Tag: False Hope

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Trusting in Man will bring Doom- Isaiah- Week 6- Day 2

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. (3) Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Isaiah 31:2-3

Explanation:
At the national level, Kings would seek out counselors to give them advice and direction as to what to do. Some commentators say that verse 2 is a statement somewhat directed at the king who is trusting in the advice of these counselors, when it states, “He also is wise.” It is as if the prophet is saying, “You’re trusting in the counsel of these so called ‘wise men’ but God is the ultimate wisdom.” Why should God be trusted? Several reasons are given in these two verses.
• He is wise. – His wisdom surpasses human wisdom.
• He will judge evil doers. – Every person will ultimately answer to God.
• Egyptians are just men. – They are not the omniscient, omnipotent God of the Universe.
• Their horses are just animals. – Animals are temporary, created beings.
• God will destroy the evil doers, and those who rely on them. – Those who rely on others who do not acknowledge God will be judged. Both parties will be judged.

Application:
It may seem like a good idea in the short term to rely more on the temporary, man-made, evil doer rather than to trust in God, but that plan will ultimately always turn out the same way. If you rely on them, ultimately both you and they will fall.

Response:
• How will you express your trust in God today?

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Trusting in Man will bring Doom- Isaiah- Week 6- Day 1

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:1

Explanation:
In this week’s text we start out with a very definitive statement, that must be read all the way through to make a proper interpretation. God, through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah pronounces “woe” or doom, danger, and destruction to a certain kind of person with a specific kind of thinking.

Who is the one in danger? Notice the list of characteristics given in this text of the person who is in danger:
• Those who rely on Egypt
• Stay on horses
• Trust in chariots
• Count the number
• Trust in horseman
There is a way of thinking that suggests that man’s plans, man’s strength, man’s strategies, man’s inventions, and the like are worth putting all your trust and confidence. The issue is not with having plans, strategies, or inventions. The issue with God is mentioned at the end of the verse when it says, “…but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, nor trust in God.” Ultimate, eternal security can only be found in the True and Living God of Israel. All other hope is false hope.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:7

Putting our trust in mortal man at the expense of putting our trust in the eternal True and Living God will always ultimately lead to “woe”, danger, and destruction.

Application:
Certainly, this passage has a national perspective in mind, but it does not disclude this principle being applicable to our own individual lives. Is it wrong to plan or prepare? Of course, it is not. The issue is not having defenses, or a plan. The issue is one of trust. Where is your security? Do you trust in your plan, your weapon, or some temporary man-made factor more than, or instead of trusting in God? Anything that we trust in at the expense of trusting in God becomes an idol competing with God for honor, glory, and worship due solely and exclusively to Him. We ought to plan, but our plans ought to be as unto the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 give us wise direction about this very issue.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Response:
• Are you trusting in something else more than you trust in God?