Danger in Boasting
Text: Ezekiel 29:1-21
“Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. But I will put hooks in thy jaws,... and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales” (Ezekiel 29:3,4).
Science and technology rule our world today. As man increases in scientific knowledge, he attempts to question God’s power and authority as the Creator of the universe. This is man’s folly and the beginning of his downward slide. It has been so all through the ages. Nations and individuals have tried to set God aside, showing loyalty to man-made gods and created objects; and relished in their human knowledge and learning.
Egypt was famous for her scientific knowledge and learning. Even Babylon’s and Persia’s rise in science was long after schools of literature, science and philosophy had been established on the banks of the Nile. But the nation of Egypt never acknowledged the Almighty God for His blessing, rather it worshipped many gods. The Nile was its pride, and in defiance said, “The river is mine.” God used Nebuchadnezzar, an evil king, as an instrument of His judgment on Tyre, Judah and Egypt. The greater sin of Egypt was its pride. Ezekiel’s message was directed against Pharaoh and the people of Egypt.
The Lesson for us is quite clear. Pride usually goes before a fall. There is a woe pronounced on whoever puts his trust in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart departs from the true God. Many people today are carried away by their worldly attainment, their political and social standing and what money can provide. They forget the Almighty and worship the creature rather than the Creator.
The message from Ezekiel is still loud and clear, being proclaimed by servants of God today. Nothing gives true joy than the knowledge of the most High. You can decide now to abandon your pride and acknowledge Him.
Thought for today: The wicked shall not go unpunished.