Ezekiel 31:1-18, Self-care of the great tree

Ezekiel 31:1-18, Self-care of the great tree

 Eze.Chs.29-32 are words about Egypt. Ch.31 is a prophecy that compares Egypt's pride and downfall to the great cedar tree of Lebanon(Assyria). This shows that all nations and people are under God's sovereignty, and that pride brings downfall, so they should rely only on God.
1. Egypt's prosperity is like the great cedar tree(1-9): Egypt boasts of its majesty and prosperity like the great cedar tree of Lebanon(Assyria). This is the pinnacle of the pride of Assyria and Egypt's hearts. In other words, it is expressed as a tree with "beautiful branches, a shadow like the shadow of a tree, tall, and its top reaches the clouds"(3). It says that many waters, deep waters, and rivers(Tigris, Nile) nourish its roots, all kinds of birds and beasts live under its shadow, and all nations are under its majestyr(4-6). Even "all the trees in the garden of God(Israel) were beautiful enough to be envied"(8). This shows how prosperous and powerful Egypt was. It reflects the reality that at that time, as the world's hegemon, other nations relied on Egypt's power and enjoyed peace under it. The waters of the world are not eternal. However, Jesus is the eternal water of life. John 4:14, I hope you believe in Jesus, the water that will never thirst.

2. Do not be exalted. Pride is the forerunner of destruction(10-14)
 However, these beautiful and huge cedars(Assyria and Egypt) "were so high and tall that their tops reached the clouds, and their hearts were proud"(10), and they were judged by God. God says that proud Egypt will be "delivered into the hand of the mighty one(Babylon) of the nations"(11). Egypt will be destroyed like a tree being cut down, its branches will be scattered, and all its inhabitants will leave(12-13). The purpose of this judgment is to "keep all the trees by the waters from being proud in their height, and all who drink from the waters from being exalted" (14). This is to show all nations that only God is the true sovereign. Therefore, we must now look to the humble Jesus and learn humility(Mt.11:29). Learn from me(Jesus) for I am humble.
3. Assyria& Egypt to meet a miserable death(15-18). God likens the destruction of Assyria &Egypt to going down to Sheol(the world of the dead). All nations will be shocked by the news of Egypt's destruction, and those who were proud with Egypt will go down to Sheol &be judged(15-17). In the end, it is prophesied that Egypt, like Assyria, which was destroyed before it, will dwell in Sheol “with the uncircumcised, those who were killed by the sword”(18). This means that Egypt will face a very shameful death like other countries. However, Jesus Christ is the Savior. He was resurrected and gives us the life of resurrection. Jesus will come again. I bless you to believe in Jesus who will give you eternal life and heaven.

4.Conclusion 1)All the glory of the world is in God’s hands. Egypt seemed to have enjoyed wealth &prosperity by its own power, but in reality, God provided them with water&made their branches grow. In other words, we must remember that all prosperity&strength are the grace of God. 2) The pride of the heart that exalts itself goes before destruction(Prv.16:18). Egypt fell because of the pride of the heart. Pride is a sin that exalts oneself and ignores God, &it will inevitably lead to downfall. 3) Rely only on God. The people of Judah tried to escape the threat of Babylon by relying on the mighty Egypt. However, Egypt(the power of the world) that will be destroyed by God’s hand cannot be relied on either, and only God is our refuge and savior.
5. Application 1) Look at the ‘my cedar’(Egypt) within us. ‘My Egypt’ prevents us from seeing God. Each of us has something in our lives that we consider great. Let’s check if there is any “my cedar” that can make us arrogant, such as talent, academic background, wealth, position, or appearance. Let’s acknowledge& be thankful for everything we have as God’s grace. Arrogance begins the moment we think we have achieved it through our own efforts. *Question: What is the “my Egypt” that I rely on or boast about as much as God? Am I living arrogantly, mistakenly thinking that I have obtained what I have through my own ability?
2) Recognize the danger of arrogance &train yourself in humility. Arrogance blinds our spiritual eyes& prevents us from seeing God’s sovereignty. It is not easy to be humble when things are going well, but we should try to be even more humble during these times of success and prosperity. *God opposes the proud &gives grace to the humble(1Peter5:5). We should live a life of sanctification through God’s word&prayer, continually lowering ourselves, &seeking God’s guidance.*Question: Have I ever shown an attitude of exalting myself or looking down on others? What specific efforts can I make to be humble? Look to the humble Jesus Christ (Mt.11:29, Learn) 3) Live a life relying only on God. *The world constantly tempts us to rely on the power& wisdom of the world. However, the text tells us that no great power can last forever, so we should rely only on God. When we face difficulties, we should go to God for help rather than relying on people or circumstances. We should move forward believing that only God can solve any situation, whether it is financial difficulties, health problems, or conflicts in interpersonal relationships. *Question: When I am in a difficult situation, who &what do I seek help from first? What kind of faith decision is needed to seek God’s way, not the world’s way?

6. Prayer: God, thank you for vividly showing me how the prosperity &pride of the world collapse under God’s judgment. Please help me realize the transience of the world &let me fear &rely only on God, the eternal Lord of all things. Please do not let us be arrogant as “my cedar tree”(Egypt) in our lives, but let us always be thankful for God’s hand &live more humbly as people of faith who hold on to Jesus, the water of eternal life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.