FRIDAY, JANUARY 6
ISAIAH 14:12-15
PROVERBS 16:18

"Pride goeth before destruction..."

THE ORIGIN OF APOSTASY

The name "Lucifer" literally means "shining one." It figuratively denotes a morning star of royal splendour. But Lucifer rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven. This fall is described as a cutting or hewing down and "he was cast unto the earth" (Rev 12:13). He deceives the nations of the earth. He prevents them from giving glory and worship to God.

Lucifer was one of the heavenly archangels, but he wanted to ascend to the position of God the Almighty. He aimed to climb, indicating an active move to go up to put himself on the throne of God. This was how haughty and boastful his spirit was. Obviously, he desired in his heart to usurp the authority over all of God’s creation. He wanted to be like the Most High. This is tantamount to saying, "I will replace the Most High God on His Throne."

The proud "I’s" of Lucifer led him to destruction. He did not acknowledge the authority of God over him. His haughty ambition to become the Most High pushed him down into a great fall, ending in eternal condemnation. He was not content with his state. He yearned to be the greatest of all.

O, that we would keep our hearts from being haughty and proud! We must guard our desires and ambitions in life from the influences of Satan for by such evil discontent, we tend to carry our head high. We think highly of ourselves and covet worldly things and positions. We desire far more things than what God has given us. Let us not provoke God to wrath or we will soon find ourselves stumbling and falling to our own ruin.

THOUGHT: Am I contented with the state God has put me in?
PRAYER: "The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law" (Ps 119:69-70).