They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.  Psalm 78:35

One day, when Earth was still a barren planet, a sinister plot was being carried out in heaven.  Satan, one of the three archangels who enjoyed top level authority at God’s right hand, decided that he was entitled to more.  He set out to promote himself.   I will climb to heaven and place my throne above the highest stars. I will sit there with the gods far away in the north. I will be above the clouds, just like [El Elyon] God most high. Isaiah 14:13-14   With this twisted ambition, his gifts were corrupted. 

We must make a distinction between wanting to be like God and wanting to dethrone ‘God most high’ from His place of authority. This was the subject of John Milton’s famous confrontation in Paradise Lost.  It was clear that Satan’s ambition was to overthrow God, not emulate His holiness.

The price for setting oneself equal to ~ or greater than ~ El Elyon is a steep one. It was catastrophic for Satan, who lost his position in heaven, was judged, and then permanently expelled.  His ultimate end will be in hell, the place God created for him and all of the angels who defected with him.  

This kind of pride and entitlement are still rampant.  Satan, the god of this world, is driven to replicate his evil traits.  His children (Jesus called them children of the devil) refuse to bow down.  They are puffed up and exalt themselves as rulers over their own sphere of influence.  When those around them pray to thank God for divine provision, they are quick to say that they’ve made their own way.  Anything they enjoy is the product of hard work and ingenuity.  Know anyone like that?  

God is patient, giving such sinful men time to repent but grace has a time limit.  One day, they will face Jesus and will bow down.  It’s a certainty.  For every person who didn’t do it willingly on earth, their end will be a tragic one.

After this sobering review of Satan’s history, I lift both hands towards heaven, align myself yet again with El Elyon. I lay down pride and ask for the grace to be humble.  I forsake entitlement in favor of trust and gratitude.  I want to be like God most high, following Paul’s encouragement from Ephesians 5:1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.