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REFLECTION

Greatness will fall is the theme for today’s reflection. Greatness is the quality or state of being important, eminent, notable and distinguished. The Prophet Ezekiel pronounced God’s judgment upon Pharaoh and the nation Egypt being a threat to Israel. Before this definitive pronouncement was made on Pharaoh, God recounts the greatness of Assyria as a world super power from Ezekiel 31:1-9 but “… thus says the Lord GOD: Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and its heart was proud of its height, I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations. He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out. Foreigners, the most ruthless of nations, have cut it down and left it. On the mountains and in all the valleys its branches have fallen, and its boughs have been broken in all the ravines of the land, and all the peoples of the earth have gone away from its shadow and left it.” (Ezekiel 31:10-12). In other words Assyria’s greatness fell because “…its heart was proud of its height…” (Ezekiel 31:10). The precedence of Assyria was to be applied to Pharaoh and Egypt because similar pride was found in Him and His multitude.

Beloved in the Lord, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” There is a time to rise to greatness and there is a time to fall from greatness. The most important fact is that greatness is not an end in itself, greatness comes from God for the purpose of being effective stewards who will be beneficial to many and to glorify God. Anyone who has risen to greatness must acknowledge the sovereignty of God over his or her life lest he or she will fall like the great kings and empires of Assyria and Egypt who have gone before us. No condition is permanent therefore we must humble ourselves no matter how great we are so that the grace, mercy and protection of the Lord shall abide with us. Your greatest shall fall and end in shame or disgrace if you trust in your strength, wealth and achievements but if you “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, may we rise to greatness and may the Holy Spirit guide us to humble ourselves in our days of glory to always acknowledge Your sovereignty over us so that we may be good and accountable stewards of your blessings.