Here we are again looking at how the people of Tyre depended upon themselves rather than God. And I realized that I skipped a verse, 8a:
“Who has planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns…” And then verses 9-10 says: “The LORD of hosts has planned it, to defile the pride of all beauty, To despise all the honored of the earth. Overflow your land like the Nile, O daughter of Tarshish, There is no more restraint.” (NASB).
Here’s how the Message interprets it:
“Is this the city you remember as energetic and alive, bustling with activity, this historic old city, Expanding throughout the globe, buying and selling all over the world?And who is behind the collapse of Tyre, the Tyre that controlled the world markets? Tyre’s merchants were the business tycoons. Tyre’s traders called all the shots.”
So much power, prestiage, wealth and influence. And yes, God wants us to use influence for the good of His kingdom and He may even assign us those things for His glory, but let’s be cautious to keep our eyes on Jesus and not take the credit and glory.
The people of Tyre depended upon these things. We need to be careful that those kind of things aren’t the sources of us feeling good about ourselves. Otherwise, God may have to destroy what has become an idol in our lives. For He did destroy Tyre’s influence and wealth.
I guess a good question is: what would I feel tense about losing? If God took away ministry, opportunities, wealth, the approval of others, or the ability to see results in others’ lives, how would I feel? If I feel tense and resistent, that could be signficant in indicating that has become an idol in my life.
In God’s grace, Tyre was reestablished 70 years later as a hub of influence.
Isaiah 23:17-18 tells us, “It will come about at the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre. Then she will go back to her harlot’s wages and will play the harlot with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. Her gain and her harlot’s wages will be set apart to the LORD; it will not be stored up or hoarded, but her gain will become sufficient food and choice attire for those who dwell in the presence of the LORD. “
I doubt the attitudes were any different but God decided to use her wealth to prosper His people and His Name. God will indeed use us, with or without our cooperation. Let’s put off any idolatry of worshiping power, influence, wealth and man’s approval, and devote ourselves for God’s glory.