The previous chapter, Ezekiel 27, contains historical information about the very wealthy King of Tyre. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Tyre was a major trading center and jewel of the ancient world. As we segue into chapter 28, the King of Tyre is still the focus. However, the language that describes him extends beyond the reasonable limitations of a historical human being. Rather, it takes us on a journey forward and backward by millennia into the angelic realm. In accordance with other sections …show more content…
The only man in The Bible described as a “man after God’s own heart” is King David. In that instance, it means a likeness of God’s character. David’s heart was set on things of the Lord. His desires were God desires. Is that what this phrase in Ezek. 28:2 means? Hardly. It is not referring to God’s holy character, but rather, His exclusive prerogatives. Like Lucifer before him, this individual sets his heart on usurping the authority and position of God Himself. He thinks of himself as God’s equal. As with The King of Tyre, The Antichrist will attempt to pull rank on The Almighty. God will proclaim that the emperor has no clothes. He is just a man. This is supported with sarcasm in the following …show more content…
Take cocaine for example. Cocaine has been used in eye surgery. Even though a thing may have inherent characteristics that tempt our sinful nature, it is still the abuse of that thing that is evil, not the thing itself. Evil is always a wrongful action directed away from God’s rightful intention. But it is never a thing. I could talk about the guns, uranium, nudity. Pick your poison. The same principle applies to all.
The principle of motivation also applies to works that “appear” righteous. Is it righteous to help an old lady across the street? Not if your motivation is to gain her trust, so you can run off with her purse. “Good” works are not necessarily good. It all gets back to one’s motivations. Even reading the bible, praying and serving in the church can be sinful, if your motivation for doing so is to impress the cute blonde that sings in the choir.
The prophets used sarcasm (Isaiah 4:19-20; Jer. 46:11), as did the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 4:13). Remember Jesus asking, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” (Mark 10:18) Because Jesus is God, he certainly said this with a tone of