Ezekiel 28

Ezk 28:26
26 And they shall dwell securely in it, and they shall build houses and plant vineyards. They shall dwell securely, when I execute judgments upon all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God."
(ESV)

In this chapter God sends a word of judgment against the Prince of Tyre, the King of Tyre, and the people of Sidon. Tyre and Sidon are secure sea ports to the northwest of Israel. They have the capacity to be great allies of Israel or threatening enemies. At least part of the description of the King of Tyre is usually considered a description of Satan. The words of judgment sent against these people and individuals have one thing in common: Pride. God says of the Prince of Tyre, "Because your heart was proud..." He says of the King of Tyre, "Your heart was proud because of your beauty." He calls the citizens of Sidon, "neighbors who treated them (i.e. Israel) with contempt."

Everybody avoids a "know-it-all." People are quickly irritated by one who "Toots his own horn."  Even in celebrities we quickly come to dislike those who think they are "something" and want everybody to know. Those who demand special treatment are not making friends. Proverbs 15:25 says, "The LORD tears down the house of the proud..." Jeremiah 13:15 says, "do not be proud for the Lord has spoken." James 4:6 reminds us that, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Proud independence gives us the illusion of greatness, but in God's economy humble dependence is the way to true greatness. Father, forgive me for the many times I have taken credit for that which was only by your grace. Today may I walk in humble dependence, and may your glory shine through me.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert