A Prophecy of Egypt’s Ruin

Open Your Bible

Ezekiel 29:1-21, Ezekiel 30:1-26, Romans 5:6-11

In my early twenties, a mentor of mine sat me down to share with me a concept called the “good-bad split” from Henry Cloud’s book Changes That Heal. This concept speaks of how, as humans, we tend to either go all good on a person—only seeing the savory parts of them, or all bad—solely viewing them through the lens of their unsavory ones. She then explained that my emotional and spiritual immaturity resulted from my inability to see people comprehensively, taking note of their “bad” and “good” parts. It hurt, but it was helpful.

Her wisdom has carried me through a host of conflicts and disappointments over the years. It’s also greatly challenged my view of God. You see, I can tend to focus solely on God’s “savory parts”—His compassion and grace. I’d rather ignore or even erase the parts of Him I find confusing or uncomfortable—like His wrath and judgment. But our God wants to be known, worshiped, and loved comprehensively.

In Ezekiel, God communicates over sixty times that the desired outcome of His actions is to be known as the Lord, Yahweh. In the book of Exodus, He sought to make Himself known through acts of deliverance, and in Ezekiel, He makes Himself known through His acts of judgment. Yes, He is a “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth…forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin” (Exodus 34:6–7). He also “will not leave the guilty unpunished” (v.7). Like my momma sometimes reminded me that she was not one of my little friends to be trifled with, Yahweh is making it clear that He too is not to be trifled with by Pharoah, Israel, or anyone else. He is a God of grace and truth, compassionate love, and righteous judgment. 

When we isolate His compassionate love from His righteous judgment, we do not see God comprehensively and create Him into an image of our own making. And though we do not intend to split God in two, how many worship songs do we sing about God’s righteous wrath? How many times have we followed a chronological reading plan and said, “I can’t wait to get to Matthew”? When we create this kind of dichotomy in our knowledge and worship of God, we can either go all bad on Him—only seeing Him as a wrathful, or go all good—only acknowledging Him as a gracious Savior. However, He is always both. 

During this Lenten season, we are reminded that at the cross, He graciously saves prideful and idolatrous sinners by pouring out His wrath on Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. However, if we persist in splitting God’s character, we will either cheapen His sacrifice at Calvary or miss it altogether. We must seek to know Him as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. 

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61 thoughts on "A Prophecy of Egypt’s Ruin"

  1. Kristin VL says:

    God is both righteous and graceful – we need to hold up both sides in order to understand God – and ourselves – more fully♥️ Thank u for a good reminder!!

  2. Melanie ❣️ says:

    Amen

  3. Terany Garnett says:

    It’s better to be punished by your Father, who will deliver you and comfort you after then punished by a God you denied

  4. Terany Garnett says:

    Wow the devotional really connected the dots on who God is, which is omnipotence(meaning above all things) and it’s like a cry of alert to hear that God is good at all times and His love doesn’t stop to punish us

  5. Julianne Pictou says:

    I love that analogy from Yana Connor. Mercy

  6. Lauren Chapman says:

    I understand Gods wrath when you realize the absolute horror of what the people were doing. They were killing their babies as sacrifices. Murder of innocent children. Just to name one. He is a God of justice.

  7. Jessica Fiochetta says:

    Yes! To be honest I have not enjoyed reading the Ezekiel scriptures. The wrath and mysterious parts….I was glossing over, waiting to get to the new testament “love” story scriptures. This is a great reminder and I needed it. Thank you!

  8. Natasha Woodcraft says:

    Such an important truth today and one so easily forgotten or pushed aside. Thank you

  9. Carissa ODonnell says:

    This hits home Heidi. I can understand the parent love and anger and discipline because of that love. This is what my Bible study group keeps bringing me back to. I just have a hard time with all of the graphic destruction and killing… little different than the discipline I delve out to my kids. I do get the lesson though and the patience God had before he had to teach the lesson. Ugh, it’s just so hard for me to swallow.

  10. Carissa ODonnell says:

    Thanks for your response Kelly. It’s good to hear how others see it.

  11. Carissa ODonnell says:

    Thanks Andrea for your insight. I have a lot more Bible studying to do… though I accept Gods sovereignty, it’s still hard for me to completely embrace it sometimes. Something more for me to repent. ❤️

  12. Hannah Culver says:

    Not sure how to edit my comment. **This devotional was amazing,*

  13. Hannah Culver says:

    Wow! This was devotional and Yana’s thoughts were right on point. Wow wow wow ❤️

  14. Sally Ede says:

    Hi I’m from the U.K. and when I do my reading there are no comments but I always go back to find your comment “ Churchmouse” your wisdom , understanding on such a practical level are a joy to me…

  15. Patricia Stewart says:

    I needed that commentary as Im reminded that God is in everything, the highs lows and His is a good good Father.

  16. Heidi V says:

    @Carissa, having early posting issues too! I wanted to add that I sort of think of it in terms of disciplining my children when they were teenagers. Some of their behavior made me very angry; however, I didn’t make decisions regarding consequences based on my anger but based on what I hoped would help them learn the necessary lesson as well as be the natural consequences for their poor choice or behavior. I also prayed that as I was disciplining one teen the other would take note and perhaps learn from their sibling. My first child was a learned the hard way kid so I think my second child did experience this benefit, lol!

  17. Heidi V says:

    I think the difference may be that although God is angry he is not acting out of that anger, he’s acting from a place of needing to discipline based on fair and just judgement on his part, to teach and correct those being judged and so that onlookers can learn and see that he is who he says he is.

  18. Aimee D-R says:

    Thank You for loving me even in my sin Father. Thank you for mercy I dont deserve and Grace I didn’t earn by Jesus Blood. In Jesus name, Amen

  19. Anne S says:

    Thanks Yana for pointing out that we need to look at all of God’s personality. His grace is all the more wonderful when considered next to the fact that we deserve his righteous judgment. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace!!

  20. Anne S says:

    Thanks Yana for pointing it

  21. Andrea West says:

    I think your first question is one we all need to think through from time to time. We see the wages of sin (death) all throughout scripture starting with Adam eating the fruit and “surely” dying (even though it wasn’t swift and immediate). Then there’s the flood, the Exodus plagues, the book of Joshua…. Remembering that God is sovereign really helps me. I think studying the book of Job helped me think through his Sovereignty and the way He governs. His wrath is Righteous and is deserved. In fact, I don’t deserve anything but His wrath based on what I have done or haven’t done – I’m so thankful that He loves us so much that instead of pouring out His wrath on me, Jesus took the wrath on the cross.

  22. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Carissa ODonnell – great questions! First human anger acted out in violence is a sin. However God’s “anger” is holy anger. He alone has the right to respond and mete out judgment. Second God used Nebuchadnezzar as His tool for judging the nations and disciplining Israel, so he was in a sense in God’s employ.

  23. Stormi Messmer says:

    ❤️

  24. Grace Hayes says:

    “The desired outcome of His actions is to be known as Lord” and “He graciously saves prideful and idolatrous sinners by pouring out His wrath on Himself”. This was so powerful for me today!

  25. Carissa ODonnell says:

    Sorry I don’t know why it posted so many times as I was writing. Last one is the complete one. :)

  26. Carissa ODonnell says:

    I have no idea why it posted every minute when I wasn’t done writing… so sorry

  27. Carissa ODonnell says:

    First time joining in here, but I’ve been enjoying this challenging study along with all of you. The devo was great today, both comforting and challenging because at least I know I’m not the only one that focuses on God’s loving, gracious nature. I have two questions… maybe someone’s insight can shed some light for me. First, God is sinless, but I’ve always thought anger expressed through violence and killing is sin…so that’s hard for me to reconcile. I guess that’s why I like to focus on the living, gracious, forgiving side of God. Second question, does anyone else find it weird that The Bible explains the relationship between King Neba… and the Babylonians and God like one of an employer and employees? The Babylonians were rewarded with Egypt and its riches because they attacked Tyre but got no monetary reward from it. Just threw me off. Would live to hear others input.

  28. Carissa ODonnell says:

    First time joining in here, but I’ve been enjoying this challenging study along with all of you. The devo was great today, both comforting and challenging because at least I know I’m not the only one that focuses on God’s loving, gracious nature. I have two questions… maybe someone’s insight can shed some light for me. First, God is sinless, but I’ve always thought anger expressed through violence and killing is sin…so that’s hard for me to reconcile. I guess that’s why I like to focus on the living, gracious, forgiving side of God. Second question, does anyone else find it weird that The Bible explains the relationship between King Neba… and the Babylonians and God like one of an employer and employees? The Babylonians were rewarded with Egypt and its riches because they attacked Tyre but got no monetary reward from it. Just threw me off.

  29. Carissa ODonnell says:

    First time joining in here, but I’ve been enjoying this challenging study along with all of you. The devo was great today, both comforting and challenging because at least I know I’m not the only one that focuses on God’s loving, gracious nature. I have two questions… maybe someone’s insight can shed some light for me. First, God is sinless, but I’ve always thought anger expressed through violence and killing is sin…so that’s hard for me to reconcile. I guess that’s why I like to focus on the living, gracious, forgiving side of God.

  30. Carissa ODonnell says:

    First time joining in here, but I’ve been enjoying this challenging study along with all of you. The devo was great today, both comforting and challenging because at least I know I’m not the only one that focuses on God’s loving, gracious nature. I have two questions… maybe someone’s insight can shed some light for me. First, God is sinless, but I’ve always thought anger expressed through violence and killing is sin…so that’s hard for me to reconcile.

  31. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

    @Kathy – I am so, so sorry to hear of Andrew’s death – how tragic. My heart goes out to his family, they must be so devastated! I will be praying God’s mercy, grace & strength for them & also that the 2 brothers will turn to Jesus & overcome their addictions.
    Thankful for these devotionals & all the gifted women that put them all together!
    Praying for you all my dear sisters!

  32. Jennifer Loves Jesus says:

    Chaos of the sea turns to order and peace by the hands of Yahweh, eventually… This tale of created beauty, marred by divine arrogance, God’s edenic dream will be restored. Life is so much more than what we can see. Darkness twists goodness like the serpent in the garden. There is judgement and restoration. Lamenting and joy. Reminders of Yahweh’s majesty in the mighty antlers on a deer. Messiah came, and a promise of His return. All will know that He is the Lord. And we who are His are saved through Him. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.

  33. Jennifer Martin says:

    Amen

  34. Gretchen Odonnell says:

    Very good reminder to see God comprehensively. Thank you.

  35. Traci Gendron says:

    KATHY – I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope that through the Andrew’s death the other boys eyes will be opened to how damaging their lifestyle is to the family. My nephew died from alcoholism at the age of 30. His younger brother stopped drinking soon after. He did not want to put his parents through that. He has grown into a wonderful man. I’m very close with him and impressed with the choices he is making. I pray that this will be the case for this family. My prayers go out to the parents of Andrew in this time. They need comfort, strength, perseverance, guidance.

    This study has been very eye opening. Today with recognizing God’s goodness and His wrath.

  36. Jennifer Anapol says:

    This was such a great devotional today. I’m glad I am not the only one who would prefer to see God’s love and compassion over his judgement and wrath. I have never thought about the fact that God wants to be loved and seen comprehensively, not only looking at certain parts of himself. I pray I would be able to see God truly for who he is, not who I want him to be.

  37. Amy Park says:

    Sorry for the weird spam! My app is being a little spazzy

  38. Amy Park says:

    My husband and I have been going through a really whacky and unjust case with the court regarding our foster daughter who was placed with grandparents on an extended visit since January. I look at the wrath of God in Ezekiel and wonder “O Lord, when will your just wrath sweep all of the wickedness in this courtroom? When will this precious daughter be returned to safety?”

    But clinging to this word. Relying so much on this reading plan and Ezekiel’s faithfulness to God, and God’s faithfulness to his people. Even if it’s not in my lifetime, God will make just the unjust.

  39. Mercy says:

    Such a great devo YANA! Thank you so much for pointing out that we pick and choose God’s personalities. And someone mentioned in the comment the other day, we are made in God’s image, not the other way around. Aren’t we gonna show wrath if someone cheats on us, and express our anger over a despicable crime? Surely we will. We are built that way with the DNA of God.
    @Rebecca: praying for your son to overcome his addiction and to know the Lord.
    @Amy Park: praying for the court case.
    @Kathy: praying for Andrew’s family for the sudden loss, and God’s hand to deliver the brothers.

  40. Amy Park says:

    My husband and I have been going through a really whacky and unjust case with the court regarding our foster daughter who was placed with grandparents on an extended visit since January. I look at the wrath of God in Ezekiel and wonder “O Lord, when will your just wrath sweep all of the wickedness in this courtroom? When will this precious daughter be returned to safety?”

  41. Daniella Hayes says:

    Wow. What a devotion. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to not miss out on pursuing a comprehensive perspective of the Lord.

  42. Rhonda J. says:

    This commentary was so good Yana! I agree, and we see it in many of the big popular churches today that they tend to only show the grace of Jesus in their messages. It’s more of a positive vibe for your life, rather than biblical teaching! We have to be careful of those.

    So sorry to hear that sad news Kathy. Prayers for the family, and hopefully it will help the brothers examine their own lives more carefully and come to know/remember God through the heartache of loss.

  43. Andrea Henry says:

    Amen

  44. Amy Park says:

    So grateful for this plan. My husband and I have been involved in a very whacky and bizarre case with the court involving our foster daughter. There has been so much injustice and wickedness in the court and we feel like we have taken repeated beatings as foster parents. I’m currently at my wit’s end and ask, “O Lord, when will your wrath come and sweep up all of the wickedness happening here? Will I see it in my lifetime? Will our foster daughter be okay through all of this?”

  45. Teresa Donley says:

    I meant my reply for Kathy. I apologize.

  46. Teresa Donley says:

    Kristi – I’m praying for Gods comfort for Andrews family and that God will use this tragedy to open the hearts of the kids who are battling addiction.

  47. Churchmouse says:

    God always has a purpose for everything He does. All options are on the table because He is King over all. He calls the shots. He will do whatever it takes, as harsh as it sometimes has to be, to draw His beloved sheep back into His fold. His motivation behind His method is His tremendous love.

  48. Dorothy says:

    Yana gave me some major “food for thought” in today’s devotional. Yes, it’s hard to read about all the death and destruction God put His people through but don’t we sometimes think to ourselves, “so-and-so deserved what she/he got” or “I hope they throw the book at him/her” or even “they need to be taught a lesson by someone”. God is the someone who, is the ONLY ONE, who TRULY has the right to pass that judgement. God’s people in Ezekiel’s time had strayed drastically from God and His commandments and covenant, the Israelites weren’t listening, so He had no other choice. We need to listen to what God is telling us to do and do it, even if it may take us out of our comfort zone.
    Be blessed and listen to what God is telling you, sisters.

  49. Brooke P says:

    8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8 || I loved the thoughts from Yana this morning. I have been absolutely loving the Old Testament for the past couple years for the first time in my life. I am so unbelievably thankful for the Lord’s grace in giving Israel the Law and profound love for all creation. Throughout the OT we get the clearest picture of who God is and who we are in light of His holy sovereignty. God is jealous for all people, He is heartbroken over our stubbornness and our constant choosing of lesser gods that NEVER SHOW UP and never will. There’s a common theme in modern Christianity that Jesus is the loving savior and God is only a wrathful God. That Jesus came to make nice and give grace and salvation and that’s IT. Obviously we know that is not all it is, Jesus is the fullness of the representation of God with us. All of God’s character is in Jesus. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, mature us, refine us to see the fullness of who God is, and what an awesome God HE IS! Praise God. They are not split in half personalities, one grace-filled one wrath-filled, but the fullness of God is presented to us in Jesus and in order to see this clearly we must continue to be women in the word daily! Thankyou Yana for your words because this was spot on with what I’ve been working through lately. I love you She’s!! Praying for you all. Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear of this loss, how heartbreaking. You all are in my prayers. ❤️

  50. Lexi B says:

    Oh Kathy, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for their family. Praying for deliverance from addiction for the two remaining brothers. Praying that they will all know that God is still good…even in these hard things. Praying for the parents as the grieve the loss of their son.

  51. Sylvia Fuller says:

    Beauty in complexity. Beauty in diversity. Beauty in all we see. Why? Because God created it all!

  52. Cindy Hanna says:

    Such a meaningful devotional. In the Old Testament He poured out His wrath on the nations. But now he poured out His wrath “on Himself!”as the person of Jesus Christ!” What an amazing thought to contemplate.

  53. Morgan Latham says:

    I’m so undeserving. I’m very thankful I’ve been reconciled to You.

  54. Hillary Miller says:

    “If we persist in splitting God’s character, we will either cheapen His sacrifice at Calvary or miss it altogether.”… sooooo good!

  55. Rachel says:

    Oh, KATHY! So, so sorry :(

  56. Allison Sherwood says:

    That book “Changes that Heal” has been a game changer for me too! I feel like I can empathize so much with the devotion today; I feel like it is so much easier to see a person as black or white, but God calls us to see the beauty in the complexity!

  57. Rachel says:

    I see from yesterday’s comments that there was a problem with today’s devo loading…miss “seeing” you all this morning! Such a timely and convicting devo for my heart and “Ezekiel fatigue.” :)

  58. Kristi Rodriguez says:

    What a wonderful God we have! By his grace, we are saved. By his wrath, we are saved. I never thought to look at both sides. It is so easy to just see the good and scary to see the bad. Thank you for this study today.

    Why do we fear? He has saved us and if we walk with him to the best of our ability, we will be good. If not, accept the consequences. Isn’t that what we teach our children? So it very much applies to us as God’s children. Blessed to be his child!

  59. Kathy says:

    Yesterday I asked for prayer for a family in our church. Their son, Andrew, has been fighting addiction for several years and yesterday he overdosed. He passed away last night. I am heartbroken for his family. He has three brothers and two of them are also fighting addiction. Please pray that God’s peace and His presence will overwhelm all of them and that God will use this horrible tragedy to bring this family back into a relationship with Him.
    Thank you for being faithful to pray.

  60. Carolyn L says:

    Such a good word, Yana. Thank you for that perspective.

  61. Jerri says:

    Praying over everyone today!