The Daily Word: Sunday, November 14th, 2021
Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“And the land of Egypt shall become desolate and waste; then they will know that I am the Lord, because he said, ‘The River is mine, and I have made it.’” – Ezek. 29:9
Egypt was in trouble. God would take vengeance on her, and the nation would become “desolate and waste” (v 9). What was their mistake? Pride. The people of Egypt took personal responsibility for their successes instead of giving God – their Maker – the credit He deserves. Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, took personal credit for the nation’s strength, instead of giving the credit to God! He spoke of the Nile, the river which Egypt controlled, saying, “The River is mine, and I have made it” (Ezek. 29:9); when of course we know that God was the real Creator.
You might control it! But you didn’t make it for yourself. Pharaoh had jurisdiction over the Nile River. God had made him a steward! But pride got the best of him when he assumed he had “made it for [himself].”
So, what is your Nile? What is that one area in your life where you are taking credit for victory instead of giving God the glory? Is your career going well? God made it. Are your kids healthy and happy? They belong to God! If it’s good, remember that God made it for you. You may be the steward, but you are not the owner. Stay grateful, and He will keep you in the palm of His hand.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. – Jas. 1:16-17
Prayer:
Father, keep me from pride! When things go well, help me to give You the credit. When things go poorly, help me to take responsibility. I know that everything I have jurisdiction over belongs to You, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.