July 15 – Reading 196

july 15 – Reading 196

by Marcia Rainey | July 15

“PRIDE VS. HUMILITY”
(Isaiah 15:1-17:14)

In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel — Isaiah 17:7.

I am currently rereading the classic Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. These Isaiah passages and my Mere Christianity reading came together powerfully this morning.  

Pride is the sin leading to God’s judgment upon Moab, and Isaiah wonders how such a small, feeble nation like Moab can be so arrogant, conceited, and extremely proud (Is 16:6). In the chapter titled “The Great Sin”, Lewis reminds us of the one sin every person must battle. “There is a one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves…The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit.” Lewis continues, “Pride always means enmity–it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God…as long as you are proud, you cannot know God.” Pride creates a barrier between a person and God because it fosters our self-reliance and independence. For this reason, the truth of God’s judgment on the proud yet his abundant grace for the humble is seen throughout the Bible. For Moab, Isaiah predicted God’s judgment on their pride would occur within three years, causing destruction so severe that only a few would survive. Isaiah also predicted the destruction of Aram’s capital Damascus and Moab alongside Israel because of their idolatry and pride. These countries’ trust in human strength and foreign gods replaced trust in the Lord. Isaiah said to Israel, “You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress” (Is 17:10). Idolatry is rooted in this self-centered pride—an outright refusal or quiet forgetfulness not to depend on God.

Interestingly, as Isaiah prophesied the ruin of Moab, a long-standing enemy of Judah, he wept for them: “My heart cries out over Moab” (Isaiah 15:5). This verse captures Isaiah’s compassionate response to a fallen enemy—a powerful example of humility in action, putting aside personal or national pride to feel and reflect God’s heart. Lewis writes, “Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love.” Isaiah has a soft heart–even toward enemies. Humility makes room for compassion. 

It is important to note the goal of God’s judgment: “In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel” (Is. 17:7). God’s desire for people to be in relationship with Him is so great that He may bring about personal and/or national temporary discomfort to do so. Yet He Himself endured temporary discomfort to make a way for us to be in relationship with Him by His own (Jesus’) death on the cross.  As we humbly respond to God through Jesus our Savior, we enter into His eternal kingdom of blessing and favor (Is. 16:5). 

Simple Truth:
Pride leads to destruction, but humble compassion—even for enemies—reflects the heart of God.

Reflections: 

1. How has pride shown up in your life, perhaps in subtle or in spiritual forms? Lewis ends his chapter on pride with this statement, “If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.”

2. How have you been a recipient of God’s mercy when you didn’t “deserve” it? How might you reflect God’s heart in showing mercy to those who don’t “deserve” it? 

Application: 

• Invite Accountability: Ask God to search your heart and reveal strongholds of pride. You could also ask a trusted friend or mentor to lovingly point out any patterns of pride they see in your words or actions.
• Practice Humility: Choose one act of service or encouragement this day that puts someone else’s needs before your own, without seeking recognition.

Closing Prayer…
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge you alone are the Almighty Creator and Sovereign over all that is. Though You are high, you became lowly in Jesus to rescue me. Search me and help me to humble myself before You, receiving your forgiveness, mercy, and grace which I don’t deserve. Help me to bring you honor with my life and live in Your blessing and favor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.