Isaiah 20
ScriptureIsaiah 20:5Those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be dismayed and put to shame.Observation - What does it say?As was common among many of the prophets, God asks Isaiah to embody the message he was to declare. He was to go about naked and barefoot for three years! And, we know he didn’t stay locked up in his house, but all the people saw him because it was to be a reference point for the people of what was going to happen to the lands of Egypt and Cush.Egypt and Cush were both powerful countries, whom the smaller surrounding nations looked to for protection and security. But, the time would come when Egypt and Cush would be defeated by a greater power, Assyria. And Assyria would lead away the captives, like Isaiah, naked and barefoot.Understanding - What does it mean?We all want to have a sense of security. We want to know we and our loved ones will be safe from danger and be provided for. And we look to all sorts of things to provide that security. Our sense of security may be in our job or our savings account. It may be in a close family member or friend… growing up, my sense of peace and security came from knowing my dad was close by. It may be in our home security system or gated community. It may be in our insurance coverage. Or maybe even something else. And we can tend to boast in those things as if they are ensuring we are safe from harm, just like many people boasted in Egypt for the same reason.But, no matter how reliable the person seems, no matter how big the bank account is, no matter how high the protective walls are built, the only one we can truly count on for our protection and provision is God.The lesson in verses 5 and 6 is that those who put their trust in anyone but God will be put to shame.People will always fail us, even the ones we look up to and love the most. Our own wisdom and understanding is limited and often fails us. Money comes and goes so quickly and the wealthy become poor with one turn in the stock market. The only constant, the only solid foundation, the only one we can be sure to never fail us, is the one who has been seated on a throne in heaven from before time began, and who calls us his own.Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Life ApplicationTrust in God and boast in him alone.God, although we may have a job and decent insurance, we recognize that ultimately you provide for us. Although we have locks on our doors, airbags in our cars and loved ones who are there for us, we recognize that ultimately it is you who protects us. Recognizing this truth has filled me with peace this morning because I know that even if/when those things fail me or are taken away, I can still rest in the security that you will still be by my side and will carry me through any struggle. I worship you my Provider and my Protector! Amen.