Oh How The Proud Have Fallen

Friday, June 12

Isaiah 14:13-16 (NLT)

“For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.Everyone there will stare at you and ask, ‘Can this be the one who shook the earth and made the kingdoms of the world tremble?”

Devotion

When God created Lucifer, He made him among the greatest of His Heavenly beings, His angels.  God made him the most beautiful and the most gifted.  But instead of recognizing God as his Creator, instead of being grateful and giving God the glory, Lucifer let it go to his head.  He came to believe that he could rise above God.  This passage is also written about the king of Babylon. Throughout history there has been one world leader after another – from the pharaohs of Egypt to Hitler, and beyond – whose prideful arrogance led to their downfall.  They believed they could “climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High” (v. 14).  One shudders to think where they are now. Or, did any of them repent? 

For those who have come to truly know God the Father and His Son Jesus – and praise Him for Who He Is and what He does – we can look at this and say "How absurd is that!  Who would do such a thing?”  But if we’re honest with ourselves, each of us could think back to a pocket of time where we said ‘I built my career myself’, or ‘I made the honor roll myself’.  Yes, we may have worked hard, but ultimately, it was God who opened the doors and gave us the ability.  Proverbs 16:18 may have been a hard lesson – Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.  Or, God may have gently taught us that it is He who deserves the Glory!!   

Isaiah 14:13-16 reminds us of the importance of humility.  We can humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift us up (James 4:10).  For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His Glory (Romans 11:36).  For someone who asks the question ‘why are we here?’ – the answer is to LOVE GOD and give God the glory in everything! 

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this beautiful reminder that You are our One True God!  Thank You for Your Son, Jesus who died for us, and for the Holy Spirit, who guides us. Thank You for those gentle reminders that it is not we, but YOU who makes us who we are and gives us accomplishments, for Your Glory! In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

If we're honest with ourselves, there are areas in our lives where we habitually take the credit, especially when things are going well. But if we slow down and take a closer look at what is happening in our lives—particularly the good things—we'll see His hand at work behind the scenes, doing the things only He can do. We truly owe Him all our praise. Let it begin today.

Resources
  • The good things in our lives are never by chance. Watch this short clip, "Give God The Glory," and be reminded to honor the One who makes it all possible.
  • Download this week’s wallpaper and let it be a daily reminder to prioritize praise! No matter what you're facing, choose to magnify God and keep your focus on His goodness. Wallpaper