November 13

Today's Reading

Ezekiel 28:12-19 is a sister passage to Isaiah 14:12-21. Both passages, in the language and poetry of prophecy, open windows that allow us to see into the spirit world. We see the rise and fall of Lucifer, a powerful and beautiful angel who rebelled against God and became Satan. Tyre and Sidon, both in the nation of Lebanon today, were mighty nation-states on the sea. Both were at times allies of Israel but, during the days of Ezekiel, they likely were enjoying the fall of Israel and Judah from power and prominence. The prophet pointed out that God's judgment was falling on them, too.

Hebrews. It is easy to understand what people did and why they did it with the perspective of history. It changes our understanding when we remember that they didn't know how their stories would end. Like us, they were making choices without knowing fully what would happen. That's where faith comes in!

Psalms. "9 He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!" Aren't you glad that He didn't leave us with "postage due"? He paid the full price to deliver us to Himself by sending His own Son to die on the cross.

Proverbs. Perhaps these verses help understand why we men are told to "love your wife as Christ loved the church." The moment we decide to attempt changing our wives, we are just moving deeper into conflict.

What do you see today?