The Downfall of Tyre

Open Your Bible

Ezekiel 25:1-17, Ezekiel 26:1-21, Luke 10:13-16

Few things inflame my momma bear instincts faster than someone making fun of my child. You are free to call me any name in the book. Chances are, that water will roll right on off my back. But direct your sneers at one of my four boys and you’re sure to see my scrappy side. 

I see the Father’s heart on full display in the middle of Ezekiel. The pagan nations that surrounded Judah watched God’s judgment unfold on His people—and they laughed, like children cheering during a playground fight. 

The people of Ammon celebrated when God’s sanctuary was desecrated (Ezekiel 25:3). They clapped and stomped and sang when God’s judgment fell hard on the shoulders of His children (v.6). They whooped and hollered when the people of Judah were carted away as slaves. The people of Moab and Seir took God’s judgment as a sign that there was nothing really special about God’s chosen people (v.8). Edom took advantage (v.12). Philistia looked on with a you-got-what-you-deserved glare (v.15). Judah’s enemies clearly thought God, and His judgment, was a joke (v.3). Because God was angry at His people’s sin, we might expect Him to tolerate such shenanigans. That’s not what happened. Like a momma bear defending her cubs, God responded to these taunts in a way that let Judah’s mockers know that His love for His children was unshaken. 

For Judah, God’s judgment was a mercy, a chance to turn their hearts back fully to Him. For the others, it was a reckoning, a harsh reality check that the God of Israel is the only one on the throne and that He will always defend His children. 

Beyond the fall of nations, a greater gospel reality is illustrated in these passages. For those who call upon the name of the Lord, judgment doesn’t last forever. Because He is a devoted Father, sin doesn’t make us any less His. But for those who refused to worship God, in Ezekiel’s day and in ours, His judgment is total and final. 

“I will destroy you” (v.7). 
“They will know my vengeance” (v.14). 
“You will never be rebuilt” (Ezekiel 26:14). 
“I will bring you down to be with those who descend to the Pit” (v.20).

Ezekiel’s book is a profound declaration that for God’s children, His judgment and mercy are always intermingled. Though He temporarily allowed the people of Judah to experience the consequences of their sin, His judgment is never a sign that He has stopped loving us. 

This Lenten season, take heart, child of God! Even as He disciplines us, He defends us. Even when He places us under the heavy hand of His rebuke, He holds us tight. 

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69 thoughts on "The Downfall of Tyre"

  1. Brandy Deruso says:

    Lord we bless you for who you are!

  2. Meredith Rea says:

    I love our covenant keeping God. Though we fail to keep covenant, He never fails!! He took on our enemies and continues to do so even when we don’t do the same. He is a promise keeper, and I am always overwhelmed to ponder His devotion to me!!

  3. Megan Kuemmerlin says:

    His judgement and mercy a e intertwined, so good to remember.

  4. Megan Kuemmerlin says:

    His judgement and mercy a e intertwined

  5. Adrienne McPherson says:

    Amen! You love me in my sin and shame you Love me! Wow! Even in your rebuke and discipline you care! It really humbles me that even when I am far from him or I make my own fleshy chocies Isis my choices

  6. Terany Garnett says:

    A loving judge. The devotional was so in depth of how Sovereign Lord has many qualities all at once. The disciple God gives is exactly how our father treats us (we get punished or we are allowed to be hurt by others to learn that we should have trusted our fathers advice instead of others/ourselves.) It says “ “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ it is such a reminder that sun is very much sun but Gods mercy through it all is faithful to what Christ did in the cross

  7. Megan Fiechtner says:

    His love is truly unconditional, through discipline and disappointment, He loves us through it.

  8. Sky Hilton says:

    It’s always bad to laugh at someone else’s misfortune. We cannot put ourselves on a pedestal. We must be humble and acknowledge that we all fall short of the kingdom and need God everyday to get better.

  9. Denise N says:

    We are without excuse Churchmouse.

  10. Stephanie G says:

    Victoria, what a beautiful song! Thanks for sharing! I would have loved to hear that during my own fertility treatments and c-section. So glad it brought you comfort! Hope you’re finding your new mama groove and feeding is getting better!

  11. Ashlee Hickson says:

    Thank you for sharing this!

  12. Victoria E says:

    By the way I forgot I wanted to share that in the OR when I had my c section “Know you will” by Hillsong was playing when Elijah was born – I listened to that song constantly during our infertility treatments and the long wait for us to conceive him :). God is good.

  13. Victoria E says:

    What an interesting reading today! Finally got time to read it and some comments. Thank you again for everyone who responded yesterday to my comment. I’m still filled with gratitude and awe at how God’s kingdom can manifest itself even here on earth. Traci and Maria, praying for your appointments today.

  14. LaShandra Fluno says:

    I was struck but the words “You will never be rebuilt!” Ez 26:14 that was so final. It hit my heart like a brick. Still not sure how to process this yet.

  15. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I think the destination God makes between his people and the pagan nations around them, is very important. He doesn’t seek to completely destroy the Israelites , but bring them back to himself. His discipline, no matter how severe it may seem, is done out of love. I pray that I always remember that.

  16. AZ Walker says:

    Jen G – I have been listening to Stephen Armstrong’s teachings on Ezekiel and he explained the history of how Israel then broke the covenant with God by worshiping other idols and evil sin for centuries before he finally put a stop to it. It would be like Christians in America tuning to Buddha and putting his statue in our churches and streets and our pastors having sex in the churches – sacrificing our children on the altars. They didn’t listen to Ezekiel. God was patient but like a parent following thru with a penalty gave them a teachable moment. The result was his people eventually stopped idol worship forever. They sin in many different ways but haven’t replaced God since. I hope this helps a little!

  17. Changed Life says:

    I continue to come back to this study on Ezekiel, but man is it a hard read. I tend to go through the scriptures quickly so that I can move on to the devotional and comments. I feel as condemned as Judah for all the mistakes I’ve made in the past. Two failed marriages, poor relationships with my own family, and the loss of my parents in my early thirties…before I could really tell them how much I loved them. I don’t have children and the older I get, the more I realize how small my world is. God has blessed me with an amazing third husband and I have enjoyed the past 21 years of my life. I know God loves me and that my sins are forgiven. The enemy is working on spoiling the happiness in my heart today. Praying for strength and peace as I continue to live in a judgement filled human world, ready to move on to the next where I spend time with Jesus, and those who left this world before me.

  18. Heidi says:

    LAURA STRUYF- so beautiful and profound, thank you for choosing to post that for all of us!

    MARA PLATO- I’m so sorry for your hurt and anxiety… Father we thank you that you are so close to Mara and her friend in this moment. You are near and intimate and present, and I ask you to open the eyes of their hearts to see you. EXPERIENCE you and your unmistakable peace. Your joy in all things. Your GLADNESS, Father. I ask you to bring scripture to their minds that they can use as weapons against the enemy’s attacks. And we call on your angels to fight the spiritual battles happening around them in fight for their attention and control of their thoughts with fear. Fear is a liar and we call it out in this moment- for ourselves and for our sisters in Christ who are suffering under it. Praise you God for your goodness and deep love for us- amen!!

  19. Traci Gendron says:

    Can I ask for prayers for my dental appointment in about an hour? I have had several dental assistants haphazardly spray the water and choke me. I’m scared to death now. I never had this happen until the last few years. Thank you! I don’t have time to read the comments now, but will come back to them later.

  20. Mara Plato says:

    Would you please pray that God’s peace would descend into my heart today? My anxieties and hurts are robbing me of peace. May I rest in the knowledge that God loves me and sees me. Please also pray for my friend – that God would bring permanent healing from past trauma and provide purpose and direction.

  21. Dorothy says:

    No matter what I do or how I do it, I know if I turn to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness He will give it to me.
    BUT GOD!!! Yes, I KNOW I should try not to do the wrong thing but there are times when I slip up, I goof in a major way, I sin against all that God has taught me — I’m human — but I know God, Christ and the Holy Spirit “have my back” and allow me to repent for my.
    Mine and every Christian’s salvation didn’t come cheap, a man — THE SON OF GOD — had to pay with His life. He had to die a miserable, painful, tortured death. THANK YOU FATHER GOD!!! THANK YOU JESUS CHRIST!!!

    Another update on Finley, it looks like she may not be going home as soon as we thought, her neurosurgeon doesn’t want to send her home until the wound has stopped draining. The wound it’s draining much but it is still draining.

    Sisters be blessed and remember eternal life is ours if we PROCLAIM the Lord as our God and Jesus as our Savior.

  22. Michelle Patire says:

    “Ezekiel’s book is a profound declaration that for God’s children, His judgment and mercy are always intermingled. Though He temporarily allowed the people of Judah to experience the consequences of their sin, His judgment is never a sign that He has stopped loving us.”

    This spoke to me. That is something I’ve had to learn as I walk closer with the Lord, day by day. Often, the enemy has tried to convince me that judgement or consequence means God’s love has departed. Which obv, is not biblical (Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 12:6, Psalm 139:7-8) yet still, this past year God is making head knowledge into heart experience. I pray I continue to see grace in judgement. God loved Judah so deeply, even in their sin, He defended them. So beautiful. Even in our sin, He defends us– He intercedes for us.

    M-Kat, your comment yesterday spoke to me. I needed to hear grace in that passage. Thank you for sharing what God put on your heart. Your words help, please keep sharing! <3 God bless your journey with Grace Himself.

  23. Laura Struyf says:

    I don’t post often, but today’s comments have prompted this prayer…

    “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

    “…both faith and fear demand you to believe in something that you cannot see, so you might as well choose faith” (Lisa Meta Griff)

  24. Heidi says:

    LEAH MOORE- your comments hit the nail directly on the head… I definitely feel heard and understood completely about this, thank you so much for your comment.
    I have been practicing all morning at defining that thing that is causing the biggest fear at the thought of it being threatened. I’m grateful to have it identified so that I can be praying through it and, as hard as it is, practicing my “what if“ statements about if God were to actually decide to relocate that thing that I want up on that pedestal. It’s a hard question to ask “what if…” but it can reveal SO much in us…

  25. Teresa Donley says:

    I’m so thankful for Jesus. I deserve all the punishments of Tyre, but God provided his son as the perfect payment for my sin. I am redeemed! Praise God!

  26. Lexi B says:

    Heidi, I relate to you so much. I have struggled with fear and anxiety all my life. It is hard when you are in the midst of it, it feels so strong and oppressive.
    That is the enemy of your soul attacking you. It is not okay.
    The beautiful thing that I am really starting to grasp is that because we have a living savior residing in us the enemy, has to flee . Because we are His, we are able to command the devil to go and he has to do it. What helps me, is litterally commanding Satan to go.
    Send Satan packing. Remind him who you are, and that he has no right tormenting you with fear, anxiety, any of it. You are a child of the most high God and satan has to flee. Praying peace for you Heidi.

  27. Leah Moore says:

    has strengthened my walk more then ever before. So I see that as the ultimate win! These anxious thoughts feel so threatening because they relate to what we value most. If we can see the thoughts more as harmless ideas and not definite threats of what is to come, we give ourselves the option of choosing to believe it or not. Praying peace over you and that you can rest in the Lord’s presence moment by moment today.

  28. Leah Moore says:

    Heidi, I so empathize and relate here! Isn’t it frustrating that the enemy has insight into what we value most in life? I’ve battled generalized anxiety for quite some time and similarly have gotten to a point where the enemy knew one approach wasn’t working, so he seemed to switch tactics. Ultimately his tactics have made me go deeper with the Lord and

  29. Morgan Latham says:

    Even though I’ve messed up too many times to count, God still loves me.

  30. Jessica Zantal says:

    I am right there with you! Very powerful and convicting.

  31. Heidi says:

    RHONDA- thank you for being so specific… you’re so generous thank you!! And I pulled the song up immediately- yes, Natalie does it quite well, does she not? Perhaps she should consider a career in music.. ;) ;) ;) Thank you again… worship as a weapon in trials and fear has been a theme God has brought to me consistently lately… that song Raise a Hallelujah seems to be on repeat..! But, from Christian speakers/pastors, quiet time, etc- just seems to keep coming up. Thank you for this reminder, I’ll be listening again ❤️❤️❤️

  32. Mari V says:

    He defends us! Exactly what I wanted to hear this morning!

  33. Kathy says:

    Praying for you, HEIDI. He is your shield, your glory, and the lifter of your head.

  34. Rhonda J. says:

    @Heidi- I was asking the Lord to speak to me for what to give to you and the song came to me to give to you- look on youtube for Brandon Lake w/ Natalie Grant “Grattitude.” It is an amazing song, but with her, she takes it to the next level with her gift! I hope you feel some peace soon!

  35. Heidi says:

    Thank you for the advice of wise counsel to all who suggested- I fully agree and I DO have someone (licensed, certified, & Christian..) I’ve spoken with for some time. While anxiety is something I’ve dealt with for decades, now it seems the enemy holds back his efforts and waits for singular things to occur in my day or perhaps for me to observe in someone else’s day and he jumps full force on that one thing, connecting it to whatever “worse fear in life” he can. Seems he’s realized the whole generalized anxiety isn’t going to work so well anymore but the surprise, out of the blue, all-guns-facing-one-target approach is his new plan of action. I want him to find this plan uneventful and a waste of time… That’s not easy. When your most valued things in life feel threatened, it def puts you against a wall. However- it also reveals what we’ve placed in our hearts as an idol thought too… Uhg, more hard things… Thank you for your advice because, yes- it is good wise advice that I’ll not only take but would give out as well! :)

  36. Heidi says:

    MUDROCK MAMA- you’re definitely not alone.. Praise your Savior He’s with you – on all sides of you. Praying His peace and protection over you and whatever circumstances you are in today.
    He loves you enough to fight for you and with you…❤️
    God lifting up your girl who is feeling attacked. God I ask you to cover her in the blood of her Savior Jesus, and send your angels and hedge of full protection to cover her from all sides. That the enemy be held back and defeated as You fight for her and as You strengthen her to join in the fight as well. May she be covered in prayer and peace and feel your joy today…
    In the holy, matchless, saving name of Jesus I thank you for this- amen!❤️

  37. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    “Even as He disciplines us, He defends us. Even when He places us under the heavy hand of His rebuke, He holds us tight.” That is so like a father, that is so like our God – He loves us enough to discipline us, yet – He will never let us go, because we are His. Thankful for God’s discipline, although at times its very painful – it gets my attention and gets me back on track. Also a reminder today that we should never be happy over the downfall of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us never think – “you had that one coming” – but lift them in prayer for restoration and for God to do an amazing work in their heart. God’s mercy, God’s grace.

    @Heidi – praying for you today. May you feel God’s hand upon your heart and may He give you the peace that passes all understanding. Also, continuing to pray for your niece.
    @Christina – lifting you and your precious new baby in prayer, and that God would do a miraculous work in your husband’s heart.
    @Angie – praise God for the new discovery that will help Finley feel better! And a praise that you will still be able to take care of her and administer the medication! Continuing to pray for her and her parents and for you.

  38. Gayle Radavich says:

    HEIDI, MARIA and MUDROCK MAMA-

  39. Maria Baer says:

    Jennifer— thank you! I will!

  40. Mudrock Mama says:

    Reading today, I feel like Tyre. Anyone? Being attacked at all sides, left trampled, exposed, raw and in pain. I am seeking the only way out. Filling myself up with God’s word, his love and listening for the holy spirits’s promptings. It’s the only way to get desperately needed healing. I don’t want to turn to idols to get through, they won’t show me they way. They won’t cover me in love. They won’t protect me from more attacks.

  41. Mudrock Mama says:

    Reading today, I feel like Tyre. Anyone? Being attacked at all sides, left trampled, exposed, raw and in pain. But I’m here filling myself up with God’s word, his love and listening for the holy spirits’s promptings. It’s the only way to get desperately needed healing. I don’t want to turn to idols to get through, they won’t show me they way. They won’t cover me in love. They won’t protect me from more attacks.

  42. Taylor says:

    Praying for you @Heidi that the peace of God washes over you from head to toe! Needed today’s reminder that the Lord’s judgment is never a sign that He has stopped loving me, it’s a sign He is fighting desperately for my soul to be solely fixed on Him.

  43. Annelyn P says:

    Praying for you, Maria Baer.

  44. Lauren says:

    Heidi, just a year ago I was in the depths of anxiety, fear accompanied by a relentless insomnia, so I know what you are feeling- it’s awful. I have prayed for you but also want to encourage you to consider professional counseling. A good, Christian based therapist can help you immeasurably. Perhaps start with your church, your pastor for resources. I’ll pray for your healing.

  45. Mudrock Mama says:

    Reading today, I feel like Tyre. Anyone? Being attacked at all sides, left trampled, exposed, raw

  46. Jennifer Loves Jesus says:

    Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in truth. (1 Cor 13:6) God will not be dethroned, and His people will not lose their inheritance. I love that our Father keeps us as the apple of His eye. No matter how far we venture out into enemy territory, He will protect us for eternity. Our end on this earth will be a new beginning with Him. This world looks dark if you peer into some of it’s stories. There are many pages unfolding with terrible tales, but my story, our story ends well. Each morning I turn the page and God’s Son-Light shines upon my path. I rejoice in the truth. Each memorized scripture falls from my mind’s vault of treasures. This journey through Ezekiel has opened my eyes to the ancient stories woven there. Stories of truth locked within the pages of hope and love I am more familiar with. Jesus stood in the place where God obliterated the nations who rejected truth and rejoiced over God’s chosen ones’ affliction. Like a bully laughing in the face of an innocent child. But God comes to our rescue. He came for us as a loving father, a mighty prince, King of kings. I am His and He is mine. Always and forever, amen.

  47. Heidi says:

    Thank you.. all of you… you’re unbelievable. PAIGE ST PIERRE I looked at when you posted that and God did guide in that exact thought in my heart- to ID the initial source/real fear that is producing this and I feel He has… thank you for praying that..
    Im in waves- Not sure when it will pass fully but my God is with me, his daughters are rallying, my enemy is defeated regardless… Thank you isn’t enough to say, but for this min it’s all I can come up with…❤️❤️❤️

  48. Maria Baer says:

    Victoria— I read your comment yesterday. Continued prayers to you, as you learn to balance a new precious child, finding time to get in the word, and everything else in your life. May you find moments to refresh your soul to ease your anxiety. One thing that helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed is listening to instrumental Christian music— it is soothing. I don’t have kids, so I’m sorry I can’t provide more feedback. Praying for you, sister.

  49. Churchmouse says:

    Here in the USA we have so many readily available resources that proclaim the Gospel. We have Bibles in a wide variety of translations. We can worship freely. There are churches galore. How responsibly are we using what we have? How much better do we know Jesus? How closely are we imitating Him? Sobering questions for us just as they were in Ezekiel’s time.

  50. Maria Baer says:

    Sisters, if I can ask for your prayers— in August I had an emergency gallbladder surgery, but the labs showed potential fatty liver disease— which is surprising because I eat fairly healthy and exercise. Now, this disease is reversible, if caught early. I have an appointment with a GI specialist to determine stage and next steps. Oddly I’m fairly calm, but it’s in the back of my head. So please pray that I have peace as I wait, and healing, if it’s God’s will. It has been an interest 6 months, for sure.

  51. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    JEN G, I just read your comment from yesterdays reading. I’m praying that you will know how much God loves you. The book of Ezekiel shows how God loved His chosen desperately and despite all He did for them, they turned away from Him. He would exact punishment on them. But we, as God’s children, are spared His wrath because of the death of Jesus on the cross. He took all that we deserve and bore it instead. Hallelujah!

  52. Maria Baer says:

    This devotional today is so special in its emphasis that even though we are saved and forgiven, that does not mean we don’t have to face the consequences of our actions. And even after facing the consequences, God in his infinite love and Grace, keeps us in his arms because we are His children. Many times towards the beginning after I accepted Jesus into my life, I was afraid that God one day would change his mind and decide that He didn’t want me because of my sins and the price I was paying for me. But as my mom explained, God doesn’t love us because we are sinless— he loves us in spite of it. Wishing everyone a beautiful day.

  53. Heather says:

    Heidi
    I have been there. Prayers for the perfect peace that passes all understanding. Keep your eyes focused on Him. He has got you.
    Lord please bring peace and calmness to Heidis mind and heart. Remind her of Your unfailing and never ending love.

  54. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    HEIDI I am praying now for peace and calm for your heart and mind.

  55. Bobbie 'Greiman'Grunwald says:

    Prayers going up for you Heidi. “And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”
    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭GNT‬‬

  56. Aimee D-R says:

    Our defender and redeemer. My defender and redeemer. Thank you Lord Jesus! Amen

  57. Paige St Pierre says:

    Praying that God will fill you with His peace and calm you with His love. May He reveal the source of the emotions and guide you into healing and restoration.

  58. Melanie says:

    Heidi I have been there. God has you. In the name of Jesus fear has to leave. You are a child of God. Praying for you. SRT will hold you up!!! Seek help though sweet one. It’s ok if you need help. In my darkest hour I needed people and doctors to get me through.

  59. Heidi says:

    SHERRI and SEARCHING- thank you… tears.. can anyone see how desperate I am ;) Keep hitting refresh… Uhg. Lord Jesus place a new spirit- one of peace and faith and joy and confidence in my heart….

  60. Searching says:

    HEIDI – praying for you, Sister!

  61. Sherri says:

    Heidi praying for you right now. Take five deep breaths slowly…He is with you!! New morning, new mercies.

  62. Stormi Messmer says:

    ❤️

  63. Kristen says:

    Amen, Thes! It is so important to see the depths of our own sin, and not do the comparison game and think I’m not as bad as so and so! (I’m guilty of that.) I recently received an email with words from Alistair Begg. This is about the depths of sin and the hope of forgiveness! I am sharing this link and hope that you all can check it out: https://blog.truthforlife.org/depths-of-sin-hope-of-forgiveness
    Here is part of the article: This divine forgiveness is magnificent because it is not a glib glossing over of sin. God does not merely shrug His shoulders in indifference and say, “It’s fine.” No, He has paid for our forgiveness with the blood of His Son (1 Cor. 6:20), and it is the greatest gift He could have given us (Eph. 2:7–8). If we are to grasp how much God cares about dealing with sin, we must stand and look at the cross of Jesus Christ. The God who is holy and just put His own Son to death in order to execute His judgment on sin and express the immensity of His love for sinners (Rom. 5:8).

    In response I’m asking that we never stop be astounded by the mercy and grace of God and the obedience and all sufficient sacrifice of our Lord and Savior. He left Heaven and came in a humble state for undeserving sinners. I think of that song that says: We’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that Cross! So here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that You’re my God. You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. So let’s highly exalt Him!
    https://youtu.be/O7YmD00iAzU

    Kelly Neo, thank you for sharing from HRT about God’s character and that God will not be mocked
    Prayers for you all.

  64. Heidi says:

    Prayer- I haven’t read through this yet, I am about to start as well as read though comments – but I’m so desperate for prayer this morning I had to start here in the comments section. I’ve been awake for a while now with anxiety and fear. I’ve been praying, quoting scripture, singing, etc- and while it may lesson or disappear for a moment, it keeps coming back. Please pray for my mind, my heart, whatever in my circumstances that’s bringing all of this on… It’s such an awful, feeling… :(

  65. Ally M says:

    Every day, I am awed, humbled, and so grateful beyond words that God loves me. That He leads me and saves me from my sins and my sin nature. That He gave His only Son to take my punishment.

    Thank You Father, for loving me so much. Please help me to live in a way that glorifies You today and every day. I love You so much. Amen.

  66. Searching says:

    In agreement with JEN G and others that Ezekiel is a hard read with the detailed narrative of the evils and Judah’s insistence on keeping their backs turned to God. BUT GOD (thinking about you, TINA) in His love, mercy and grace, gives them many, many opportunities to turn away from the idols and false gods and turn to Him and shows the other nations His continuing love of His people by standing up to their joyous cruelty.
    Thankful that I’m not reading a narrative of all my evils and of the many times over many years I turned my back on God, ignoring every opportunity He gave me to change direction no matter the consequences I faced. Even more thankful He never gave up on me. Hallelujah!
    CHURCHMOUSE – your prayer yesterday for Cristina was so touching, just beautiful. Thank you.
    DEBBIE DODGE – thank you for your testimony.
    Continuing to pray for CRISTINA JOHNSTON, KRISTI KANAS, GAYLE RADAVICH, VICTORIA E.
    TERANY – praying for your struggles. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
    10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

    14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

  67. Arina says:

    The sin of Israel and the judgement that had to follow did not only affect Israel. In the eyes of the other nations, it looked like God didn’t care about Israel or that He was powerless to do anything against their enemies. Moan saw no difference between Judah and all the other nations (Ezekiel 25:8). Judgemetn was necessary, both for Israel and the nations, so that they would know that God was Lord. We bare a responsibility to represent God to others. How we talk about Him but also the way we live affects how unbelievers think about God.

  68. Kelly (NEO) says:

    God is not mocked. What we reap we will sow.

    From HRT “The way God deals with sin is designed to reveal His character. God does not let injustice and wickedness go unpunished. God is just. And He will not be mocked.”

  69. Thes says:

    Yes…! And it is beautiful to see that God first focus on his own, on the problems in his own house, on his own people and purified them. And then on the others who were as sinful yet with out God and so with out hope. For if God had done it the other way around, Israel would feel that what all the other countries felt and would be blinded to there onw faults even more. But now the were a reset sign for for God to even give the other countries a glimpse of the one and true God and so hoop!
    Yet we as human try a lot of the time to focus on the other and try to help, teach, scold others even if we have the exact unsolved problem in our self’s.
    Luke 6:41- Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye?
    God first takes care of them beam in us, so that we can be a sign!