Isaiah 30:1-18

Vs. 1       Assyria marched against N. and defeated, began against S.  But, rather than crying out to God, began sending ambassadors to Egypt w/ gifts…Isa going make some very clear statements about where we turn during struggle. 

 

Vs. 2       From heaven, >strength Egypt looks like shadow.  A picture of “world”.  People always sought counsel and while psychology has hundreds branches, God says, are only two types counsel.  Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him… How many times God have to warn His people?  Those giving worldly counsel may be sincere and even loving, but their advice will cheat you.    

 

Vs. 7       “Rahab Sits Idle” or “Do-Nothing.”, so much counsel today, “Well that didn’t work, let’s try something else.”  Whole point these vss about where to go for help.  Man’s Way Vs. God’s Way chart…The first principle: The world cannot help.  So hard watch believers go to those “esteemed by the world” for counsel.  At one point Paul pours out his guts, 1 Cor 6:1-7  We really need to heed this warning, because according to this chapter, while we seeking worldly counsel, God waiting for us to become worn down, so will listen to Him.  God has made the results of worldly counsel clear. 

 

Vs. 11     Second Principle: Whenever God’s people get their counsel from the world, they will begin to despise His teachers.  Oh, they’ll still have religion, but will begin seeking out preachers who aren’t so “dogmatic” and “fundamental”, but focus on being “friendly” to these “seekers”.

 

Vs. 15     Key psychological word today “esteem” or “confidence”.  Isa offers quiet confidence.  Now how many wouldn’t like that in their lives, spouse’s, children?  Here is another principle:  Return from Egypt (repent from world) and rest in the promises of the Lord, and will have the strength of quiet confidence.  But not in yourself…Jer 9:24…You know what happened?  Egypt fell to Assyria and those who didn’t go to Egypt, woke up one morning to 185K Assyrians lying dead around their walls. (2 Kg 19:35) 

Trusting God means rest: Ps 4

Quietness:  You don’t have to argue your side, when you are trusting in God.  His way is right…what’s to argue?  Job 6:25 How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove?...goes on to say (Job 42:7-8) After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.  Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has."

Confidence:  You aren’t given to despair or fear!  You are totally confident in Him.  Ps 118: 9-17  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.  All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. (Confidence against overwhelming odds)  What did David say when army of Israel sat terrified? 1 Sam 17:33-37 Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."  But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.  Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." (Confidence)  Moreover David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

Satan says, Panic, God says, Peace…Fear, Fear not, Strategize, Trust and be confident… 

 

Vs. 18     During this terrible time, God says, “I’m waiting.”  What a picture of God's love.  “I’m just waiting until you have had enough of the world, so that I can extend my mercy to you.”  God is just, your suffering is only what He has warned you that you’d get.  But soon as you have had enough then He will embrace you in mercy.  Here is another principle:  Every human is either waiting on God (trust) or God is waiting on them while they receive the results He warned them about.    

 

Vs. 20     When Judah prosperous and comfortable, wouldn’t listen. Now, they can hear God again. Discipline works!  Adversity makes things much clearer.  After Babylon, God’s people never again engaged in idolatry.