A Blessed Life
I’ve lived a blessed life, and having you join me again today to read Ezekiel 24–27 is another example of that blessing. I am full of gratitude. God has allowed me to experience many things—one of which was a cruise with my wife and son. The ship was extravagant: bars, restaurants, buffets, water slides, gyms, pools, and shows. Elevators led to floors of polished shops filled with jewelry, clothing, and gifts. It was everything I’d imagined from watching The Love Boat growing up.
But when we docked at the islands, reality set in. Local merchants struggled to survive on the tourist trade. Inland, artisans filled the open-air markets—known as agoras in biblical times—selling their wares. The farther we moved from the tourist zones, the more aggressive the merchants became.
Tyre: The Cruise Ship of the Ancient World
Ezekiel 27:2–4
This was the image I had when reading about Tyre. It was elaborate and decadent, filled with goods you couldn’t find elsewhere. As a major trade port, Tyre was dazzling on the outside. But like Corinth in Paul’s time, the ships brought more than merchandise—they brought idolatry. The city, founded by the Phoenicians, was polytheistic and culturally diverse. That diversity infiltrated its spiritual identity.
God was about to destroy this island city and its surrounding port. First through Nebuchadnezzar (Ezek. 26:7–11), and later through Alexander the Great [1]. The glamour was a facade. Beneath it, Tyre was teeming with filth and vulgarity. Its influence on God’s people was toxic, and God was going to remove it (Ezek. 26:19).
When Beauty Masks Brokenness
While on that cruise, I realized that ships and wheelchairs are not compatible. Even with elevators, the hearts of people showed greed and selfishness. Able-bodied passengers pushed past us, separating my wife and son. It was impossible to roll through the restaurants because they were too cramped. Our accessible room required me to leave my chair at the entrance and lean on my wife or the walls to move around.
My son and I visited the gym, where he learned the hard way that stepping off a treadmill requires caution. He hit his face and broke a tooth. Later, someone with access to our room stole his wallet, and all his saved cash.
I doubt I’ll ever go on another cruise.
God Sees Past the Surface
My point is this: things may seem beautiful on the outside, but as with people, what’s inside may not match. Tyre’s glamour did not fool God. He saw the idolatry and the spiritual decay spreading throughout the region—including Israel. So He acted.
God does not resist a church or a nation rising to prominence, but if it is leading His people astray, He will correct it. He was present in Jerusalem, which He loved, and throughout the region (Ezek. 24:14; 25:15). His judgment is not arbitrary—it’s purposeful. Our purpose is to know God through Jesus Christ and to share our faith with others. If we cannot fulfill that purpose, we risk losing our usefulness.
A Challenge to Reflect and Recommit
So, I challenge you: Is your life leading others to want to know Jesus? What could you do to regain your testimony?
Show your friends and children that, irrespective of your shortcomings, you worship a God deserving of their praise. Your life should reflect the truth, not the facade. Ensure your faith goes deeper than just polished appearances. Make it real.
Tomorrow, we will read Ezekiel 28-31.
References
Freeman, Charles. The Greek Achievement: The Foundation of the Western World. New York: Penguin Books, 1999.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. Ezekiel 24–27.
Britannica. “Tyre.” https://www.britannica.com/place/Tyre-Lebanon