R³ Devotional - Day 247

Ezekiel delivers a prophecy against Egypt, comparing Pharaoh to a great monster (like a crocodile) lying in the Nile who arrogantly claims ownership of the river. God declares He will put hooks in Pharaoh’s jaws, drag him out with the fish of the river clinging to him, and abandon him in the wilderness, symbolizing Egypt’s humiliation and downfall. The chapter explains that Egypt had been an unreliable support for Israel (like a reed staff that breaks and injures those who lean on it). Because of their pride and betrayal, God announces that Egypt will be desolate and uninhabited for forty years, after which the people will return but never again be a great power. Finally, Ezekiel says that Babylon, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, will be given Egypt as a reward for its labor in attacking Tyre, since God is using Babylon as an instrument of judgment.

Real Life Principles:

1. Pride leads to Downfall - the Pharaoh claimed the Nile as his own creation, and this arrogance blinded him to the truth of God. When we take credit for what belongs to God, we set ourselves up to fall. 
2. God Humbles - Egypt was made desolate for 40 years and was reduced to a minor power. No matter how powerful someone might be, God can always humble them. As humans, we have limits, but God’s power and authority do not. 

Relevant Life Applications:

1. Guard against Pride - the pharaoh claimed creation of something that was God's. But he was only a man. We have to regularly check our hearts to make sure we are not taking credit that should be given to God.
   
   
2. Look for support wisely- Israel leaned on Egypt, and they got hurt doing it. Who do we lean on? Friends? Money? Family? Our ultimate support should always be God.

Ready Action Steps:

1. Practice Humility Daily - Start with thanking God every day for specific blessings in your life.
    
2. Trust God with recognition- Don't compare yourself to others who may “seem ahead”. God rewards us in His time and is all the recognition we need.
   
   
3. Evaluate your Supports - when stressed, what do you lean on? If you turn to other things during trying times, Shift your dependence back to God. 

Prayer 

Heavenly Father,
I come before You, acknowledging that all power, strength, and blessings come from You alone. Guard my heart from pride and self-reliance, and remind me that without You, I am nothing.

Help me not to lean on broken reeds—false supports that cannot hold me up—but to place my full trust in Your unfailing hand. When I experience success, keep me humble and generous. When I face setbacks, help me to see them as Your loving discipline, shaping me into who You want me to be.

Lord, I trust You to see the efforts I make, even when others overlook them. Teach me to rest in Your timing and Your justice. Thank You that You are sovereign over everything and over my life. May I walk each day in humility, dependence, and faith, giving You all the glory.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.