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Ezekiel 32 (ESV)
17 In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me: 18 “Son of man, wail over the multitude of Egypt, and send them down, her and the daughters of majestic nations, to the world below, to those who have gone down to the pit:
19 ‘Whom do you surpass in beauty?
Go down and be laid to rest with the uncircumcised.’
20 They shall fall amid those who are slain by the sword. Egypt is delivered to the sword; drag her away, and all her multitudes. 21 The mighty chiefs shall speak of them, with their helpers, out of the midst of Sheol: ‘They have come down, they lie still, the uncircumcised, slain by the sword.’
REFLECTION:
This passage is still a prophecy against Egypt. This prophecy was issued by Ezekiel in 586 BC two months after the news of the destruction of Jerusalem reached Babylon. Ezekiel emphasized that only God has sovereignty, and that even a powerful ruler like Pharaoh will fall before God. Idol-worshipping Egyptians believe that people continue to live in the “world below” after death, and Egypt’s most magnificent building turned out to be a pyramid tomb. The Egyptian pharaoh had no fear in the face of death, instead he made himself a mummy, ignorantly and arrogantly thinking that he could enjoy his time in the tomb through various superstitious methods. Therefore, God’s judgment will surprise the Egyptians to discover that the “glorious power” they flaunt and rely on is useless in the world above and below. Ezekiel’s message reminds us that anyone who wants to control his future or even his life after death, but ignores God, is extremely stupid. Therefore, we should be vigilant, we should get rid of our secret greed for power and wealth, not to be influenced by all kinds of idols in traditional culture and customs, but to give all our hearts and thoughts to God, and ask for God’s guidance in this life, and keep the beautiful hope of eternal life in our heart.
PRAYER:
Before God, reflect on the negative impact of various idol worship practices in the Chinese tradition (such as worshiping ancestors, the god of wealth, etc.) in your life before you became a Christian, and how God helped you get rid of the bondage of these idols after you became a Christian so that you can enjoy peace; thank God, and ask Him to remove the reliance on all kinds of idols in your heart so that you can live a holy life.
