September 21–September 27

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Psalm 74 describes what the enemies of God’s people have done, declares God’s power, and begs Him to remember His enemies and deal with them for what they have done. 

Ezekiel 26 through 32 are largely filled with God’s promise to accomplish exactly that.

Tyre is judged for taking advantage of Jerusalem’s fall to enrich herself at the expense of God’s people. Sidon is judged for being a “prickling briar” to the house of Israel. Egypt is judged for failing Israel when Israel relied on Egypt for help.

These things are all mentioned as part of the reason for the judgment, but there are other connected reasons. Pride is the biggest one. 

The surprising part is that there are laments over these nations. The descriptions of Tyre in her glory, wealth, and power make it clear that her fall is not just drastic, but also something to mourn. She had tremendous blessings from the Lord, and instead of being thankful to Him and giving Him the glory, she decided she was something special. 

Egypt was also proud of what she had become:

The land of Egypt will become a desolation and waste. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Because you said, “The Nile is mine, and I have made it,” therefore, behold, I am against you and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from Migdol to Syene and even to the border of Ethiopia. (Ezek. 29:9–10)

Egypt is warned that Assyria was even more glorious, but she fell. 

Today the United States is glorious, and sadly we have the same pride. What do we declare is ours? What do we in our pride declare we have made or accomplished? Our powerful ships will not be able to stop the judgment of God any more than Tyre’s ships did. 

VERSES TO MEDITATE ON

Remember this, O LORD, that the enemy has reviled,

And a foolish people has spurned Your name.

Do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the wild beast;

Do not forget the life of Your afflicted forever.

—Psalm 74:18–19

HOW TO PRAY

• Adoration – “Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun.” (Ps. 74:16)
• Confession – How often we have looked to the strength and glory of our nation and taken comfort in them, rather than in the God who made us. 
• Thanksgiving – “Yet God is my king from of old, who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.” (Ps. 74:12)
• Supplication – “Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance; and this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.” (Ps. 74:2)