Regarding Hubris

Based on Isaiah 37-38 and Galatians 1:1-24

Hubris, the tragic flaw, an ancient theme present today in the astonishing arrogance of mere men who think they can play God. Forgive us, LORD, for failing to consult with You, the One and Only. the Almighty. Forgive us for thinking we can or should control events, like climate change, by our own wits and wisdom -- or attempt to rebuild what You, LORD, have intended for destruction.

In my readings this morning were reports of Sennacherib, whose terror against Your people was dried up. You sent an angel through his camp of warriors, and they were smitten and found early in the morning -- corpses -- all dead. I  hear again Your promise, O God, to deliver us from this present evil age. Thank You for choosing us and bringing us into the True Body of Christ, indwelt here on earth by Your Holy Spirit! Through Your increase and our own decrease, we are able to refuse any different gospel. 

You know, O God on High, that the traditions of many want to pervert Your Gospel of Christ, the one gospel that is not according to man. Thank You that it came to us through Your revelation, to each of us personally. Thank You!

Thank You for such inestimable Mercy and Grace, for forgiving our former conduct, for breaking us when we were rigid, like hardened clay. Thank You for breathing Life back into our stone-cold hearts and softening us to be supple and pliable like wet clay, surrendered to Your Care and Keeping, O Potter.

Thanks to You, we have been called into Fullness of Life in You, under Your Headship and not of any man. We do not confer with flesh and blood, but with You, Who raised Christ from the dead -- and all the brethren. Thank You for Your Blessed Assurance by Your peace, O LORD. Thank You that I, who formerly persecuted the church, now knows Your church to be a people -- Your people -- the people of God. You are speaking to Your people now, in this present evil age, as You once spoke to Sennacherib:

 Did you not hear long ago how I made it, from ancient times that I formed it?

This photograph is by Jo Chaney.