Ezekiel 27:1-2 “1 Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 ‘And you, son of man, take up a lamentation over Tyre;’”

HUMBLING

Chapters 25-27 of Ezekiel are spent naming Judah’s enemies and the Lord proclaiming their judgment.  They all bragged on their success over Israel and Judah and even rejoiced in their downfall.  Now the Lord is telling Ezekiel to proclaim their demise.  But the Lord spends an entire chapter on Tyre.  Why?

Tyre was a city of Phillistia.  Do you remember how severe they treated Israel?  They were horrible to them.  This went on for years, all the while they bragged of their beauty and wealth and success.  But watch out!  Things have a way of changing.  And they did.

TEACHING MOMENT

We want our children to be proud of their accomplishments.  What parent doesn’t get a little puffed up when their little Gertrude or Elrod receives an award at school or a trophy at the game?  We want to encourage them to be the very best at whatever they do.  But we have to come up short in the bragging department.  Pride really does come before the fall.

It is important to teach our children that pride is not flattering.  Pride drives people away.  Look at Jesus.  He never exhibited a proud moment.  He was always the humble one.  He was always the servant.  Even though He was the MOST confident person to have ever lived, He knew the dangers of pride.  He had seen it in Lucifer which resulted in his fall from heaven.

So, proud Dad and Mom, in what or whom is your pride?  All our pride should be directed toward the Lord.  He is the only one we should take pride in. Sure, our children need to be praised and encouraged, but do NOT take pride in your children.  Did I say that?  Yep.  What I mean is, don’t boast in them.  Boast in what the Lord can and will do through them.  There’s a big difference.

Father, I know misplaced pride will only do harm.  Teach me to boast in You and what You can do through me.  Help me to show others that any good in me is only You.