Ezekiel 27 reminds me of what are called
cobblestones. Today, we see them in many old historic sections of
towns, particularly coastal cities. Many of us had heard they were
bought to the new world as ballast in the bottom of empty ships then
just discarded to make room for the bounty being shipped back to
Europe. It turns out that is mostly false. The brick-shaped stones
we think of as early American thrift and ingenuity were not imported
at all, but were a modern invention of the late 1800’s. The
hand-made pavers were used in areas with a lot of horse cart traffic
in the industrialized parts of town. Amazingly, a few short years
later most cobblestone roads were simply paved over with asphalt
after the automobile came into use. Today’s chapter is a song
about the nation of Tyre, “the
gateway to the sea, merchant of peoples on many coasts“.
This nation was the center of industry and trade, sending shiploads
of merchandise throughout the world. She believed her wealth would
protect her from any enemies. The verse continues, “I
am perfect in beauty… Your domain was on the high seas; your
builders brought your beauty to perfection“.
No one builds a ship to sail it empty.
The
chapter sings of the highest quality materials being used, no costs
were spared. “They made all
your timbers
of juniper…
cedar from Lebanon to make a mast
for you… Of
oaks… they made your oars… your deck, adorned with ivory… Fine
embroidered linen… was
your sail and served as your banner.”
Her ships represented her majesty and were the envy of the world,
“Men of Persia, Lydia and Put
served as soldiers in your army… They hung their shields around
your walls“. They had wealth
and power and did not need God.
The
entire world traded with Tyre, “they
exchanged silver, iron, tin and lead for your merchandise… and
articles of bronze for your wares… exchanged chariot horses…
for
your merchandise… they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony“.
The items of trade with this nation were endless, “they
exchanged turquoise… fine linen… casks of wine… finest of all
kinds of spices and precious stones, and gold“.
The chapter concludes with the nation’s sudden burial at sea, “The
ships of Tarshish…
are
filled
with heavy cargo…
will
sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your shipwreck… your
wares and all your company have gone down with you… you have come
to a horrible end and will be no more“.
Like the cobblestones streets, they were abruptly covered over.
Here
is the good news; those old street stones are today being reclaimed
as new road construction projects uncover them. What was originally
designed to help move what horses leave behind to the gutter, today
are being used as ornate and upscale pathways. The apostle Peter
spoke to the people of his day saying, “Jesus
is
‘the stone you builders rejected, which
has become the cornerstone.’
Salvation
is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven
given to mankind by which we must be saved”
(Acts 4:11).
Is it time to dump your worthless ballast and be filled with precious
cargo? Peter called Jesus, “Messiah,
the Son of the living God“.
And Jesus made a promise, “on
this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades
will
not overcome it”
(Matthew 16:17). Friend, if you are in need of renewal, will you
call on the Savior?