March 7, 2013 – Ezekiel 30 – 31

It sounds pretty bad for Egypt.  They will have the most ruined of any ruined cities.  And if you have been paying attention, God has really ruined cities before.  Egypt will be set on fire by the foreign invaders.  A desolate wasteland.

Is there a better image for a great and powerful kingdom and a huge majestic tree.  Strong against the weather, towering over those around it, unmoving, deeply rooted, supplying shelter and protection.  I wonder if trees were used in family emblems very often.  It would seem to be an image people would understand, a symbol of great strength. 

From the image of a huge tree we could also get a very clear understanding of “the bigger they are the harder they fall”.  God seems to be talking about that here.  The kingdom was so big it became arrogant.  Its power made it leave God.  And so, it is cut down, tossed aside.  The mightiest tree looks a lot different laying on the ground.  Growing up, we cut wood with my dad and I understand a tree falling and how sad it can be.  If you have ever had a tree in a yard that you really loved and then had something happen to it.  It can be a very sad thing.  Trees are just so big they seem invulnerable and then the topple and its sad.  It is also a very powerful force.  If you have ever been around when a large tree has been cut down, there is a reason the yell “timber” and warn us to stay away.  It is a huge amount of force coming down.  I think about that when God is describing this kingdom and then who is going to bring it down.