September 7 - Ezekiel 31-33
I believe that it is hard for most of us to visualize the splendor of Egypt since it has been a "lowly" kingdom all of our days, but to the Israelites Egypt was a great world super power and a very wealthy nation. In chapter 31 Ezekiel likens Egypt and Assyria to huge trees that are flourishing, but then they are cut down by God. You can almost hear the loud crash as they hit the ground. The truth of this passage is that no nation is exempt from God's anger. It does not matter how strong they have been, if they rebel against God, He will bring them down. This is true for the USA, too.
Then, in chapter 32 Ezekiel takes up a lamentation for Egypt and all of the idolatrous nations which God is bringing down to the "Pit." This is a reference to hell, the place of punishment. The point is that they will all end up in this place, because of their sin. The interesting thing to me is in verse 31 where it says, "Pharaoh will see them (the other nations in the Pit) and be comforted over all his multitude." What does this mean? Is there comfort in hell, because there are other people there to share the suffering? I hear some people who almost think hell will be a party for all of the rowdy people who have died. This is not the meaning. I believe that it means that there will be a very limited amount of comfort to see that they are not the only ones who ended up in this terrible place. Isn't that part of Satan's strategy? He knows he will end up in the Lake of Fire, but he is trying to take as many people with him as possible. Somehow he thinks that will justify his sin, even if just a little bit. Believe me, the Bible clearly tells us that there will be no real comfort in hell. Don't try to find comfort or justification for going there yourself.
Chapter 33 tells us that God is warning everyone of the dangers of sin through His watchmen, and He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. (33:11) He wants everyone to turn from their sins and be delivered by grace through faith in Him. God is fair! He will judge you based on your relationship with Him, not just a few of your actions. He sees your heart. Therefore, don't just listen to the Word of the Lord from His prophets, and then go out and do your own will. (33:30-33) Listen and obey.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 34-36. I intend to read 3 chapters a day for the next several days, but the blog may be updated at various times because I am going out of town.
Then, in chapter 32 Ezekiel takes up a lamentation for Egypt and all of the idolatrous nations which God is bringing down to the "Pit." This is a reference to hell, the place of punishment. The point is that they will all end up in this place, because of their sin. The interesting thing to me is in verse 31 where it says, "Pharaoh will see them (the other nations in the Pit) and be comforted over all his multitude." What does this mean? Is there comfort in hell, because there are other people there to share the suffering? I hear some people who almost think hell will be a party for all of the rowdy people who have died. This is not the meaning. I believe that it means that there will be a very limited amount of comfort to see that they are not the only ones who ended up in this terrible place. Isn't that part of Satan's strategy? He knows he will end up in the Lake of Fire, but he is trying to take as many people with him as possible. Somehow he thinks that will justify his sin, even if just a little bit. Believe me, the Bible clearly tells us that there will be no real comfort in hell. Don't try to find comfort or justification for going there yourself.
Chapter 33 tells us that God is warning everyone of the dangers of sin through His watchmen, and He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. (33:11) He wants everyone to turn from their sins and be delivered by grace through faith in Him. God is fair! He will judge you based on your relationship with Him, not just a few of your actions. He sees your heart. Therefore, don't just listen to the Word of the Lord from His prophets, and then go out and do your own will. (33:30-33) Listen and obey.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 34-36. I intend to read 3 chapters a day for the next several days, but the blog may be updated at various times because I am going out of town.