God Will Not Tolerate Pride And Arrogance
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Audree Tan, PTM – Prayer Ministry)
READ:
OBSERVE:
King Belshazzar of Babylon mocked the Lord of heaven (Daniel 5: 2, 23) when he commanded the release of Jewish religious articles of golden and silver vessels from the temple of the House of God to be used as drinking goblets. Defiant and challenging the power of the divine God, he set himself against the Lord of heaven.
Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote onthe wall. The king watched the hand as it wrote, his face turned pale and his legs became weak and his knees were knocking (v6).
The terrified King Belshazzar summoned Daniel to explain the writing on the wall. He promised Daniel gifts of purple robes of honor, a gold chain and the third highest position in the kingdom. Daniel refused the gift and replied, “Let your gifts be for yourself and give your rewards to another.” (v17) Nonetheless, he interpreted the writing for the king. In refusing the gift, Daniel demonstrated that he was not motivated by material gains but was prepared to be a messenger for God.
APPLY:
I am reminded to always remain humble, for the Lord’s hand is behind every situation and outcome.
Six years ago, I started work in Wesley and found myself swimming in unknown waters. Trembling, I beseeched God to give me a heart for others. With sincerity to serve and many prayers, my confidence in my work grew. The Holy Spirit still reminds me to remain humble. He constantly warns me against pride and arrogance. I am who I am because of God’s protection and transforming work in me. Pride and arrogance can have no place in a servant’s life. Recognising that the Living God can dramatically remove all that has been achieved in an instance, I chose to walk with humility, trusting and praising only God. I chose loyalty to Him in my highs and lows.
In Psalm 22:1 & 2, the psalmist cried out in agony during his trials. Yet he reminded himself “You who fear the Lord, praise Him” (v23). Even in my struggles, I will continue to praise God and share about His faithfulness.
DO:
I will remember that “The kingship belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). When I face trials, He will take me out of the desert in due time. A warning was given that my days will be numbered for destruction if I continue in prideful arrogance and disobedience.
PRAY:
Father, hold me up when I am going through trials. Help me to see Your merciful hand sieving through my struggles and helping me to deal with them one at a time. Let praises rise like incense to Your ears. Bless me with a heart of victory, content only to serve You well in good times and also in times of struggle. Amen.
