"Little Jack Horner, sat in the corner, eating his pumpkin pie.
He stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum and said, 'What a good boy am I.'"
Do you ever stop and think much about the contents of nursery rhymes? For example, I wonder, did Jack just like sitting in the corner or was he there as a form of punishment? Why was he sitting all alone? If he was placed there as reprimand, why on earth did he get a treat? Then, where are his manners? Sticking his thumb in his food? Any illustrations I have seen of this childhood chant depicts Jack as old enough not to be playing with his food. And, assuming his location is the result of unfavourable behaviour, he displays no remorse as he arrogantly announces, "What a good boy am I."
How many of us are little Jack Horners, proud of our corners and sitting contentedly in them? Proud of appearances, appointments, accomplishments, accumulations and accolades. Our wisdom has been corrupted by our love for splendor.
The prophet Ezekiel is describing the destruction of Tyre, a city that glorified itself in position and greatness. It did amass a lot of wealth, but this led to its arrogance and downfall. In his commentary on this passage, Chris Tiegreen writes, "pride is the poisonous root of all rebellion and sin, and humility is its antidote."
C. S. Lewis has said that "Pride...is the complete anti-God state of mind."
Nancy Leigh DeMoss says it is the roadblock to revival. "Pride blinds us to our true spiritual condition..."
John Flavel writes, "They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud."
C. H. Spurgeon says, "Oh! Man, hate pride, flee from it, abhor it, do not let it dwell with you!"
The prophet Obadiah says, pride deceives so that we think we are invincible and untouchable (1:3).
Solomon teaches pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and God hates pride (Proverbs 8:13).
The Psalmist tells us that there are consequences for proud actions (Psalm 31:23), and that pride keeps us from seeking God (Psalm 10:4).
James tells us that God opposes the proud (James 4:6).
Pride will never be overcome without brokenness. There needs to be an acknowledgement of pride and then a humble surrendering, with a willingness to bend the knee. Just last evening a precious group of friends gathered in my home and online via Zoom for Bible study. We were looking at the life of John the Baptist. John's genuine humility cannot go unnoticed. We noted how he displayed no envy or rivalry, but laboured on, content to do what he was called to do, even though Jesus gained more attention and recognition. John the Baptist lived the words of Matthew 16:24-26, denying self and devoting his life to another...Jesus. This too is our daily calling.
Maybe the nursery rhyme should read like this:
Little Jack Horner chose to sit in the corner after serving the pumpkin pie.
He then bowed his head, and quietly said, "Lord, You are greater than I."
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