"Hubris" September 12 Readings: Isaiah 36-37, 1 Corinthians 14:1–25, Psalm 105:37–45, Proverbs 22:22–24

Today's Readings - Isaiah 36-37, 1 Corinthians 14:1–25, Psalm 105:37–45, Proverbs 22:22–24

Devotional - Hubris

"God himself couldn't sink the Titanic." 

The story has been passed down that an executive of the company that built the great ship uttered those words as people were embarking on their voyage. The hubris was shown when the Titanic hit an iceberg, began to fill with water and within hours was at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Human pride once again preceded a mighty fall.

Too often, we leave God out of our calculations. We place our confidence in our own abilities, our advancements, and technology, and we forget that this world operates on the dictates and according to the purposes of a sovereign God.

There is a prime example of this in Isaiah 36-37. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, was threatening God's people and he sent his representative, known as the Rabshakeh, to deliver his challenge. This man brimmed with confidence - and well he should have. No reasonable person would have bet on Judah against Assyria. It was a mismatch of epic proportions. Hezekiah simply did not have the army to match up with Sennacherib and his forces.

The great king, the king of Assyria, says this: What are you relying on? 5 You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. Who are you now relying on that you have rebelled against me? 6 Look, you are relying on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who grabs it and leans on it. This is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who rely on him. 7 Suppose you say to me, ‘We rely on the Lord our God.’ Isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You are to worship at this altar’? 36:4-7

They could not trust in their allies, whom Assyria was crushing in battle. Egypt would be no help against the Assyrians. That much was true. But then he picked a fight he couldn't win. He ridiculed Hezekiah's faith in God. That is where the Rabshakeh made his fatal mistake. 

Never underestimate God and never leave him out of your calculations. 

We know "the rest of the story." God miraculously delivered Hezekiah and brought the king of Assyria down. The Rabshakeh's confidence was as misplaced as that of the person who supposedly pronounced the Titanic unsinkable, even by the hand of God. Every human calculation said that Judah could not defeat Assyria, but life isn't only about human calculations. There is a God in heaven and he acts in the affairs of man. He leads, guides, provides, and protects his people and anyone who assumes the inactivity of God is making a huge mistake.

The one who trusts in God can have true confidence. Oh, things might not always work out the way we want, but the God who loves us and runs this world will strengthen us by his mighty hand. He is a God his people can trust. 

Thank you, Lord, that you are faithful and good. Our enemies cannot do anything to stop your work in me, and in your people. Help me to always trust in you!

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Consider the difference between living in self-confidence and having faith in God.
Do you leave God out of your calculations and plans?