 |
PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL “But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 32:25) The Bible tells us that Hezekiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father David had done. In other words, he had been faithful in the things of God and God blessed him. Not only did God prosper him (2 Chronicles 31:21), he delivered him from the hand of his enemies, particularly King Sennacherib of Assyria (2 Chronicles 32:20-21), heard his prayer and healed him (2 Chronicles 32:24). Unfortunately, Hezekiah began to lose sight of the fact that everything he had achieved was not by his own doing but that it was God’s doing. The Bible says his heart was proud and as a result, God’s wrath was on Hezekiah, Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:25). Reading through the Bible, it is not difficult to see God’s position on the subject of “pride” and “the proud”. This is one subject that God’s Word is undoubtedly clear. We are told in James 4:6 and again in 1 Peter 5:5 that God resists (KJV), opposes (NIV), sets Himself against (TAB) the proud. The Amplified Bible further tells us in 1 Peter 5:5 that God opposes, frustrates and defeats the proud (TAB). Psalm 101:5 says “the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him will I not endure and in Matthew 23:12, the Bible says “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Pride, attracts God’s wrath (2 Chronicles 32:25). Friend, Our God is a jealous God and a spirit of pride, simply put, says “God is unnecessary and I can do without Him.” In such cases, God has to show that He is still the “Boss” and he does so by putting us in our place. That is exactly what happened to Lucifer. He lost sight of who he was and who God was so God had to let him know and he was hurled out of heaven forever. Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18) But note that as soon as Hezekiah repented and humbled himself, God’s wrath was immediately lifted and the Bible says “the Lord’s wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:26b). God gives grace continuously to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5). In other words, God will give favour and blessings to those that are humble. May no spirit of pride be found in us but may we be a people of humility. Prayer: Lord, your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask that you take away every spirit of pride, arrogance and boastfulness in us. Help us to walk in humility that we might be able to continuously receive the grace that is available to those who walk humbly. We ask this in Jesus Mighty Name. Click here for previous Weekly Devotions |
|