“Everything [the religious rulers] do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries* wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others" (Matthew 23:5-7).
Exalted Father, both the apostle James and the apostle Peter tell us that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). The idea of being opposed by God is a staggeringly frightening thought, but it is no wonder, as You show us that the origin and the source of pride is the enemy of our soul who seeks to destroy us.
The prophet Isaiah, in speaking of the pride of Babylon, gives us a dual view, as he pulls back the veil of mystery for an instant, and provides a glimpse into the original sin of pride, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!" (Isaiah 14:11- NKJV). The one who was once morning star, son of the dawn made the arrogant declaration, "I will ascend to the heavens.... and make myself like the Most High..." and was consequently "brought down...to the depths..." (Isaiah 14:13-15 - NIV).
And from the Garden of Eden to our twenty-first century world, the one who sought to "raise his throne above the stars of God" (Isaiah 14:13) has continued to tempt humanity to ascend above God's authority in ways subtle and overt, beguiling and ruthless.
He continues to drag through the ages his manipulative deceit and cunning aspersion in the little-changed question, "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1). And he continues to mount campaigns on our flowing robes and phylacteries, tassels and trophies.
O Lord God, make us wise to the clever schemes of the devil! Guard us against his clever ruses, his cruel manipulations, his evil exploitations. Help us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Help us to put on the full armor of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11). Heal us from the fears, the insecurities, the wounds, the scars, and the ensnaring desire for human approval that he twists into strongholds of pride.
Teach us to be like the Savior who washed feet in the confidence and the security that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3). Impress His words on our hearts:
"You know that the rulers of the nations exercise lordship over them, and the great exercise authority over them. It shall not be thus amongst you, but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant; and whosoever will be first among you, let him be your bondman; as indeed the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28 - DARBY).
Make our heart pure and true, O lord. Keep us from pride—from outward show and self-exaltation. You alone are the great God, the great King above all gods (Psalm 95:3). Not to us, Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness (Psalm 115:1).
* Phylacteries were leather carrying cases for parchment scrolls of scripture (the Torah).
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
~ Isaac Watts ~ Published 1707
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