King Nebuchadnezzar – Be Still…

Ezekiel 30:1-19 – Who is Your Ally?

Read Ezekiel 30:1-19

We don’t get a time stamp on this reading, and any attempts at dating it are only speculative. What we do see are four oracle pronouncements by the Sovereign God. God is on the move, and his divine intervention will be in battle. The result he promised was a total collapse of Egypt and their allies. “All of Egypt’s allies will fall, and the pride of her power will end.” What a message!

Can you imagine? From exile in Babylon, God was using Ezekiel to announce the fall of a powerful civilization. We still marvel today at those pyramids! Many generations prior to Ezekiel’s words, God had boldly brought an Egyptian ruler to his knees. You may recall how God used Moses to rescue God’s people from slavery and oppression in Egypt. Continue reading “Ezekiel 30:1-19 – Who is Your Ally?”

Ezekiel 26:1-21 – God’s Will

Read Ezekiel 26:1-21

We have another time stamp for this prophecy. It’s approximately three years after Nebuchadnezzar began his siege in Jerusalem. In fact, the next couple chapters will focus on God’s will or plans for Tyre. For context, Tyre would be located in present day Lebanon.

Similar to the Ammonites, the nation of Tyre scoffed at the destruction of Judah. They took it a step farther claiming they would be the heirs now. God was not pleased with them and their boasting. The Sovereign Lord said, “I will bring many nations against you, like the waves of the sea crashing against your shoreline.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 26:1-21 – God’s Will”

Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention

Read Ezekiel 4:1-17

What we’re seeing in the first eight verses is Ezekiel demonstrating a “sign act.” Such sign acts are a prophet’s way of totally immersing themselves in the message. When a prophet is “all in,” there is a greater chance more people will pay attention. In other words, it’s an “attention getter.”

For example, after play-acting the siege on Jerusalem, Ezekiel will be bound by ropes as he continues to put himself into this prophetic word. The meaning or representation of being tied up may suggest the people are in exile, held captive by a powerful force. What does that message mean for the people of God already living this reality? This confirms their predicament of being restrained from living life as they would desire, like they did back “home.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention”

Daniel 5:13-31 – Surprise Ending

Read Daniel 5:13-31

God’s “graffiti” had a somber meaning for King Belshazzar. Despite the message, and Daniel’s own request, the king bestowed the gifts of honor to Daniel for deciphering the message. Who knew that the “numbered days” of the king’s reign would run out so soon!

King Belshazzar was not given the opportunity to correct his ways. He had angered God past the point of return. God’s sovereign power is again revealed to individuals outside the land of Israel. This pagan king, however, did not find favor with God as his predecessor had. Continue reading “Daniel 5:13-31 – Surprise Ending”

Daniel 4:28-37 – God’s Sovereignty

Read Daniel 4:28-37

Within a year, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream became reality. Some dreams do come true! What sounded fantastical actually happened by God’s power and might. We should never question God’s intentions or who he uses to accomplish his purposes. Certainly, it would not have been our choice to give a pagan king such a wise lesson.

Let’s focus on what the fulfillment of the king’s dream reveals about God’s sovereignty. God controls everything and can make the impossible happen. God seriously wants our obedience and worship. God’s timing is always perfect. Continue reading “Daniel 4:28-37 – God’s Sovereignty”