Monday, June 15th: In Episode 791 of The Daily Grind, we continue The Gospel According to Ezekiel with Part 26, “The Fallen Cedar,” from Ezekiel 31. God tells Pharaoh to look at the example of Assyria, once the greatest empire in the ancient world. Ezekiel compares Assyria to a magnificent cedar tree towering above all others, providing shelter, influence, and strength to countless nations. Yet the very greatness that made the empire impressive also became the source of its downfall. The cedar forgot its roots, became proud, and eventually was cut down. Through this image, God warns Pharaoh that Egypt is walking the same path. Ezekiel reveals that pride often grows from blessings when people begin to mistake gifts for personal achievements. The chapter reminds us that every empire, nation, institution, and individual who builds on self-exaltation eventually faces the limits of human power. Christians ultimately see the contrast fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who chose humility instead of self-promotion and was exalted by God. Ezekiel 31 calls believers to remember their dependence on God and to recognize that true greatness is found not in pride but in humility.

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