Ezekiel 31:10 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because the great cedar towered over the thick foliage, and because it was proud of its height….’”
Again we have pride rearing its ugly head. In this case, it’s Egypt’s pride. Again we have God giving the proud over to the wicked to be dealt with. We’ve seen this motif over and over (and over) in the Bible. My gut wants to ask “Why are humans so incredibly slow that we haven’t caught on,” but I think the issue goes deeper than that.
Ezekiel 31:11 “‘…I gave it into the hands of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside….’”
When things are bad, it is easy for me to cling to God. There are no other options and life is falling apart anyway. It is when things start going well that the trouble comes. I forget how much I needed God because I’ve found my feet. Then, in true human fashion, I start to feel like my gain is my doing and that I’m owed the good things in life. That’s pride. The cycle continues.
Ezekiel 31:12 “‘…and the most ruthless of foreign nations cut it down and left it. Its boughs fell on the mountains and in all the valleys; its branches lay broken in all the ravines of the land. All the nations of the earth came out from under its shade and left it.’”
Lord, Forgive me for my pride. Forgive me for the times when I forget my deep need for You. Help me cling to You always, every day. Help me remember to keep You at my center, to praise You, to glorify You, always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ezekiel 31:13 “‘All the birds settled on the fallen tree, and all the wild animals lived among its branches.’”
Have a blessed day.