Suddenly Silenced
Today’s scripture selection: Ezekiel 25-30
Key verse: Ezekiel 27:31-32
It must have been something to see: Tyre – this powerful city, on the edge of the sea, sending its merchandise out to distant lands, satisfying many nations with its great wealth and exotic wares.
And then, judgment came.
“Your wealth, merchandise and wares, your mariners, sailors and shipwrights, your merchants and all your soldiers, and everyone else on board will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your shipwreck.”
“As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament concerning you: ‘Who was ever silenced like Tyre, surrounded by the sea?’”
Our lives can become shipwrecked as well.
Trust too much in our own wisdom or power; rely too much on our good looks and wit; put self-interest ahead of everything and everyone else – and disaster is soon to follow.
Whether a great, powerful nation – or an individual who has forgotten the virtue of humility – wrong choices can lead to great mistakes and it all will “sink into the heart of the sea.”
What’s the alternative?
- To remember that God created and controls the seas.
- To remember that we are not the “Master of our own ship” but that God is “Lord and Master.”
- To sail out onto life’s oceans with confidence, hope and faith – not to conquer – but to travel the path God has determined.
Then we need not fear being suddenly silenced, surrounded by harsh seas. We will be sailing them with God at the helm.
Prayer: Lord, I recognize you as the Master of my vessel. Send me where you will. AMEN.
