Reading the 30th chapter of Isaiah today
did not sound so much like the ancient world as it reminded me of the world
today:
30 “Woe to
the obstinate children,”
declares the Lord,
“to those who carry out plans that are not mine,
forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit,
heaping sin upon sin;
2 who go down to Egypt
without consulting me;
who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection,
to Egypt’s shade for refuge.
Security is something all humans long
for, so much so that we will seek it wherever we believe it can be found.
Notice the indictments leveled against the people.
They carry out plans but not God’s.
They form alliance but not an alliance
that is Spirit inspired.
They consult with people and exclude God
from their deliberations.
Are these just problems experienced in
Ancient times?
Do we have these same problems today?
Do I have this problem?
There is something in the human
experience that causes us to take matters into our own hands and plan
accordingly. Ingenuity and problem-solving are wonderful attributes, but as
believers, no amount of creativity and brain-storming can take the place of
seeking God’s wisdom. Initiative and a strong work ethic are great, but as
people of faith, we believe that God is for us and He will help to direct and
protect His people.
The prophet at the beginning of the
thirtieth chapter of Isaiah says, “obstinate children.” Here is how the
dictionary defines the word obstinate: “stubbornly refusing to change one’s
opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.”
How often have I been guilty of operating in this manner?
Convinced my way is not only right, but
it is also the only way. When dealing with absolute truth, you cannot change
the absolute truth. When it comes to my plans, they should always be subject to
change. I do not want to change because of a whim or undue pressure, but if a
better idea or way appears, I need to be willing to adjust my plans. A wise
person changes their mind, but a fool never does! In meeting with a group of
people this week, I was reminded that no one of us is as smart as all of us.
Someone made a statement about a
decision we were about to make that changed the perspective of the rest of us,
bringing a fresh and needed insight. I am glad he spoke up and gave his idea.
It was the right way for us to proceed. Never be afraid to speak up, and
likewise never be alarmed with the prospect of seeking God’s will in every and
any situation.
Networking is such a key concept. Again
it is not networking and consulting others that is a problem; it is instead not
consulting with God. To consult with God, you have to know Him and spend time in
His presence. He made us for a relationship with Him and to be in relationship
with others.
At one time, I worked in a place that
relied upon consultants. In those days, it seemed to me that a consultant was
someone who lived over 50 miles away, wore a suit, and had a briefcase. They
would come in and listen and make a couple of comments, point out several
things that needed changing, and then they would leave.
Often time, their insight was spot on,
and they were helpful. We need someone from outside at times to help us see
things differently. According to the passage, we need to consider that God
wants us to consult with Him.
The takeaways for me from this passage
are the following:
Don’t be obstinate, be open and ready to
receive from God and others
Do not think that your strength comes
from your plans and alliances. Our strength, as well as our help, comes from
the Lord
by Dr.
Blake
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