And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. And the idols he shall utterly abolish. — Isaiah 2:17-18 KJV
The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear. — Isaiah 2:17-18 NIV
Reflection for Today's Verse
When we get “too big for our britches,” we may find that a natural disaster, world war, incurable disease, economic depression, or broad social dysfunction brings us back down to earth. Our haughtiness can serve as a warning sign of the doom that is soon to befall us. Is there a universal law that governs this aspect of our reality that’s at play here? (“Pride goes before a fall.”) Or might it be that this is an example of the disciplinary action of God? I’m going to bet that the answer to both of these questions is “Yes!” God and his creation serve to remind us that there is a significant portion of our existence over which we do not have control. This text, on the other hand, goes beyond the general principles and it prophesies an ultimate day when human arrogance will be eradicated and all false gods will be removed. On that day, the children of God will be filled with joy and gladness! In the meantime, let us approach our God with a spirit of humility.
My Prayer
Please put me in my place, dear heavenly Father. Thank you. If I let myself get too wrapped up in my own thoughts, I don’t want to risk losing the acute awareness of your presence that I currently have. Neither do I wish to inflict calamity upon myself or onto the people who I care about. In recognition of the grace you’ve shown me, please accept my full dedication and devotion only to you. I humbly pray to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.