In this chapter God talks about Assyria as if it’s a mighty tree, more beautiful and stronger than any in the garden of Eden. Yet, God judged and destroyed Assyria, and He will do the same to Egypt (who are also a mighty tree).
” ‘I made it beautiful in the mass of its branches, and all the trees of Eden envied it, that were in the garden of God… Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and its heart was proud of its height, I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations. He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out… Whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? You shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the world below…’ ” (v9-11, 18 abr)
God brings down the mighty Assyria because they had become a very proud people, relying on themselves instead of God. Egypt has become the same way, so sure of themselves that they did not rely on God.
This reminds me of an impactful teaching from Phil Vischer entitled “My Life as a Tomato”. In case you’re not aware, Phil is the creative genius behind “Veggie Tales”, a once vibrant and powerful children’s ministry. I won’t spoil the whole teaching in case you want to watch it (embedded below), however there’s one person who would remind him to “keep an eye on his pride”. Over time he too became more focused on the reputation and company that he had built, than on God.
I remind all of us today, including myself, to “keep an eye on our pride”. God knows it’s best for us to trust in Him and lean not on our own understanding (Pro 3:5-6). We have a choice: voluntarily humble ourselves before God, or be forcefully humbled by God. Either way, we’re going to be brought low, so how do we want that to happen?
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Loving Creator, we praise You for Your gentleness. We acknowledge that Your love for us requires You to help us be humble, recognizing You are God and we are not. Please remind us every day to be humble, as Jesus was. He didn’t self-aggrandize and seek His own glory (though He certainly could have), He sought Your glory and honor – may we do the same! Please lead us in the paths of righteousness, for Your name’s sake, every moment of every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training