Read Isaiah 30.
Living in fear as they awaited the Assyrian invasion, the southern kingdom of
Judah looked to Egypt for help and protection. But Egypt was no longer a
strong world power. Representatives of Judah were dispatched anyway to
secure an alliance. The result would be "shame and disgrace"
(v.5).
God had already made it clear that the northern kingdom of Israel would be conquered
and the people scattered. However, God also promised to use the Assyrians
to punish Judah, but not conquer them.
How did they get into this mess? They decided that they knew better how
to run their lives and their nation than the God who created them and brought
them this far. "Stubborn children," He called them, making
their own plans, seeking alliances and protection from everyone and everything
except Him. In doing so, they "add sin to sin" (v.1).
The people did not want to hear what was right. They wanted someone to
flatter them and help them feel good about themselves. In other words,
they deliberately sought to believe in fantasies instead of the truth (v.10).
None of those false ways dealt with the root issue of their sin and
guilt.
God's gracious offer to them remained. "In returning (repentance)
and rest you shall be saved: in quietness and in trust shall be your
strength" (v.15). Making a U-turn toward the LORD, accepting His
forgiveness, and trusting Him alone would bring them peace and the provision
they needed. All along, the LORD wanted to be their Teacher, showing them
how to live (v.21). One day Israel will listen to Him. At that
point, they will get rid of all the false ways they used to trust with a simple
"Be gone!" (v.22).
In the middle of the chapter is the invitation. "The LORD waits to
be gracious to you and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For
the Lord is a God of justice;" But there is more.
"Blessed are all those who wait for him" (v.18). Who are
you trusting today to meet your real needs? God is waiting. What
are you waiting for?
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