Og was the giant, godless, Amorite king of Bashan. He was a mighty warrior who inspired fear in those who heard of him. He was mentioned approximately seventeen times in the Bible indicative of his reputation. Yet, God told the Israelites, “Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining” (Deut 3:2b–3).
We have a picture of a man, a giant, who was highly successful in his endeavors due to physical and mental gifting. He was therefore respected by those who knew of him. His success led to pride, greed, over confidence, and no fear of God. Consequently, when he moved to attack God’s people, the Lord removed him, his children, and all his people from the earth, like cleaning a dirty dish. God then gave Og’s land to Israel.
Even for those professing Jesus as Lord, it is easy to take pride in our abilities (God’s gifting to us) which can lead to overconfidence and then chastening. One consequence of pride is that God takes from one and gives to another, as we see happened with Og. Look around you—your home, your car, your wife, your children. In a blink of an eye, another could be living in your home, driving your car, embracing your wife, and caring for your children.
Oh my brothers, it can happen in what seems like an instant. We must be the men of God He calls/commands us to be. No excuses. In the Word, loving/leading our families in the Word daily, and part of a Christ-honoring fellowship. We live for Him Who died for us.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:6-10).