AUGUST 31 – Reading 243

by Tim Satryan | August 31

“PRIDE COMES BEFORE THE FALL”
(Ezekiel 30:20 – 31:18; Jeremiah 48:1 – 49:39)

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because it became proud and arrogant, and because it set itself so high above the others, reaching to the clouds, I handed it over to a mighty nation that destroyed it as its wickedness deserved. I myself discarded it.” – Ezekiel 31:10-11

It was beautiful! Great springs of water, tall luxurious trees… no place anywhere compared to its beauty. But, it would all be destroyed. These are essentially the words of both Ezekiel and Jeremiah to the nations spoken of in today’s assigned passages. But, both prophets declare that in spite of the beauty and strength of those lands, they would be completely destroyed. Why? Because they became proud and arrogant! They thought of themselves as better and greater than anyone else – and that attitude became the recipe for their destruction. In Jeremiah 48:7, we read “Because you have trusted in your wealth and skill, you will be taken captive.”

I am reminded of another passage of scripture. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”

This truth is just as relevant among folks in the “church world” as it was in ancient days! Too many times there are those who think that because they have served in certain church positions, or have been a member of a church for a long time, that they are then to be afforded certain privileges that others can’t have. God help us to not become filled with pride. We need to have the attitude of Jesus Himself, who came not to be served, but rather to serve!

Simple Truth:
The greatest “position” anyone can have, especially as a believer in Christ, is to be a complete and total servant!

Reflections & Application: 

• God has given each of us gifts and abilities. What has He given to you, and how can you use them today to serve others?

   

• As you look at others around you, what do you see? Do you view them as people that God loves so much that He gave His Son to die for them? They are precious in His sight!

   

• Whether you have been saved for just days or for many decades, you are called to humble yourself and to be a servant to all. How will you do that today?

   

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I recognize that without You, I am nothing. And, I also know that because of You, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Lead me and guide me today to use all of what You have so graciously given to me, so that I may serve others and lead them to Christ. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.