As I’ve been reading through the prophesies in the Biblical book of Ezekiel, my heart has been touched by the messages about the nation of Egypt, particularly in light of the tragic violence occurring there now.  Once a great nation, it will never again attain the status it once held amongst the nations.

As I read about the fall of nations in this book, there seems to be one predominate characteristic underlying their destruction—the existence of nationalistic pride founded in abundant resources, military strength, and wealth of commerce.  Ezekiel compares Egypt to a tall tree, exalting itself above all others, while its roots reach deep to take advantage of its natural resources, thriving on life giving water.  As the nation prospered, many people and other nations clung to its branches to receive sustenance and provision for themselves; and when the nation of Egypt fell, so also did those who clung to its power and government for support.

Reading through the book of Ezekiel is an interesting journey for me; I recognize it as a prophetic treatise, yet I also believe the scripture, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, that informs, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man [and woman] of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  There is truth for every Christian throughout God’s Word, and the Spirit who initially breathed it to faithful scribes continues to give life and understanding to scripture today.

Throughout the Bible we have the historical record of people and nations who, in pride, exalted themselves, their knowledge, their abilities, their attractiveness, their idols, and their power over the Name of the Lord our God—and it did not work at all well for them!  When we truly understand that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), that He is God (John 1:1-3), and God proclaims, “I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8), then we will also understand that no nation—no matter how powerful, prosperous, or blessed—will be able to continue in rebellion against God.  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).  “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:17).

As Christians, we have dual citizenship—we have homes in countries on this planet and a responsibility to be good citizens where we live (Romans 13:1-7).  However, our primary allegiance belongs to the kingdom of God, for “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13, 14).  “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).  It is in Jesus that we now live, and move, and have our being—He is our source for life and provision; God is the one we depend on!

My purpose for writing this blog is primarily to be a resource of encouragement and teaching for my children and grandchildren—I am just making my words public so others can join us on this journey.  My intention is not to rail against anyone or anything—government or politician; rather, I just prefer sharing scripture and letting others come to an understanding of what God is saying.  We are living in perilous times, though, and I will not back down when it comes to being aware of the obvious turmoil amongst the nations and the lawlessness rife within our borders.  A nation cannot exalt itself, ignore God in underlying principles and continue to prosper—history attests to that!

My caution to all who will listen is, be careful of how you live out a sense of nationalistic pride and patriotism in a country that will not honor God in its identity, lifestyle, and decisions.  Do not become dependent on a government, a system, or a person for provision, or for the pursuit of life, liberty, and the freedom we can only experience through a faith relationship with the Son of God.  Most important of all, though—exalt God above all else in your life.

Finally, let me also encourage you to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).  We have many brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution, imprisonment and torture for their faith in Middle Eastern countries—we can bear their burdens by continuing to lift them up in prayer.  Pray for the people  of Syria and Egypt!