Tyre had become a wealthy and influential city because of its thriving port and its role as a center of trade and shipping. At times, Tyre had been a blessing to surrounding nations. Yet it also gave Israel one of its most wicked influences (Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab).
Through Isaiah, God pronounced judgment against Tyre: "The Lord of hosts has purposed it, To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth." Isaiah 23:9
Pride has been the downfall of nations, and it can become the downfall of our own souls as well. There is no place for pride in the kingdom of God, so why should we make room for it in our lives?
Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth."
Meekness is not weakness. It is strength under control; a humble and gentle spirit that willingly submits itself to the Lord.
So how would we be described: prideful or meek?
Personally, I'm not sure many people would say, "There's that meek Neal." But I know pride has surfaced in my life more than once. How about you?
May the Lord cultivate true meekness in our hearts. And through that meekness, may we reflect the presence of Jesus to everyone we encounter today, both the familiar faces and the strangers we meet.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.