DCLM Daily Manna 2025: DCLM Daily Manna 13 December 2025: Dismount From the Horse
Text: Luke 18:9–17 (KJV)
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be [a]humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
KEY VERSE: Luke 18:14 (KJV)
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Students of ancient Greek drama are familiar with hubris—excessive pride—which frequently appears as the tragic flaw in the heroes of classical literature. This destructive trait subtly infiltrates and consumes its victims, blinding them to dangers and ultimately leading them to ruin. Often, they remain unaware of the warning signs until it is too late.
Long before Greek playwrights depicted the downfall caused by pride, the word of God had already issued firm warnings against it. Solomon declared in Proverbs 16:5 that “everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD… he shall not be unpunished.”
He further noted in Proverbs 16:18 that “pride goeth before destruction.” Over a thousand years later, Jesus reaffirmed this truth through the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, emphasising that “every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Humility is a beautiful virtue from God, while pride originates from self and Satan. A true Christian life is marked by submission to God’s will, a life where self and carnal desires are dethroned.
Pride, however, has its roots in Satan’s rebellion—his ambition to rise above God and claim equality with the Most High. If not dealt with, pride leads to spiritual decay and eventual destruction.
Thankfully, unlike the Greek tragic heroes who were scripted for doom, the Bible offers a way out for anyone trapped in pride. God, though exalted and sovereign, is full of compassion for the humble and penitent. Anyone who turns to Christ in sincere repentance and faith can escape the judgment reserved for the proud and unrepentant.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Pride is a snare of damnable proportion—avoid it!
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daily Manna 13 December 2025
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