“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!” (Isaiah 31:1, ESV)
As we work through the book of Isaiah, we see repetitive themes. When we see repetitive themes in the Scriptures, they point us to truths that are particularly vital to us. Let me give you an example that every believer in Christ should quickly identify. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, we see God’s plan of redemption with Christ as the central figure. The Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments clearly point to Christ’s redemptive work in paying the penalty of sin and offering salvation.
Here in this passage, we see a closely related repetitive theme. We must trust in the Lord completely. In my last devotion, we discussed the problem of not seeking God for wisdom in making the varied decisions of life. Presupposed in asking for direction is that we will take the appropriate God given direction when we understand it. This is the walk of faith.
Throughout the book of Isaiah, we see the theme that Israel departed from trusting the Lord. The prophet warns the nation to repent. The prophet pronounces a woe for their failure to trust God. Here again, we see this pronouncement. “Woe to those who . . . rely on horses, who trust in chariots . . . , but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!” the nation, rather than trusting the Lord, looked to Egypt in the face of the Assyrian threat.
So what is the message for us? It is vital that we trust the Lord and not the works or might of men. I cannot be forceful enough in stating this! To trust in the things of the earth is futile. There is no eternal value in this misplaced trust. Let us look at some examples. Salvation comes only by trusting the Lord. Powerful and effective ministry comes by trusting the Lord. Successful parenting comes by trusting the Lord. Effectiveness in every area of life comes by trusting the Lord.
How can I say that every area of life becomes effective when we trust in the Lord? We need to understand what it really means to trust the Lord. To trust the Lord is to live by faith. In a life of faith, we seek the Lord and His righteousness. In a life of faith, we seek to understand His ways and His will. In a life of faith, we do things His way to the best of our ability and trust Him for the results.
While this does not guarantee us a life without difficulties, it does guarantee us a better life. If we do things according the will of God and trust Him, we will experience fewer difficulties in life. Why is this? One reason is that God tells us, through His word, the best way to live. Moreover, a faith walk is a Spirit filled walk. Those who endeavor to walk by the Spirit endeavor to follow the leading of His Spirit and He will only lead us in the path of righteousness. The Spirit filled walk is a victorious walk where the believer experiences an indwelling power to live above the world system and experience God.
Therefore, do not be like the nation of Israel. Do not bring unnecessary hardship upon your life. Seek the Lord and His will with all your heart. If you truly trust Him, you will obey what He says.
Renewing the Heart 