This chapter describes the destruction of Tyre because they rejoiced at (and took advantage of) the destruction of Israel / Judah.
” ‘Son of man, because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, “Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste,” therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. They shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers… And she shall become plunder for the nations… Then they will know that I am the Lord.’ ” (v2-6 abr)
Have you ever celebrated the unfavorable circumstances of someone you disliked / hated? I’m ashamed that I have. Whether it’s a high school bully / rival, a corporate competitor, or a criminal, we have this sense of justice that is often fulfilled when someone ‘gets what’s coming to them’. This sense of justice is somewhat perverted, and doesn’t leave much room for grace / mercy / forgiveness.
What I mean is, no matter our past, when we receive grace, mercy and forgiveness from God, Jesus wipes the slate clean for us. We thankfully don’t need to worry about balancing some cosmic karma scale (because we can’t make up for our own sin with ‘good deeds’). God purifies us through Jesus’ blood, we cannot redeem ourselves through works.
Jesus then commands us to extend this same grace and mercy to those around us, forgiving and loving those who wrong us. They will still suffer the natural consequences of their actions, but we shouldn’t celebrate their suffering or wish / force additional suffering upon them (that would be spite, not love). So let’s not celebrate the downfall of our neighbors, those made in the image of God, for they are worthy of our respect, love, and forgiveness.
Father God, our Glorious Creator and Magnificent Lord, we praise Your holy and awesome name. Thank you for granting us forgiveness, grace, mercy and love, all of which are undeserved. Please help us to extend those same blessings to our neighbors, especially to those who are undeserving of it (in our eyes). May we be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus in this world, and shine His glory throughout Your creation. In the name of Jesus we honor, serve, and glorify You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training