"How You Are Fallen" May 12 Readings: Isaiah 13-17

 

Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026

This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New. 

Bible Readings: Isaiah 13-17

In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer. 

Background:  

Today's readings carry the pronouncements of God against the pagan nations around Israel.

Daily Devotional: How You Are Fallen

One of the great mysteries in life is where sin came from. Why would anyone, created by God and dwelling in glory with him, choose to sin? How did Satan become Satan? Due to some inadequacies in the King James translation, people have reached some false assumptions about the Evil One.

Isaiah 14:12-15 tells about the arrogance and pride of the King of Babylon, who raised himself up in his own eyes. He thought himself to be a bright morning star. And so, he lifted himself up and thought he should usurp the throne of God and rule over all. He determined to ascend on high and become like God himself, but for his pride, he would be brought down low.

“How you are fallen from heaven,

    O Day Star, son of Dawn!

How you are cut down to the ground,

    you who laid the nations low!

You said in your heart,

    ‘I will ascend to heaven;

above the stars of God

    I will set my throne on high;

I will sit on the mount of assembly

    in the far reaches of the north;[i]

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;

    I will make myself like the Most High.’

But you are brought down to Sheol,

    to the far reaches of the pit.

Babylon's king wasn't the first being to follow that trajectory. In fact, the root of sin, the very first rebellion against God in history, followed precisely the pattern defined in Isaiah 14:12-15. A mistaken translation in the King James even gave a name that many applied to Satan (Lucifer). While this passage primarily refers to the Babylonian leader, there is a pattern behind it, confirmed in other Scriptures. 

This is exactly how Satan fell from glory and became the enemy of God. He decided he should be the one worshiped, instead of the worshiper - he should receive glory, not give it. He determined to sit on the throne of heaven and rule. God cast him from heaven and ultimately will destroy him for his hubris. 

This is also the pattern Satan used, in the form of a serpent, in Genesis 3. He was horrified that Adam and Eve might live in obedience to God. He encouraged them to do as he had done - to ascend to the throne of their own lives and refuse to bow before God in worship. 

Ultimately, this is the only real issue of life: who is the boss? Are you going to yield to God and walk in submission to him, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord every day? Or will you follow Satan's pattern and rebel? God is on the throne of heaven. Who is enthroned in your heart? 

Father, may my life be lived in obedience to you. May you receive from me and from my life the glory that you deserve.

 

Consider God's Word:

Do you allow pride to invade your life?
God uses people with many faults, but only those who are humble and give him the glory.