In the past week, when my mom was critical and all our families and friends came together, I had an opportunity to meet our elders in the family. Most of them are in their 70’s and have their health and age related issues. But they were the one who left everything, fought every odd and travelled miles together to be with us in this season.
One lesson that God taught me through their lives is of humility. This morning, I thanked God for each one of them. They left their high position, pride and seniority to serve my mom and be a great support to us.
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 NIV
Satan is the origin of Pride. Pride is the first sin that was committed by the father of lies. He was the most beautiful angel God created. He was the chief of worship. He was cast down for his pride and became the symbol of ugliness and death. Prophet Isaiah writes about him:
“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”
Isaiah 14:12-15 NIV
Jesus warned His disciple against the pride that may come during the service. You may see miracles and wonders God is doing through you, but the pride can make a way to your heart and soul and destroy you right at the pinnacle of your serving.
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.””
Luke 10:17-20 NIV
A couple of thoughts:
1. Jesus saw Satan falling: Jesus knew about the fall of the evil one. He was the witness of falling of this most beautiful and powerful angel. And so he warns against such pride to His disciples.
2. Jesus knew the Pride destroys: when the 72 returns, they were rejoicing for the power that was experienced. Even the evil one was submitting. Jesus warned them to rejoice for the right reasons.
3. Jesus became the symbol of humility: Jesus taught humility through His life and through His death. Even His coming back to take His people would be the epitome of His humility and love.
Living a life of humility is living the life of Jesus. Pride goes before the fall. My prayer for each one of us is that we will be found humble like Jesus while we serve God and His people.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:8-11 NIV
Amen 🙏