What Kind of Riches do You Have?

O. T. #1915  "What Kind of Riches Do You Have?"

April 5, 2021

Ezekiel 27

LET IT GLOW

Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. (Psalm 32:2)

I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. (Ps. 32:5)

Thou art my hiding place. (Ps. 32:7a)

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with Mine eye.

(verse 8)

LET IT GROW

Tyre, an ancient city of the Pheonicians, was a city located on the Mediterranean Sea, which had a powerful navy, a productive shipping business, and merchants travelled its land routes to Egypt and other nations.

Historically, the kings of Tyre were a friend of David, who help supply wood for the building of Solomon's Temple. They were ship builders and merchants by trade. They carried on commerce and trade using the barter system for actual goods. ((Verses 10-25) There are some 23 countries listed doing trade with about 38 products there. The first mention of Persia is found in verse 10. However, they sold Jews into slavery later. Tire's chief sin was pride. (verses 2, 5,17)

There were 4 laments of the funeral of the city of Tyre:

1. The first oracle or lament describes Tyre's former greatness by comparing the city to its beautiful ships.  They were made of pine, cedar, oak, and cypress, along with ivory. (verses 5-6) The sails were made of embroidered lined from Egypt, with awnings of blue and purple fabric. (verse 7) Those ships were manned by the best rowers, captains, and repairmen. (verses 8-9) It was well protected by an army of mercenaries from other lands (verses 10-11), and its trading partners included nations from all over the known world carrying every kind of merchandise imaginable. (verses 12-25)
2. When God's east wind of judgment blew on Tyre (verse 26), it fell. Her sailors cried out in their own lament and mourned for their great city that had come to ruin. Her trading partners would shudder at the great city's utter destruction. (verses 28-36) What would be lost would include wealth, merchandise, goods, sailors and captains, those who bartered for goods, all warriors on board, as well as those people in Tyre.

Material riches should be viewed as a gift from the Lord. Believers are encouraged to be good stewards of all He entrusts to us. As we are blessed, we should share with those in need. When God's judgment comes, no stocks, safety deposit box, nor material things, gold or silver, will help. So don't put your eggs in one basket. We should be sending up eternal valuables to our eternal home. There are souls who need told of the love, grace, mercy, and eternal provision of Jesus Christ. It comes through faith in Him, not wealth or societal position , nor power, but faith. Where is your treasure?

Spiritual riches should be our goal. Are we rich in faith, love, joy, peace?

[Resources: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

LET IT GO

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood of Nazareth.

Is your life built on Christ the Solid Rock?

Is He your Risen Savior, Redeemer, Intercessor?