How should believers respond to God's use of nations for His purposes today? The Scene in Ezekiel 30:11 “He and his allies—the most ruthless of nations—will be brought in to destroy the land, and they will draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with slain.” • Egypt trusted its power and alliances; God raised foreign armies to humble that pride. • The verse shows God actively steering geopolitical events, even employing “the most ruthless of nations” to carry out His righteous judgments. • What He did then, He still does: directing nations so His larger redemptive plan moves forward untouched. God’s Sovereignty Over Every Government • Proverbs 21:1—“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” • Daniel 2:21—“He removes kings and establishes them.” • Acts 17:26-27—God charts “appointed times and the boundaries” so people might seek Him. Takeaway: No election, coup, treaty, or conflict slips outside the Lord’s control. Nations may think they act independently, yet every ruler is ultimately an instrument in God’s hand. How Believers Respond in Heart and Mind • Humble trust – Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God.” – Anxiety about global headlines melts before the certainty that the Lord reigns. • Repentance where needed – Just as Egypt’s pride drew judgment, God may use world events to expose sin closer to home (1 Peter 4:17). • Hope, not cynicism – Romans 8:28 assures God works “all things” for good to those who love Him; that includes international turmoil. Living Wisely Within Our Own Nation • Submission and civic integrity – Romans 13:1—“The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” – Obey laws unless they directly oppose God’s commands (Acts 5:29). • Discernment, not blind nationalism – Philippians 3:20—“Our citizenship is in heaven.” Earthly patriotism must never eclipse loyalty to Christ. • Salt-and-light influence – Jeremiah 29:7 urged exiles to “seek the welfare of the city.” Engage culture, vote, serve, and model righteousness. Praying in Light of God’s Purposes • 1 Timothy 2:1-2—Pray “for kings and all in authority” so that gospel work may proceed unhindered. • Ask that leaders exercise justice (Micah 6:8), restrain evil (Romans 13:4), and create space for the spread of the Word. Participating in God’s Mission Amid Shifting Powers • Matthew 28:18-19 reminds us Christ already holds “all authority.” Nations rise and fall, yet the Great Commission stands unchanged. • Global movements—migration, technology, crises—often open doors for evangelism that were previously shut. • Align time, talents, and resources with advancing the gospel rather than merely tracking political headlines. Keeping Eyes on the Ultimate Kingdom • Hebrews 12:28—“We are receiving an unshakable kingdom.” • Revelation shows every earthly empire giving way to Christ’s reign. • Therefore, believers can: – Endure temporary instability with calm endurance. – Celebrate when God’s providence dethrones idols and exposes injustice. – Look eagerly for the day “the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord” (Revelation 11:15). In every era, Ezekiel 30:11 whispers the same assurance: God can wield even ruthless nations as tools, but His covenant people remain secure in His hands. Our response—trust, obedience, prayer, gospel focus—proves that we believe it. |
    |