February 9, 2001
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.
Isaiah 31:1
This chapter in Isaiah is yet another warning to the Israelites.... it is absolute folly or foolishness to look for help anywhere other than God! If you really listen to the verses you can hear the confusion.. why would you look anywhere other than to God for help? How silly, the Egyptians are only human (vs 3), they are known for their wisdom in battle and military matters but God has perfect wisdom and has proven to destroy enemies before them (vs. 2). Further, whenever God has stretched his hand out against man.. all have fallen. No one has ever been able to stand against him (vs 3). How silly! Not only that but, God has promised time and again to protect, shield and deliver his people, and does so here (vs 5-6). He tells them yet again, in a different way and with powerful imagery to help them understand his protective nature. When you belong to him he takes care of you. He promises to stay focused, as a lion over his prey (who isn't about to give up or even share) or as a bird hovering overhead (a mother watching it's young in the nest) vigilant, at the ready, ready to swoop down to protect...
It's ironic that God's people would look to Egypt for deliverance... wasn't that the place of slavery for over 400 years!!! How quickly they forgot their history. How quickly I forget mine... God freed me from slavery in my life. He ended the my captivity at the hands of Satan, I was enslaved by so many things passions, pleasures, fears, self protective mechanisms... I felt my freedom and knew only God could have provide it. Why do I reach for those things when I need protection. How foolish, how silly. They are only things, only people.
ONLY GOD can provide what I need.
ONLY GOD can provide the peace.
ONLY GOD can deliver me from whatever enemy I am facing!!
He shouldn't have to beg me... I should always reach for him automatically!
The greater my understanding of him grows.. the more I will!