This chapter contains a lament / prophecy for Egypt over its pending destruction.
” ‘And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put my sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he will groan before him like a man mortally wounded. I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh shall fall. Then they shall know that I am the Lord, when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he stretches it out against the land of Egypt. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them throughout the countries. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’ ” (v24-26)
If anyone asks why our God of love allows suffering, struggle, pain, and death to continue in this world, this is why: we are suffering the consequences of our freely chosen sin, and He hopes that we will turn to Him, acknowledging that He is God, and we need His help.
I encourage us (myself included) to acknowledge God daily, and ideally, every moment of each day. By practicing consistent prayer and worship (acknowledging God’s presence and acting / speaking out of His truths) we will not forget that He is God, and we will be salt / light to those around us.
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Ever-Present Creator, You are our everything, whether we acknowledge You or not. You are our moment-by-moment provider, the breath in our lungs, and we long to be with You consistently. Please guide us through Your Spirit, reminding us to pray unceasingly, conducting ourselves for Your glory and honor. Please work in us so You can work through us more effectively, spreading salt and light to all who do not yet acknowledge You as Lord. In Jesus’ precious and holy name we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training