We CANNOT exalt GOD when we are ‘PROUD’!
July 16
Bible Reading: Isaiah Chapters 1-3
We CANNOT exalt GOD when we are ‘PROUD’!
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men
shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. The
loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be
brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day" (Isaiah 2:11, 17)
Isaiah 2:6–22
speaks about God’s impending judgment on the pride of Jerusalem. The days of temporary peace will be preceded by
God’s fiery judgment as the nation of Israel had turned from their true God to
superstitious idolatry. The last days will reveal God’s judgment on the proud
which will cause the people to abandon their worthless idols!
We see that
verse 17 is repeated from verse 11 for emphatic confirmation about what God is
planning to do in the future. The references to cedars, oaks, high mountains, hills,
tower, wall, ships, and sloops are symbols of human sufficiency and strength. God
will deal with all human arrogance,
whether of individuals (cedars and
oaks), governments (high mountains
and hills), military might (tower and
wall), or commerce (ships and
beautiful sloops). It is clear from these
verses that one day man’s loftiness will be leveled and God alone will be
exalted!
The day of
the Lord brings judgment on the godless, but blessing and salvation to the
godly (Joel 2:31; Zeph. 1:7; 2:13–18).God will so vindicate His honor "in that day" of judgment that
none else "shall be exalted" on
that day (Zechariah 14:9).
Lofty looks are the outer
manifestation of proud hearts. The refrain (vv. 11, 17)that God alone shall be exalted
highlights the theme of this prophecy and describes the coming, glorious
revelation of the risen and exalted Savior King. In that day the Savior will be exalted above all other proud contenders!
Remember, we cannot exalt God when we lift ourselves
up in pride. Man’s pride will be brought low, and all that man lives for
will be destroyed. God patiently waits as people rebel against the truth, but
in the end, sin will be judged and the Lord will be exalted. Let us humble
ourselves before God and people, so that God will exalt us in due season. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the
Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10).
"For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks." (Psalms 18:27)
