I remember a sermon from Reverend Molly Simpson years ago. The thought was that Jesus is better than the many things that the world offers so we should spend our time and money devoted to His Way. We should keep paying attention to the instructions given, the wonders, the signs, and to stay the course. Don’t get distracted but stay focused on Jesus who provides the better Way.

Reading today Isaiah 23, the better way was not being followed and another great city is prophesized to feel the destructive wrath of God. God hates pride and this would lead to the ruin of Tyre (v. 9).

The coastal city of Tyre is in present day Lebanon. During the time of today’s passage, merchants were made wealthy through trading. Ships from the Mediterranean would come from Tarshish (either Crete or off the coast of Spain), Italy, Greece, and pass by Cyprus over to the city of Tyre which is northeast of Jerusalem.

The city was full of greed and pride. God wants our money to be a benefit for a society and He wants people to be treated right. He controls all nations and in today’s passage, we are told that for 70 years Tyre would no longer be a great city until the Lord would let Tyre back into business (v. 15). Profits would then be set apart for the Lord (v. 18).

The lesson for us is to use material wealth to benefit society. To give incentive to those that work hard for their dreams coming true but at the same time, for them to be good stewards of the resources they’ve been given.

This day with You God, building spiritual treasure is our top priority and not worldly wealth. Use our talents and time in order to build kingdom wealth as we mine for spiritual treasure from Your Word to share with others. Help us to be good stewards of the resources we’ve been given. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.