June 29 Be Meek

Ezekiel 27:32-36 "In their wailing then raise a lamentation for you and lament over you: 'Who is like Tyre, like one destroyed in the midst of the sea? 33 When your wares came from the seas, you satisfied many people's; with your abundant wealth and merchandise you enriched the kings of the earth. 34 Now you are wrecked by the seas, in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and all your crew in your midst have sunk with you. 35 All the inhabitants of the coastlands are appalled at you, and the hair of their kings bristles with horror; their faces are convulsed. 36 The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.'"

EZEKIEL 27:1-32 is an account of Tyre's wealth and wonder. The writer describes how Tyre traded with many nations. These multiple nations admired Tyre's wealth, prestige and physical beauty.

    Then came the storms of destruction. The image of Tyre's "sinking" is of people standing on the shore watching a heavily laden merchant ship sinking with all goods and people. There is no possibility to help save anyone because its destruction is beyond the reach of rescue. Note that God does not gloat and celebrate such an end to Tyre. Instead, we hear lamentation, which is deep mourning. God grieves over his people who perish in the sea of sin.

    Our twofold lesson - one we have likely often heard - is this: First, physical wealth, prestige and beauty will not assure our existence in this present life. And two, material wealth will not assure our salvation unto eternal life. As glorious as riches are to the human eye, they mean nothing when we abandon our Lord in their favor. Yes, for a time, all may seem well. But the truth is that one day always has and always will come when God says, "Enough!" He then acts to destroy even earth's most powerful forces such as Tyre, who disobeyed him.

    In this lesson to guide your life, remember Jesus' words from Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Recognize all we have comes from God. Honor him with all he has given you. Recognize your true wealth is in him. Praise the Lord. After all, it is he from whom all blessings flow.

Prayer: All is yours, Lord. Give our minds the wisdom to use our material wealth wisely. In Jesus' name, amen.