Monday, February 21, 2011

The Fall of Tyre

Are you familiar with the story of Tyre? Tyre was a powerful city in its time, known for its skilled artisans and its great wealth. It was the jewel of ancient Phoenicia. The people there, however, became beguiled by their own greatness. They congratulated themselves on their power, their knowledge, their beauty, and they grew prideful. They denied the Lord in favour of their own personal glory. And so they fell (Ez. 28:18).

They failed to remember that everything they had was given to them by the Lord. They forgot that the most important thing in life was not wealth or splendour or recognition, but a relationship with God. They thought they were secure in their grandeur. They thought their power and influence made them mighty, but instead it made them weak.

We should always be careful to avoid such snares. We should always remember that it’s God’s strength and wisdom that we borrow, not our own. Because of this, we should never neglect our time with our Lord, nor think of ourselves as too grand, too smart, or too independent. We should always keep God in the forefront of our thoughts, our actions, our whole lives, and we will not fall as Tyre did.

Do you ever wonder what might happen to our current civilization?

note: photo of Pompeii. If you look carefully you can see Mount Vesuvius in the background. It's the only photo I have of the place before my camera battery died.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a good reminder...
I do wonder about America...it seems some have become like Tyre in their understanding of what has made us great. I pray that God shows mercy on us.

Blessings,
Tammy

Anonymous said...

That is a big question. Great post. A dead battery? Oh, that must have been heart breaking! I read once though you should visit places without your camera first, to really feel and enjoy the spot, then come back for purely photos. I hope you enjoyed Pompeii.

Deborah Ann said...

Wow, you really got the wheels spinning! How easy it is to get caught up in pride, when all we really need is friendship with God. It's all about Him, not us. And yes, I do wonder what's to become of us...so much sin and pride in the world. How long will God suffer with us?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

We'll find out on Judgement Day! Or not - after the Rapture, we won't be here to see it.

Rita said...

Yes, I often wonder. Our world has so forgotten the One who made us and redeemed us. Sometimes we get so busy with "things" that we forget the One who made us all. Very good reminder!

God Whispers said...

Exceptional post. With what is going on in the world now, and other countries following suit with protests and innocent lives being lost, we can only pray for our own countries for God's protection.

Carol Riggs said...

Yes, our civilizations are not exempt from potential ruin, any more than civilizations in the past. Are we learning from history? Hmm, maybe not.

Susan Kane said...

Yes, I wonder about our nation, and the directions it has taken. I used to look at grand museums made of granite and marble, seeing them as permanent monuments. Now I know it only takes a moment for it all to crumble. Thank you for your insight. Susan

D.M. SOLIS said...

This is a very good reminder. You know, I heard the other day, the root of humility is Truth. I don't know if it's true, but it's a fine thought. Anyway, I am also reminded not to take myself too seriously, as the saying goes, and to laugh at myself...to laugh out loud. Thank you, Dear Heart. Love and peaceful prayers,

Diane

Teresa said...

A powerful reminder from the Spirit of God! Thank you for being a willing vessel to remind us! Btw...I am also a contributing writer to Santified Together...what a blessing Chrissy and Alisa are!!! God bless you in all your ways!

Sparkyone.m said...

Are you aware that Tyre did not fall as described in Ezekiel and is still a city today?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It is? Are we talking about the same Tyre? The one in Phoenicia? Regardless, think of it as Rome. Rome fell, but the city is still here today. It's just not the same as it used to be--a shadow of its former self, if you'll forgive the cliche.