Ezekiel 28

Read Ezekiel 28

God had a message against “the prince of Tyre.” In the pride of his heart he imagined that he was divine. The leader of this prosperous city meditated upon his own wisdom and wealth. He did not view these as gifts from the Almighty but as perfectly good reasons why others should worship him.

The Lord had a different plan. He was going to “bring foreigners” to Tyre who would put the prince to death. The Lord posed a pointed question to this arrogant leader: “Will you still say, 'I am a god,' in the presence of those who kill you?” The ruler over this prosperous trade center would “die the death of the uncircumcised.” The simplest faithful Israelite with the Old Testament sign of God's covenant on his body would be able to face the end of his days on this earth with more peace than one of the richest men among the Gentiles.

The Lord used the story of this one covetous man to talk about a spiritual leader who would one day suffer an even bigger humiliation. One particular fallen angel “on the holy mountain of God” had once been “an anointed guardian cherub,” yet he sinned against the Almighty. The Lord's verdict against that rebellious spirit: “I cast you as a profane thing” from the courts of heaven.

How did such a worthy creature go so far from the pathway of submissive obedience? “Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.” Satan believed that something was being withheld from him that he wanted very much. He longed to say with all the worst tyrants of the world, “I am a god.” He would not be content to be a “ministering spirit” to human beings. (Hebrews 1:14)

The devil will one day face his own eternal punishment along with those despots who suppose that they should be enthroned above Jesus (Revelation 19:20, 20:10). His destruction, together with all the oppressive princes of the empires of the world, is necessary for the new resurrection kingdom to be the realm of holy joy that the Lord has promised to bring to His servants. Like the hostile nations that surrounded the Promised Land back in the days of Ezekiel, the Lord will “execute judgments” upon them all. What about the household of faith? They will “dwell securely” in a world without sin or death.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord God, keep us from self-destructive pride. We have wealth and intelligence. You have given us many other good gifts. Yet are we so foolish as to think that we are superior gods? Our lives are in Your hands. We were created by You. You have cared for us throughout our years. You brought us to faith in Your Son. You have rescued us out of many dangers. You have watched over us and helped us in every trouble. You have even selected trials for our good. Will we then act as if we are somehow above You? Do we really want to contend with You? Surely Your church must not be full of pride like some rich nation. Though Your Son was equal with You in essence, He willingly humbled Himself before You. Is it too much for us to be lowly? Please restore us again to the sweetness of fellowship with You. Forgive our sins, and grant to us a more righteous frame of mind.