I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
Ezekiel wrote a prophecy against Egypt. His warning was that no matter how great and powerful a nation might become it was still subject to God. God has declared that He will hold nations accountable, no matter how powerful or wealthy they may become. No nation will ever be so powerful that it is not subject to God’s judgment.
The writer admonishes us to do everything within our power to live at peace with everyone. However, he gives a qualifier to that effort, he tells us to live holy lives. So, we are to do what we can to live at peace with everyone within the constraints of living holy lives. He warns us against bitterness, telling us how, if we allow it, it will grow up within us and defile us. Further the writer warns us against trading our long term happiness for immediate gratification of our desires.
In today’s passage from Ezekiel we were told that God will bring the mighty and wealthy low. In this psalm we are reminded that He will lift the poor and needy up. Yes, I will praise the Lord. When God’s people follow His direction, even inanimate objects, such as rivers and seas, will get out of their way. Every obstacle will be removed from the path of those who serve the Lord.
Who we really are is reflected by the life we lead. Human desire will never be fully sated and attempting to do so leads to death and destruction.