Look to Jesus

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 29:1-16; Jeremiah 37-38

“…I have broken the arm of Pharaoh… It has not been bound up to be healed or put in a splint so that it may become strong enough to hold a sword.” Ezekiel 30:21 NIV

God continually told Israel not to look to Egypt for provisions, strength, or support (Deut. 17:16; Isa. 31:1). But this was a real challenge for Israel because for centuries, the Egyptian empire was a powerhouse of provisions, strength, and support. For example, their engineering and irrigation systems provided a surplus of agricultural resources; they discovered ways to mine and exploit minerals; theirs was a land full of culture and education; and their military strength and literal horse power were unparalleled. BUT the Bible tells us that the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so all of this is simply nothing in His economy (Ps. 50:10).

God saw Egypt for what it was – a godless society which worshiped everything other than the Creator. They had a leader in Pharaoh who was so proud and arrogant that he even took credit for the Nile River (Ezek. 29:3). But you and I know the reality: what is man compared to God Almighty? God pronounced utter destruction on Pharaoh and literally said He would break both of Pharaoh’s arms rendering him helpless and unable to even hold a sword (Ezek. 30:20-21).

So what does God’s judgment on Pharaoh have to do with you and me? Keeping in mind that Egypt is a picture of the world in Bible typology, consider: God told Israel not to turn to Egypt for provision, strength, and support and Jesus tells us not to look to the world for those things either (Matt. 6:25-34). God delivered Israel from Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and Jesus has delivered us from the god of this world (Gal. 1:4; Col. 1:13). Pharaoh was rendered helpless, unable to wield his sword, and God has likewise defeated the devil, our foe, and given us His Word which is sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 2:14, 4:12). God is good, friends! His promises are true. Look to Him rather than the world and watch Him come through for you!