Isaiah 8 Today

A prophetic warning: because the people have rejected what God has given them, Assyria will attack them. They will go to battle.  God has warned Isaiah not to follow in the way of the people. Apparently, God's children have strayed, again. They're not following in His way.

 

There are a couple of things that really jump out at me from this chapter from the perspective of 2013. First off, do not be afraid of things of this world.

 

“Do not call conspiracy
everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,he is the one you are to dread." (Isa 8:12-13 NIV)

 

It reminds me of how Luther responds to "What does this mean?" in regards to the 10 Commandments. "We are to fear and love God, so that..." And... so often I am asked by confirmands, "what does it mean to fear and love God? Why would you fear someone you love?" And... my response is usually something like: "God is God. He gave you life and He can take it away." This fear of God is a healthy respect for who He is and we love Him because of who He is and what He has done for us. The point I want our young people to be aware of is that the world can do nothing to take away our life in the Kingdom of God. Do not fear their threats, for God is with you and will always be with you. For this, He rightly deserves our respect and our love. Jesus said:

 

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.  But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7).

 

And... the second thing that really jumps out at me this morning is this:

 

 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. (Isa 8:19-22)

 

If you are seeking the assistance of a fortune teller, CUT IT OUT! The future is not going to be so good for you is you are seeking their assistance before the direction of the LORD, your God. I don't know how many Christians I've known who have no clue that consulting mediums is quite contrary to the will of God. CUT IT OUT! You don't want to living in distress, darkness and fearful gloom.

 

The LORD is there for you. Follow Him.  

 

God's Peace - Pr. J.