Today’s Reading: Isaiah 31

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and who depend on horses! They trust in the number of chariots and in the great strength of charioteers. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel and they do not seek the Lord’s help.

 

Isaiah 31:1

Reflection

Everyone lives by faith in something. When attacked by the powerful nation of Assyria, Israel turns to Egypt for their deliverance. At this time, Egypt possessed the most advanced war technology in the known world. They had not only a large military, but chariots and horses, which put them at a great advantage against armies that maneuvered solely on foot. This technology is what Israel decides to place their trust in, despite their previous history of being enslaved by Egypt. In the midst of their distress, they turn to the power of other nations and forsake the strength of their God. There were many reasons that Israel had for placing their faith in Egypt, but there were more reasons to place their faith in the Lord. The prophet Israel rebukes the people for their lack of faith in God and reminds them of the God they had forgotten, who had proved on numerous occasions more than capable of delivering Israel from the Assyrian armies.

God fiercely protects His people and assures that they are spared. As a young lion protects its prey, or a bird hovers overs its offspring, the Lord ensures that His people are never taken from Him. This is why we need not compromise our faith in God for anything. Compromise in our faith here or there opens us to the dangers of becoming dependent on others besides God – other imperfect, even corrupt and evil, entities. These entities of the world may be powerful, wealthy, or knowledgeable, but they cannot compare to God’s unmatched omnipotence, resources, and wisdom. And no other being or organization in heaven or on earth can guarantee our eternal Salvation like the Lord. Some have faith in finance or the wealthy and influential, others in human understanding, and many in multiple other things. But the faithful follower depends on nothing and no one else but the Eternal God, Whose Providence and Protection is more than sufficient.

Prayer

Lord, You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. I want for nothing because of all that You continue to provide. I have life in fullness because You are near. I look forward eternity in heaven because of Your perfect Work on the Cross through Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for being so Good. Thank You for Your everlasting Love. Please Lord, guard my heart and mind as I continue to seek You. Remind me of Your faithfulness in times of uncertainty or distress, that I would not turn to left or the right for my deliverance, but seek all that You provide me out of Your amazing Grace. I pray these things in the Name of Jesus my Lord, AMEN.

 

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): 1 Timothy 1; Isaiah 31-33; Psalm 119:33-64