A Journey Through The Old Testament - Elmer Towns

Govern heaven Isaiah 2:1-4
Ascend above the heights Philippians 2:9
Be like the Most High Genesis 14:19, 22
Three prominent factors were present within Lucifer’s mind as he sought to unlawfully ascend to
the highest throne in the heavenlies. The first was pride. The Apostle Paul spoke of “being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Tim. 3:6, KJV). His ambitious pride in his God-given
splendor convinced him that he was worthy of God’s throne and glory. Second, unbelief was also in the
mind of Lucifer. As a result he failed to believe that God would really punish him if he committed a sin. As
a small child will purposely test his parents’ prohibitions in order to find out if they mean business, so
Lucifer, deluded by his pride, did not apparently understand the entire nature of God. Third, thoughts of selfgrandeur
were undoubtedly his enemy. He deceived himself into believing that he could actually wrestle the
throne of God away from the Almighty. With blinded confidence, Lucifer and his hosts moved on the
throne, only to be met with a barrage of divine judgments.
Ascend into heaven
Lucifer’s first attempt involved his ascent into the abode of God. Lucifer wanted to ascend above
his position. He moved into the third heaven, the dwelling place of God. This involved more than visiting
the throne room of God, for he probably had access to it as the messenger of God. He wanted God’s place in
the throne room.
Exalt his throne
Lucifer also sought unlawful authority over the other angels. He wanted to be exalted above the
stars. The term “star” is often used in Scripture to represent angels (Rev. 1:20; 12:4). If Lucifer was
originally one of the three archangels of heaven, this description of his rebellion may mean he sought to
expand his sphere of authority to include those angels under the jurisdiction of Michael and Gabriel. This
move would make him the ultimate authority in heaven, perhaps taking the place of God over the angels.
Govern heaven
Further, he desired to “sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north” (Isa.
14:13, KJV). The phrase “mount of the congregation” is an expression relating to the central ruling
authority in the kingdom of God (2:1-4). Lucifer seemed to be saying, “I want a share in the kingdom.” The
problem was that he wanted God’s share. The “north side” is a term relating to God’s presence in Scripture
(Ps. 75:6-7). During the millennial reign of Christ, Christ will rule this earth from the north (48:2).
Ascend above the heights
There can be no question that Lucifer was prepared to attempt a coup in Heaven. His desire was not
simply to get closer to God but to surpass God. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds” (Isa. 14:14).
Clouds are often used to refer to the glory of God. In fact, 100 of the 150 uses of the English word “clouds” in
the Bible have to do with divine glory. Lucifer sought glory for himself that surpassed the glory of God. The
Apostle Paul revealed Lucifer’s future desire when he wrote, “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all
that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he
is God” (2 Thess. 2:4, KJV).