Day 253

Avoid Other Gods

Read: Ezekiel 25-28

While the message of the prophets was primarily addressed to their own people, they also had a message regarding other nations, for they knew that their God was sovereign over the whole world. The prevalent idea of the time was that each nation was ruled by a different god, but the prophets knew there was only one God, who controlled all nations.

Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia had rejoiced at Judah’s downfall at the hands of Babylon. They were told they would suffer the same fate. The nationalistic spirit prevalent in our world causes nations to rejoice when something bad happens to another nation. We Christians know that the people of all nations are precious human beings each created in the image of God. We are to have compassion when some difficulty befalls them, and to do what we can to help.

A much lengthier message is directed toward Tyre, a city located about 60 miles northwest of Nazareth. Tyre had a prominent place in Mediterranean shipping. Here we find the prediction of the Babylonians laying siege to her and thus overthrowing her proud king as well as Sidon, a city 20 miles to the north.

The final word is that, although the neighboring countries will disappear, Israel will be restored. The Jews did come back to Jerusalem and formed the basis for the church.

PRAYER
Father, as sovereign ruler of the nations, graciously grant us peace in our day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.