READING: Ezekiel 27-29, 1 Peter 3
Scholars debate whether Ezekiel 28 refers to the fall of Satan when it describes the fall of the king of Tyre. Regardless of where we land on this issue, though, we cannot ignore the description of the ruler in Ezekiel 28:1-5. The text clearly describes his heart—a heart reflected in the people of Tyre as well:
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. Yes, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! By your wisdom and understanding you have acquired wealth for yourself. You have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has become proud because of your wealth.”
In my early years as a believer, it was hard for me to believe that this text described any human being. Who would think he was anything close to being a god? And who would have thought he was so wise that he knew all things? Since then, I’ve learned (and, to be honest, continue to learn) about the subtle power of ego that leads human beings to see ourselves as much more than we are. When you’re wise enough to acquire much wealth for yourself, it’s easy to let the pride of your success go to your heart and head – and though you may never say, “I’m like a god,” still you act otherwise.
The danger is that pride so subtly takes control that we seldom recognize the first steps in the wrong direction. May the Lord make us discerning of our own hearts, reminding us always that we are only men—not God.
PRAYER: “God, remind me that I’m just a man in need of Your daily grace.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch-up day
