Ezekiel 27

ScriptureEzekiel 27:27 Your wealth, merchandise and wares,    your mariners, sailors and shipwrights,your merchants and all your soldiers,    and everyone else on boardwill sink into the heart of the sea    on the day of your shipwreck.Observation - What does it say?God continues to declare the fate of Tyre through the prophet Ezekiel. This incredibly prosperous city is likened to a beautiful ship - a titanic of sorts - that though appearing strong, affluent, elegant and sturdy, it will quickly be destroyed and remembered no more. Understanding - What does it mean?The wicked will not prosper. A life filled with sinful pleasures can look appealing when you see others appearing to enjoy it without suffering any immediate consequences. But the truth is, the pleasure is fleeting. In the end, those who indulge in it will be humbled in an instant and those who pursue righteousness will be exalted.Moses set a great example for us of how we should respond to this truth:Hebrews 11:25-26 ²⁵ [Moses] chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶ He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.Life ApplicationWhen you want the wrong thing but you will the right thing, that’s righteousness.Choose righteousness! There are times sin looks appealing, but if we can have the wisdom to look beyond the present we will see that sin’s pleasure is fleeting and the reward for avoiding it will be great.God, you know the areas we each struggle with temptation. May we be those who learn to walk in the victory you’ve purchased for us and not give in. Give us not only the desire to do what pleases you but the power to act on it. Amen.- Levi Thompson To check out the discussion or to join in click here.