Get Off the Throne!

"God's Message came to me, "Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, 'This is what God, the Master, says:

"'Your heart is proud, going around saying, "I'm a god. I sit on God's divine throne, ruling the sea" — You, a mere mortal, not even close to being a god, a mere mortal trying to be a god."   

 (Ezekiel 28: 1-2, The Message)

"Pride cometh before a fall".  The chief sin of Tyre's king was pride---believing himself to be a god.  Satan believed that he was a god and was expelled from heaven because of it.  The first of the Ten Commandments states:  "Thou shall have no other gods before me."  God will not tolerate idolatry---worship of a false god. 

Ezekiel is prophesying towards the human king of Tyre.  However, vs. 12-19 may very well be describing Satan, the spiritual king of Tyre, whom the people were really following.  The people of  Tyre and Satan were doomed for destruction because of their sinful behavior and disobedience. 

We must be careful not to worship other gods, such as celebrities, careers, money, or self.  Anything that requires more of our time and allegiance than serving and worshipping the one and only true God, may very well become an idol.  There are those who will place themselves or others on a pedestal, believing they are better or above those around them.   Be careful lest you fall.  It would be wiser to remove yourself from a throne than to fall off of it! 

(For an additional post regarding idolatry, go to http://hpc40dayfast.blogspot.com/2010/03/no-other-gods.html)