Who Do You Trust
Daily Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 20-22
Daily Focus Passage: Isaiah 21
Isaiah carried a problematic message to the people of Israel. He spoke of the coming destruction and the wrath of God that the people faced because of their sinfulness and disobedience. Yet, the prophet shared several truths while declaring the doom and gloom message. In Isaiah 20-22, the prophet shares the sovereignty of God, the failure to trust in the power of this world, and the fickleness of human promises.
TRUSTING IN THE POWER OF HUMANITY
The people of Israel relied on the power and influence of other nations more than they relied upon the Lord. The reliance upon the powers of humanity means that people rest in an uncertain certainty because the strength of humanity is limited and fails. Often, the powers of this world only seek to please the self and attempt to abuse their dominion over others for selfish gain. When we trust in the power of humanity, we become subject to it and face the ramifications of leaning into a limited, fallible power.
TRUSTING THE FICKLE PROMISES OF HUMANITY
The people trusted in the empty promises of the people of this world. The guarantees of other nations were fickle because they only existed while they served the self. The self-serving nature of humanity makes promises without a foundation to stand on. Thus, the words may sound attractive and positive, but the reality is that the promises come and go with the changing dynamics. We must strive to trust in the promises of the Lord alone and not find identity, purpose, and hope in the promises of humanity. God's promises are certain, while the promises of humanity are only as good as the moment.
TRUSTING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
Isaiah reveals that we must rest and trust in the sovereignty of God. The sovereignty of God reveals the nature of God where he is, overall, in control of all and constantly works in all. The Lord is the true King with authority over every part of creation. The sovereignty of God means we trust that he is in control and never out of control. Thus, God's sovereignty encourages us in the difficult moments of life and provides hope for us in the darkest moments.
Isaiah spends chapters 20-22 discussing these three truths. We must remember that the powers of this world are limited and fail. As a result, we must never trust the promises of humanity because they are fickle and guided by the moment instead of certain and based on truth. We must live in the knowledge and understanding that the Lord is sovereign, and as a result, we can rest in his promises, power, and authority.
