Devotional by J.Pierce

Read Time:

​

14 minutes

​

Prayer

​

Yahweh (God), Sovereign over heaven and earth, we bow before You in humility. Guard our hearts from pride—the very sin that brought down angels and men. Through Your Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), open our eyes to the hidden battles of pride in our own lives. Anchor us in the humility and victory of Yeshua (Jesus). May our words, our choices, and our posture bring glory to You, not to ourselves.

In the mighty name of Yeshua, Amen.

​​

Introduction

​​

Ezekiel 28 opens a window into the unseen realm. In this prophetic word, two rulers are described: the prince of Tyre, a human king, and the king of Tyre, a spiritual being. Though very different, both were consumed by the same sin: pride.

​

This passage reveals something vital for us today. Pride is not just an ancient sin; it is the very fuel of rebellion—first in heaven, then on earth. It is what corrupted Lucifer, and it is what topples rulers, marriages, families, and even ministries.

​​

​

Scripture Exploration

​​​

Ezekiel 28:17 (NRSV):

​

“Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.”

​

​​​​

​​​​​​​​Deep Dive ​​(Context, Theology, Language)

​

• The Prince of Tyre (vv. 1–10): A human ruler exalted by wealth and wisdom, claiming to be divine. Yahweh judged him, showing that no man can raise himself to the throne of God.

• The King of Tyre (vv. 11–19): Clearly not human. Called “the anointed cherub who covers,” he was in Eden and adorned with beauty until pride corrupted him. This is a picture of Satan (śāṭān, Heb. Strong’s H7854: adversary), the one who fell from heaven.

• The Root Sin: Pride (gābah, Heb. Strong’s H1361: “to be exalted, lifted up”). Pride lifts the heart above its proper place, whether angel or man.

​

This is sobering: pride did not begin on earth—it began in heaven. And the same spirit that corrupted Lucifer still seeks to corrupt hearts today.

​

​

​

Relatable Scenario

​

Imagine a successful business leader, admired by employees, praised in the media, and envied by competitors. At first, they acknowledge Yahweh’s blessings. But over time, their speech shifts: “I built this. I made this happen. I don’t need anyone else.” Pride has quietly replaced gratitude.

​

Or think of a political figure who begins with a genuine desire to serve people. Slowly, power whispers: “You’re indispensable. You’re above accountability. You can bend the rules because you deserve it.” The temptation to be “as a god” is not just ancient—it happens in our headlines every day.

​

And on a more personal level: maybe you’ve tasted success at work, received recognition in ministry, or been admired in your community. The quiet thought arises: “I am different. I am better.” That whisper is the same lie that deceived both the prince of Tyre and Lucifer himself.

​

Core Message

​​

Pride is not only the downfall of kings and angels; it is the everyday enemy of marriages, families, and communities. But humility, patterned after Yeshua, disarms pride and opens the way for Yahweh’s grace.

​​​

Life Stories (Family & Personal Pride)

​

Pride doesn’t only roar from palaces and boardrooms. It can whisper in a home. Picture a husband or wife saying to their spouse or children: “I’ll eat what I want, I’ll do what I want—I’m grown, I answer to no one.”

​

At first, it sounds like independence. But underneath, it carries the same spirit of pride: a refusal to listen, a dismissal of counsel, a wall built against accountability. Pride convinces us our choices are ours alone, when in truth, they always affect those we love. A spouse feels disregarded. Children feel unseen. Relationships weaken.

​

Contrast this with Yeshua. With all authority in heaven and earth, He chose to kneel and wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:4–5). Where pride says, “I answer to no one,” humility says, “I am free, but I choose to serve.” That is the life that heals marriages, strengthens families, and brings peace where pride would bring strife.

​

​Common Experiences

​​

• Being praised and starting to believe we are above correction.

• Dismissing the advice of a spouse, child, or friend because “I know better.”

• Believing our choices are harmless because they only affect us—when in truth, others are always impacted.

​

​​​

Everyday Challenges

​​

Our culture celebrates self-promotion, independence, and personal freedom. Social media thrives on boasting and comparison. How do we walk in humility in such an atmosphere? By remembering: true freedom is not “I do what I want,” but “I belong to Yahweh, and my choices honor Him and those He’s given me to love.”​​

​

Modern Connections​

​​

Just as the prince of Tyre exalted himself in pride, modern leaders—political, business, and even spiritual—often fall the same way. But pride is not just a national or global problem; it starts in the heart, in marriages, in families. When pride rules the home, it weakens the very foundation of society.

​

Reflection and Application

​​

• Reflect: Have I dismissed the counsel of my spouse, children, or loved ones in pride?

• Apply: Practice humility by listening before speaking, and considering others’ hearts before asserting your own will.

• Pray: Ask Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to show you where pride hides in everyday words and habits.

​​​​​​

Closing Prayer

​​

Father, we confess that pride hides in our words, our actions, and even in the smallest choices. Forgive us when we’ve said, “I’ll do what I want,” forgetting the love and accountability You’ve placed in our lives. Teach us the humility of Yeshua, who chose to serve though He was Lord of all. May our homes, marriages, leadership, and relationships be marked not by pride but by grace, humility, and love.

In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

​

Further Study:

​

• Isaiah 14:12–15 – The fall of “Day Star, son of Dawn” (Lucifer).

• Daniel 4 – Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and humbling.

• James 4:6–10 – Yahweh resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

• Philippians 2:5–11 – The humility and exaltation of Messiah.

Key Takeaway:

​

Pride was the first sin in heaven and remains the deadliest snare on earth. It can destroy nations, leaders, marriages, and families. But humility in Messiah Yeshua is our safeguard—it invites grace, heals relationships, and overcomes the schemes of the adversary.

Concluding Thoughts:

​

The fall of the cherub began with pride. The fall of Tyre’s ruler began with pride. The breakdown of relationships begins with pride. But the restoration of all things is found in humility—the humility of Yeshua, who overcame Satan not by self-exaltation but by laying down His life.

​

To walk humbly is not weakness. It is the greatest strength—for it is the very character of our King.

​

​