EFFECT OF PRIDE: Devotion for Tuesday June 21, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10: 5 – 19       Memory verse: v 12

The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his own will. Most tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. The plan of God was to correct His people for their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to Himself; but that wasn’t Sennacherib's plan. He designs to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Assyrian, boasts what great things he has done to other nations (10:8–11), by his own policy and power. He did not know that it was God who made him what he is, and puts the staff into his hand (10:5). How I wished he consulted Nebuchadnezzar. He wouldn’t have been so pompous.

This provoked God’s anger (10:12–15). Matthew Henry opined that “For a tool to boast or to strive against Him that formed it, would not be more out of the way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah.” God’s verdict on King of Assyria was that He shall strip him and all his princes, of their wealth, and might, and glory; and destroy his numerous armies as fire destroys things which are thrown into it (10:16). That was the effect of pride on Sennacherib. Do you boast of the talent, wisdom, power or position God has given to you? Do you look down on others because you feel you are better than them? Think twice! God is God of justice. He exalts and brings down (Ps 75:7; Matt 23:12; Lk 18:14).

Food for Thought: Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour, 

Prayer: 1. My Father in heaven, may I not exalt myself because of where you have placed me or the talent you have deposited in me. 2. Grant me the spirit of humility and appreciation for what you have made me.