“Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards,
to the fading flower, his glorious beauty,
set on the head of a fertile valley—
to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!
See, the Lord has one who is powerful and strong.
Like a hailstorm and a destructive wind,
like a driving rain and a flooding downpour,
he will throw it forcefully to the ground.
That wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards,
will be trampled underfoot.
That fading flower, his glorious beauty,
set on the head of a fertile valley,
will be like figs ripe before harvest—
as soon as people see them and take them in hand,
they swallow them.
“In that day the Lord Almighty
will be a glorious crown,
a beautiful wreath
for the remnant of his people.
He will be a spirit of justice
to the one who sits in judgment,
a source of strength
to those who turn back the battle at the gate…
“So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“’See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
will never be stricken with panic.'” Isaiah 28:1-6,16
Isaiah pronounces devastating woe on those who trusted in their own crowns. The crown of God’s imagination- His people- had misused their gift of agency and land of promise in prideful living, and the Lord would surely judge. He alone was supreme, all-knowing, and just. All Ephraim (Israel) had known as beautiful was ruined by her lusts and extravagances, and God would surely ruin her fading prominence and establish Himself as King and cornerstone.
In the flesh, when we think we have a right to rule, we invert priorities. With disordered affections and selfish drive, we fall into casual and callous living. We boast a high view of self, which necessarily diminishes God to an inferior place. All He has crowned our lives with- His graces and favor- gets adulterated and abused, only to be crushed by the One rightful Regent.
God who made us to know and glorify Him will not abide our unfaithfulness. He will surely hold us to account, and make Himself known as the only One worthy of allegiance and honor. Once we yield to His sovereign authority, we clearly understand that all we held as important and treasured is due Him. (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:7; Philippians 3:8)
“And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“’Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.’” Revelation 4:9-11
Where and when do we serve ourselves? How has pride warped a high view of God, and what will we do to correct our order of worship? What petty grievances, prurient modes of entertainment, or indulgences need be crushed so we can honorably crown the King of kings?
Lord, come daily to put me in my place, so You alone are exalted.
