Bible in 90, Day 61: Apparently pride comes in the summer

Ezekiel 24-35

image courtesy of rhyme at stock.xchng

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

~ John Dalberg-Acton

The Pharaoh in Egypt during Ezekiel’s ministry had apparently fallen prey to this tendency (Ezekiel 29).  Rather than recognizing God as the source for his authority and success, he credited himself.  Not only this, he was making very bold claims, like that he had created the Nile River!  He was seriously treading on God’s territory here.  Therefore, God set Himself against Pharaoh and the land of Egypt.  He would punish them for their pride.

God chose to use Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon as His instrument of punishment.  God makes some interesting statements here, the key statement being that Nebuchadnezzar and his army had won a hard fought battle against Tyre on His behalf.  The plundering of Egypt was to be the reward to Nebuchadnezzar, and the punishment for Pharaoh.

There is an interesting contrast here between these two kings.  They are both being directed by God for His ultimate purpose, but Pharaoh has exalted himself over God.  Nebuchadnezzar has not done this, yet.  Keep reading into the next book where the king of Babylon falls into the same trap.

Pharaoh mistakenly thought it was his might, ingenuity, or authority that had elevated him to his high position.  God reveals through Ezekiel that this is not so, that it was God’s doing.  But even the humblest man tends to get arrogant when put into too high a position or given too much honor.  The more glory and power given, and the less accountability maintained, the easier it is for a man to begin believing his own lies.

Let’s never forget that pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before the fall (Proverbs 16:18).  Let’s never assume that, no matter how high we may climb, that we have arrived there on our own power.  Instead, let’s remain humble before the Lord, who will lift us up in due time (James 4:10).

*originally at Words of Reason

Bible in 90, Day 38: Then the LORD answered from the storm

Job 25-42

*image courtesy of Lucretious at www.sxc.hu

Ok, when God tells you to brace yourself like a man cuz He’s about to question you, exactly how do you respond to that?!  Job has spent the whole book defending himself to his friends and feeling as though he needs to defend himself against God.  Eventually, he starts asking God a few questions himself!  He sounds a little arrogant at some points.  Then finally, God answers Job out of the storm (Job 38-42).

This is a fearful thing!  God has heard all that was said, about how Job wanted to take Him to trial and ask Him some questions.  Now, He shows up with some questions of His own.  God asks Job where he was when He was busy making the universe.  Where was he when God’s angels were cheering on His creation?  Is he able to move the constellations through the evening sky?  Does he know the laws of the universe?  Can he control the thunderstorm or see the place the lightning is sent from?  Job realizes he has spoken rashly and unwisely.

But God does not stop!  He goes on to talk about the behemoth and the leviathan, animals whose exact identity is not known.  (I happen to think that the behemoth is a dinosaur and the leviathan a dragon, but no, I can’t prove it!)  What we do know is that they are both huge powerful animals.  God asks if Job can handle them, make them his pet.  God can!  God made them both!  Again, Job realizes he overstepped his bounds.  He repents and is mournful of his sin.

One time when I was in college, I got mad about something.  I forget what it was, but I was sure I was right and someone else was wrong.  I knew I shouldn’t be mad, and I decided I didn’t care!  I decided that it didn’t matter what the Bible said, I was going to enjoy being ticked off, and that other person was going to pay.  I was punching my mattress and about to go into a full-blown fit when a clap of thunder like I’ve never heard boomed outside my window.  It was so loud I dropped to the floor instinctively to take cover.  Without a moment’s thought, I realized God was speaking to me out of the storm.  I repented right then, realizing as Job did that I was nothing in comparison to the power of a storm, let alone the God who controlled them!

Have you ever dared to question God’s motives? Have you ever found yourself judging God’s actions or intentions?  This is a fearful place to be in.  When we do this, we are claiming to be wiser than God, or more righteous than God.

Let us never presume to be either.  God’s ways are higher than our ways, like the stars are above the surface of the earth (Isaiah 55:8).  Let us humble ourselves before the God who created the universe and anything in it.  Let us remember that we came from the dust of the earth, and were formed by God.  We can always know that God is in control, and has good things in store.

*originally at Words of Reason