Ezekiel
28 reminds me that arrogance is an ugly trait. It is something we
all quickly recognize. It belittles, it ridicules, and it does not
listen. This is the selfish kind of pride that believes it is above
others, and promotes self above all else. And it justifies taking
what it wants for its own use. In today’s chapter the prophet
speaks the Word of God against “the
ruler of Tyre“. It is
interesting that He does not even use his name. We are only given
this description, “In the pride
of your heart you say, ‘I
am a god’“. The Lord says,
“But you are a mere mortal…
though you think you are… wise“.
What made this man so arrogant? “Because
of your wealth your heart has grown proud“.
Do wealth and pride go hand in hand? I think scripture is clear
that the answer is no. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For
the love
of money is a root of all kinds of evil“.
Some people love money and the power it brings, while others get
wealthy in pursuit of what they love. He says, “You
have gained wealth for yourself and amassed gold and silver in your
treasuries“. Arrogance
hordes, but it demands that others give. God commands, “Because
you think you are… as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners
against you, the most ruthless of nations“.
Next
the chapter makes a direct comparison to Satan, “You
were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…
You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you… Your
heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your
wisdom… So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I
expelled you“. It seems that
arrogance is ultimately self-destructive. It says of this ruler of
Tyre, “By your many sins and
dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries… All the
nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible
end“. What is keeping you
from yielding to God’s authority?
The
chapter ends with a mention of the port city of Sidon. Perhaps it
best describes what happens to those that trade with the arrogant.
Ezekiel is instructed to “set
your face against Sidon;
prophesy against her”.
God says, “I am against you,
Sidon, and among you I will display My glory“.
Those blinded by pride and the scavengers that support them seem to
believe they are indestructible until it is too late. “When
I gather the people of Israel from the nations… when I inflict
punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them… Then they will
know that I am the Lord their God“.
Friend, are you supporting an arrogant taker? There is one sure way
to spot the opposite; the humble love to give! 2 Corinthians 9:7
says, “God loves a cheerful
giver“.
Philippians 2:3 adds that those
who follow Christ edify others, “Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility
value others above yourselves,
not looking to your own
interests but each of you to the interests of the others“.
The arrogant do not listen to wisdom, will you?