Splintered Reeds: When We Lean on Broken Things

In the book of Ezekiel, there is an odd turn of phrase when the prophet compares the nation of Egypt to a "cane that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it." This is a powerful image that speaks to the dangers of relying on things that are not trustworthy.

Israel's Partnership with Egypt

In the context of the book of Ezekiel, this comparison is being used to describe Israel's relationship with Egypt. Israel had been looking to Egypt for political and military support, but God was warning them that Egypt was a broken reed and that they would only be disappointed if they trusted in it.

Egypt's Failure to Deliver

As it turned out, Egypt did not provide the help that Israel was hoping for. In fact, Egypt even betrayed Israel at one point. This experience should have taught Israel that they cannot trust in Egypt or any other nation. They should only trust in God.

Our Own Broken Reeds

I've never put my trust in a political alliance, but I have put my trust in many other things that have turned out to be broken reeds. For example, I have trusted in my own intellect, my time management skills, and the people I thought were my friends.

However, times of crisis have shown me that none of these things can be fully trusted. My intellect has failed me. My time management skills have broken down. And the people I thought I could count on have often let me down.

The Dangers of Leaning on Broken Reeds

The more I put my weight on these other things instead of on God, the more damage I do to myself. They are all broken reeds, and they will pierce me if I lean on them.

God is asking for our full devotion. He wants us to trust in Him completely and to not put our hope in anything else.

In a recent class, we discussed whether this means that we should not take care of ourselves. For example, can we trust God and still save for retirement? The answer is yes, but we need to make sure that we are not leaning on our retirement savings more than we are leaning on God.

The Tower of Jenga

Imagine a game of Jenga. You have a wooden tower, and the goal is to pull little pieces out from under it to see how long it can stay standing. It is relatively easy to pull one tile out of a row of three. Bracing on two, it feels stable. If you pull one of those two out, the whole thing falls apart.

When it comes to trust, the question is whether our tower is built on God or other things. For example, is our tower built on God and retirement? God and health? God and job performance? In a tower like that, if you pull out health, finances, or job, the whole tower falls apart.

However, if our faith is built on Jesus Christ and His promises, then we can pull out anything other than God, and the tower will remain strong. This is what Ezekiel was hoping for Israel and Judah, and it is what I am hoping and praying for us and our community.

Let us establish ourselves on Christ and be unshakable. Let us not lean on any broken reeds, but let us trust in God completely.

With You:
Pastor Tim