The Kingdom that Endures
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 32:17-32 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
Ezekiel 32 concludes with a sobering picture of Egypt joining the many nations that had already fallen under God’s judgment. Empires like the Assyrians, Edomites, Sidon, etc. were all once powerful and feared throughout the world yet they all ended with complete destruction. Their economic, military, influential strength could not save them from God’s righteous judgment. Egypt, believing it was different, still shared the same fate as every other nation that exalted itself against God.
No matter how one is successful in the world, all earthly success is temporary. However our relationship with God is eternal. We are often tempted to admire people who seem powerful, successful, wealthy, and influential, yet none of those things can save us from death or judgment. Our greatest need is not more success but reconcilation with God through Jesus Christ. While these nations experienced the consequences of their pride, Christ took the judgment that sinners deserved so that all who trust in Him might receive eternal life.
Egypt had joined a long line of nations that rejected God and trusted in their own strength. Just like what Jesus said in Luke 6:39-40, the blind cannot lead the blind. We become like what or who we admire. If we pursue the world, we should not be surprised if our hearts grow farther from God. Instead, we are called to fix our eyes upon Christ and pursue after holiness, humility, and faithfulness.
Ultimately what happens next is within God’s hands. Kingdoms rise and fall according to His sovereign will but His presence will never leave us and His promises will never come short. This gives us greate confidence in an uncertain world. While nations may rapidly and constantly change, God’s kingdom remains forever the same.
Where is our confidence today? If it rests upon earthly things, eventually those things will pass way. Yet if our hope is in Christ, our future is secure because He has conquered death. Rather than pursuing the greatness in the world, may we seek faithfulness that God honors, knowing that His kingdom alone will endure forever.
