And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
—Isaiah 2:17-18 (KJV)
Sometimes, when we are "too big for our britches," we find ourselves humbled by a natural disaster, world war, incurable disease, economic depression, or widespread social disorder. Our arrogance functions as a predictor of our own impending fall. Is there a general principle of our universe at work here? ("Pride goes before a fall.") Is this the active discipline of God at work? ("God disciplines those he loves.") I guess the answer is "Yes!" to both questions. God and his world remind us that there is so much about our lives we can't control. This passage goes beyond the general principles and promises an ultimate day when human arrogance will be eliminated and all false gods disappear. On that day, God's children will rejoice and be glad! Until then, let's walk humbly with our God and anticipate the day Jesus returns, arrogance is brought down, and pride is exchanged for humility. O, what a glorious day that will be!
Dear Father in heaven, please humble me gently. I don't want to lose my awareness of your abiding presence by becoming too full of myself. Neither do I want to bring disaster upon myself or those I love because of my arrogance. Please give me an undivided heart, dear Father, a heart devoted to you out of appreciation for your grace, mercy, and love. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Isaiah 2:17-18 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Sometimes, when we are "too big for our britches," we find ourselves humbled by a natural disaster, world war, incurable disease, economic depression, or widespread social disorder. Our arrogance functions as a predictor of our own impending fall. Is there a general principle of our universe at work here? ("Pride goes before a fall.") Is this the active discipline of God at work? ("God disciplines those he loves.") I guess the answer is "Yes!" to both questions. God and his world remind us that there is so much about our lives we can't control. This passage goes beyond the general principles and promises an ultimate day when human arrogance will be eliminated and all false gods disappear. On that day, God's children will rejoice and be glad! Until then, let's walk humbly with our God and anticipate the day Jesus returns, arrogance is brought down, and pride is exchanged for humility. O, what a glorious day that will be!
My Prayer...
Dear Father in heaven, please humble me gently. I don't want to lose my awareness of your abiding presence by becoming too full of myself. Neither do I want to bring disaster upon myself or those I love because of my arrogance. Please give me an undivided heart, dear Father, a heart devoted to you out of appreciation for your grace, mercy, and love. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
