SOAP 09/02/2015; Ezekiel 19:8

Today's reading: Ezekiel 17, 18, 19; Revelation 7

S) "⁸ Then nations set against him
On every side from their provinces,
And they spread their net over him;
He was captured in their pit."

Ezekiel 19:8 (NASB)

O) In the first half of this lamentation, the princes of Israel are described as a lion, reared by a lioness mother, from a cub to a very powerful lion. There is a rise and fall of a previous lion, which has its end in Egypt (vv.3-4), and then a second (which is the one the above verse means). In this lamentation, this second lion has its end in Babylon. It is fairly easy to see this is a metaphor for the entire nation of Israel, and it highlights something important about God's people. When God's people are in power, people who are not part of God's kingdom are threatened and fearful. This is seen throughout the Old Testament, even in times when Israel is at peace. This highlights the fact that there is a mortal enemy to every person who submits to the rule of God's Kingdom. In the case of this lamentation, of course we know that the kingdom of Judah was rightfully found guilty. Their power came from God, and when He revoked that power, they were unable to escape the net spread over them; they were captured in a pit.

A) There are two principles that immediately came to mind when I was reading this rise and fall of the powerful lion (twice over). First, I thought of the words of Jesus, when He said, "I have overcome the world." (see John 16:33). The second thing that came to mind, was the Kingship of Jesus. When the Israelite nation was first forming, the people wanted a king over them, to be like their neighboring nations. They thought they needed a man to lead them. Since that point, every king had issues, because people are broken. So, it was a prolonged process of decline, until they were finally removed. So, when Jesus Christ came, the Messiah, the King, to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand, a new era started. The people of Israel failed as a nation, because they stopped following the LORD, and instead followed men. The Kingdom of God will never be defeated, because our King is God. By following our King, Jesus Christ, we are following the LORD. Jesus made it clear, that His kingdom is not of this world (see John 18:36), so "being in power" like Israel was in the Old Testament, doesn't really look the same. Nevertheless, I know that the world is against me. However, I already know who wins in the end, because my King will never lead me astray. I know who will win in the end, because my King already defeated death. Because of that, His Kingdom is always in power (see 1 Corinthians 2:4; 4:19-20), and there will always be opposition, and He will always win.

P) Father, You are mighty, untiring, and all-knowing. You are holy, just, and true. My God, My King, You are perfect in Your rule. May I never be deceived into hoping in any man, politician, or world leader. Keep my eyes open, and my ears open, to see and hear the truth. Let me follow Your lead, walking in the Holy Spirit, seeking Your will, help, and hope. Let me fear no man, no militant group, no country. No one defeats my King, and because of that, we are victorious. May I walk in that same victory, knowing that no one can defeat me as long as I am following my God, my King. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.