Argentina v. Egypt
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 29:1-26 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
As I was reading today’s devotion, I was reminded of how easily confidence can be misplaced. A week or two ago, I was watching a FIFA World Cup match where Egypt took a surprising 2–0 lead against Argentina in the first half of the game. After seeing Egypt dominate, it would be easy to assume that victory was guaranteed. Argentina, led by it’s G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Captain, Lionel Messi, scored 3 goals in the second half. Truly the game is not over until the final whistle blows.
In many ways, this reflects the danger of Egypt’s confidence here in our passage, Ezekiel 29. Egypt has been a symbol of strength and security for centuries. It was a world power in the ancient world. With the Nile River sustaining its economy and its military power intimidating neighboring nations, Egypt appeared almost untouchable. Despite it’s mighty strength in appearance, God declared judgment against Pharaoh because of his pride. It was the Egyptian king that boasted about the Nile River, claiming ownership of what is originally God’s. The Pharaoh’s arrogance and pride let him to believe he was divine, self-sufficient, thus forgetting every blessing that was ultimately from the Lord.
Israel also shared a similar problem. Instead of trusting in God alone, they repeatedly looked to Egypt for protection and guidance. God describes Egypt as a “staff of reed” that snapped under pressure, leaving those who leaned on it wounded. Egypt promised security but could never fully provide what only God could.
We are reminded that sometimes God will remove the things we trust in more than Him. This can be our career, finances, relationship, gifts, or influence. All of which can become our “Egypt” or our idol, especially if they replace our complete dependence upon the Lord. In our eyes, these things may seem strong and sufficient but in reality they are mere fragile foundations. Only God is worthy of our complete trust for He is the only strong foundation.
God’s judgment however is never merely destructive. Even in pronouncing judgment on Egypt, God limited it to only forty years and promised that Egypt would exist again, though no longer as a dominant or powerful kingdom. The purpose of God was not simply punishment but revelation. There are moments that the Lord will humble us not to punish us but to redirect our hearts back to Him.
May we reconsider where we are placing our confidence in. Are we leaning on something that cannot truly sustain us? Let us rest not in human strength but in His unfailing love and enduring faithfulness.
