“O how lofty are their eyes”
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 05/06/2020
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up (Pro 30:13).
Some of us, perhaps all of us, yes, even "followers of Christ," at times have “eye problems”. The Eye problems I am speaking of cannot be corrected by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The eye problem is called “Lofty Eyes”. Let us not follow the way of Moab.
Definition: Loftily; Loftiness; Lofty;
lof'-ti-li, lof'-ti-nes, lof’-ti: The first form is only in Ps 73:8, where it means "haughtily," or “haughty” as if from on high. The second is found only in Jer 48:29, where the loftiness of Moab also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit.
Lofty likewise means ‘"haughty," "lifted up" (compare Ps 131:1; Isa 2:11; Pr 30:13). In Isa 26:5 it refers to a self-secure and boastful city. In Isaiah 57:15 it is used in a good sense of God who really is high and supreme. Isaiah uses the word more than all the other sacred writers put together. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Loftiness comes out of pride. Followers of Christ are supposed to “shed our pride” possibly like a snake “sheds its skin”. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro 16:18). When we received Christ (Jn 1:12-13) as our Lord and Savior, we need to understand that no longer are we to compare ourselves with others. "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" ( 2 Cor 10:12 ). All of us at times tend to “look down our noses” at others with “lofty eyes” however, if we compare ourselves with Jesus, we will immediately see how little and finite we are. When we think of ourselves better than others, we are making a grave error. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt 22:39b). Jesus said that right after He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matt 22:37). Our sight must be on Christ to keep our eyes from getting “lofty”.
At times as Christians, we may have a tendency to “look down” on a person on the “outside,” like we are a little more ‘special’. "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?" (1Cor 5:12). The ‘lost’ often will see us as being “judgmental” because we oft times are that way without realizing that fact. The Bible says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). The word ‘Humble’ used 25 times in the KJV Bible. Jesus even used it in vss Matt 18:4 and Matt 23:12 so it appears to be important. Do you agree? I do not ever recall of anyone saying the “Christian walk is easy” especially when we are being persecuted and attacked by satan on a daily basis. However, the Bible says we are “chosen to be soldiers” (2 Tim 2:4) so we must do what we are told. With God, we are ‘victorious’. Once we pull that beam out our of our own eye (Matt 7:5) and humble ourselves to the God of the universe, He will give us grace. I have often thought that if I had more grace and less pride in the past, I might have reached hundreds more people for Christ. Just sharing my personal thoughts with you. And there is nothing wrong with “self-examinations” (2 Cor 13:5).
Dear friends, as we grow in the Lord (which we should do steadily) we learn, and God gives us a thousand second chances if we seek Him continually. He knows our situations and uses us as He sees fit for His glory. But a man or woman with “lofty eyes,” God may resist. Remember, He “hates pride” (Pro 6:16-18). The word “lofty” or “high and lofty” should only be used when describing our Lord. Perhaps we all should look into the eyes and hearts of men instead of their outward appearance or their physical situation. Let us all spend more time with the greatest Ophthalmologist of all, our LORD GOD in heaven. Trust me, He can fix those “Lofty Eyes”. Thank You God for Your “Amazing Grace”.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6).
Again:
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up
(James 4:10).
This will make us better employees of God.
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www .iamnotashamed.com • God bless and bless GOD
