Ezekiel
26 reminds me of a recent trip up to the northeast coast where so
many were affected by the floods of SuperStorm Sandy. There was
clear evidence of wind damage, but water did the major destruction.
The number of abandoned homes was shocking. Even with neighbor
helping neighbor and donations and aid coming from far off, many will
not be rebuilt. In today’s chapter, God turns His attention to the
coastal nation of Tyre. After the Babylonian attack on Jerusalem
this nation rejoiced at the prospect of even more commerce after a
competing nation was gone, “now
that she lies in ruins I will prosper“.
As a result of their selfishness, God said, “I
am against you, Tyre, and
I will bring many nations against
you, like the sea casting up its waves“.
Rising water is bad, but the homes unprotected from the waves did
not survive. God adds, “They
will destroy
the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers; I will
scrape away her rubble“.
A big red X on the door means the building is condemned. God says
of Tyre, “She will become
plunder for the nations“.
I
heard stories of people that stayed in their homes during the storm
terrified as they watched their possessions wash away. Even today
the curbs and dumpsters are piled with ruined property. God says to
Tyre, “I am going to bring
against Tyre Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon… He will ravage your
settlements… Your walls will tremble at the noise of the warhorses,
wagons and chariots… They will plunder your wealth and loot your
merchandise… You will never be rebuilt“.
I believe there are people that feel this way about themselves;
swamped by troubles with no hope in sight.
History
tells us they Tyre did experience waves of invasions, with the
Persians, the Greeks, the Romans and Arabs washing over the coastal
nation. God says they would be, “Clothed
with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment“.
Friend, are you in that place? For Tyre, God said, “when
I bring the ocean depths over you and its vast waters cover you…
You will be sought, but you will never again be found“.
But I also saw the little church that my mom attended being rebuilt
and holding services again. It seemed to be a symbol of restoration.
It is interesting that in Matthew chapter 11, Jesus says to those
that rejected Him after witnessing His miracles, “For
if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre
and Sidon, they would have repented long ago“.
A few verses later He speaks to the hopeless. I believe these words
are for the waterlogged people today that are ready to give up. “Come
to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take
My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For
My yoke is easy and My burden is light“.
Please don’t wait alone in fear. Sunday starts the new week.