How can Ezekiel 27:33 inspire us to use resources for God's glory? Opening the Text “When your wares went out to sea, you satisfied many nations. You enriched the kings of the earth with your abundant wealth and merchandise.” (Ezekiel 27:33) Seeing Tyre’s Story as a Mirror • Tyre’s merchandise overflowed, blessing “many nations” and “kings of the earth.” • Yet the same chapter records Tyre’s sudden collapse when God judged its pride (27:34-36). • The account confirms two truths: 1) God is the ultimate source of prosperity, and 2) every resource can either glorify Him or become an idol (cf. Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Principles for Stewarding Our Resources • Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness” (Psalm 24:1). We manage, He owns. • Accountability: Tyre’s downfall shows that God reviews how wealth is acquired and used (Luke 16:2). • Purpose: Resources exist to “do good…be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). • Eternity: Laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) outlasts earthly commerce. Practical Ways to Glorify God with What We Have 1. Budget worshipfully—start with the tithe and offerings (Malachi 3:10). 2. Invest in Gospel work—missions, church planting, Scripture translation (Philippians 4:17-18). 3. Meet immediate needs—food banks, adoption funds, medical bills (James 2:15-16). 4. Employ resources ethically—fair wages, honest contracts, environmentally responsible practices (Proverbs 11:1). 5. Model contentment—fight materialism by celebrating what God has provided (Hebrews 13:5). 6. Teach the next generation—include children in giving decisions so they see stewardship lived out (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Encouragement for Today Tyre’s bustling harbor reminds us that prosperity itself is not sinful; forgetting its Giver is. As God entrusts us with skills, salaries, possessions, and influence, Ezekiel 27:33 invites us to keep shipments of praise flowing upward and streams of blessing flowing outward—so every resource under our care unmistakably points back to His glory. |
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