TEXTS AND APPLICATION: These chapters, which are primarily oracles (judgment announcements) against the nations, resound with God’s judgment on pride.
Isa. 13:11 I [God] will put an end to the pride of the arrogant.
Isa. 14:13-15 You said to yourself: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you will be brought down to Sheol into the deepest regions of the Pit.
Isa. 16:6-7 We have heard of Moab’s pride— how very proud he is— his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance, and his empty boasting. Therefore let Moab wail; let every one of them wail for Moab. Mourn, you who are completely devastated . . .
Pride is such a deceptive trap. We want to be strong, but too much strength becomes self-dependence. We want God to use us, but we risk becoming arrogant if He does. Most of us default into self-sufficiency — we forget the God of our salvation and fail to remember the rock of our strength (Isa. 17:16). When we lean on self, though, we invite judgment from the God who does not share His glory.
PRAYER: One problem with pride is that we usually don’t recognize it until it’s already apparent to others. Pray with me that we would wisely discern our tendencies toward pride — and then quickly run back to the Holy One of Israel (Isa. 17:7).
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 18-22