’ll be thankful when I pray
And watch the fire pillar glow
I’ll take the manna for today
I’ll trust you for tomorrow
…My weakness your strength
Beauty from my broken things
Bitter water turning sweet
I’m thankful for the wilderness
If that’s what you want for me
Through trials and torture
You mold us and shape us
Work all things together
To make us like Jesus
In suffering I wander
I will be an altar
That points to your goodness
Through Hell and Highwater
You were and you are and
You will be forever
The King on the throne
The Author and Maker
Protector Provider
I need you I need you
My Abba my Father
I need you I need you
I’m scared and alone
I need you I need you
My Abba my Father
I need you I need you
Life from death
Surrender then redemption
I hear you call for my last breath
My weakness your strength
Beauty from my broken things
Bitter water turning sweet
I’m thankful for the wilderness
If that’s what you want for me
…My weakness your strength
Beauty from my broken things
Bitter water turning sweet
I’m thankful for the wilderness…
