2 Chronicles 32:24-33
Reflect
Isaac Watts composed the lyrics to the hymn “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”. The first two stanzas are as follows: “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.”
Watts understands that in view of the cross of Christ, all the things of this world pale in comparison. At the same time, he admits that there is an ongoing battle with pride and self-importance. Hezekiah seems to struggle with these prideful challenges too. Elsewhere in Scripture we see Hezekiah parading foreign dignitaries around as he shows off all the glory of “his” kingdom.
Pride can be healthy when it is placed in perspective of the glory and majesty of God. I can be proud of my family, even proud of my accomplishments, but it is all because of God’s grace and it is in Him I must assign any praise. Hezekiah and Judah eventually felt the consequences of unhealthy pride.
Apply
What are you proud of? What will you boast about? Is Jesus present in these declarations?
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Lia Daniels, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.