God said He had given Israel the message of proclaiming freedom to captives. Because they chose to do things their own way, He freed them to their ways: the sword, pestilence and famine. Then there was Egypt who claimed the possessions of earth as their own. Ruling prideful in their power, God said their reign would end permanently. Finally, there was rich and beautiful Tyre--influencing others, trading in the wealth of the world and confident in itself. God said they would become a flat rock used for drying nets. Imagine a prosperous city like New York, leveled and used only to dry out smelly, slimy tools of sustenance. Every prophesy has its fulfillment recorded in history.
But what I found for me--and may be for you--is the beauty and necessity of humble hearts for glorious living! Humility is a tough attribute for God's crowning creation. If we ever think we 'have it,' we surely just lost it :)! Humbleness should not be difficult because it is simply the living out of reality...He is God and we are not. Isn't it amazing how we can fail to value Him...and settle for our own poverty: convinced that we are 'right' and 'good' and others lesser?
C.S. Lewis has a wonderful look at the results of humble living...the purposes God has in us chasing humility! He delivers this picture in the words of a devil speaking of our God as the enemy. Check it out:
"The enemy wants him, in the end, to be so free from any bias in his own favour, that he can rejoice in his own talents as frankly and gratefully as in his neighbor's talents--or in a sunrise, an elephant, or a waterfall. He wants each man, in the long run, to be able to recognize all creatures (even himself) as glorious and excellent things."
Humility is key to truly enjoying life...to truly enjoying God. Reminds me of the 'shorter catechism'--the chief end of man is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever. When we enjoy God and His creation without puffing up ourselves, His glory surrounds!
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