Preparing for Deliverance

Intro

Isaiah continues his warning from chapter 30, calling Israel to repent from trusting in Egypt’s physical strength to save them from the advancing Assyrians. However, the prophet makes another plea to Israel to return to the LORD whom they have deeply betrayed. God teaches Israel a very valuable lesson; that it is only AFTER they destroy their idols and rely on God alone to save them that he will act on their behalf. And when he acts he moves with spiritual power that no one can prevent, delay, or stand against.

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Isaiah 31:1-2 NRSV

“[1] Alas for those who go down to Egypt for help and who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD! [2] Yet he too is wise and brings disaster; he does not call back his words, but will rise against the house of the evildoers, and against the helpers of those who work iniquity.”

The prophet directly addresses Judah, who takes more comfort in the protection of an alliance with the Egyptian military than they do in the protection of the LORD. In other words it is out of their doubt in God’s protection that they seek an alliance with Egypt. Yet the LORD does not want his people joining up with those who work iniquity, especially Egypt, who once held Israel in slavery and has a reputation for idol worship.

Who do you confide in when you are in trouble? Have you ever acted like Judah, and sought help from the wrong people, thing, or thinking?

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Isaiah 31:3-5 NRSV

“[3] The Egyptians are human, and not God; their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, the helper will stumble, and the one helped will fall, and they will all perish together. [4] For thus the LORD said to me, As a lion or a young lion growls over its prey, and-when a band of shepherds is called out against it- is not terrified by their shouting or daunted at their noise, so the LORD of hosts will come down to fight upon Mount Zion and upon its hill. [5] Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will spare and rescue it.”

The threat of defeat by the hand of the Assyrians causes Judah to lose their faith in God. So the prophet is remaining Judah of the weakness of Egypt as an ally.  By directly making the contrast between the ‘flesh’ of Egypt and the ‘spirit’ of the LORD, Egypts weakness is put on full display. Because of this, the prophet proclaims that the LORD will cause Judah to stumble and the Egyptians who come to help Judah will fall completely; since they are only flesh. Isaiah’s point throughout the previous chapter continues into this one; and that is that Judah nore Jerusalem needed an alliance with Egypt, for the LORD himself would protect, deliver, spare, and rescue his people Israel if only they would rely on him.

What limitations do you sometimes foolishly place on God’s protection? What reminds you of God’s unlimited ability to keep you safe?

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Isaiah 31:6-9 NRSV

“[6] Turn back to him whom you have deeply betrayed, O people of Israel. [7] For on that day all of you shall throw away your idols of silver and idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you. [8] "Then the Assyrian shall fall by a sword, not of mortals; and a sword, not of humans, shall devour him; he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be put to forced labor. [9] His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic," says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.”

In the middle of a disobedient and faithless generation who deeply betrayed (v.6) God, the prophet yet proclaims that a day will come when Israel will turn back to God and will throw their idols of gold and silver in the trash. And if we look carefully, we see that it is not until AFTER Israel throws away their idols that God will turn the tables and cause Assyria to be defeated and become slaves of the Isrealites (v.8) . The LORD will send the Assyrians fleeing for their lives, but only AFTER Israel turns back to the LORD and gets rid of idol worship.

Have you ever seen a dramatic shift AFTER you made a conscious decision to submit to God’s will?

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We confess that sometimes we adopt a way of thinking that is contrary to trusting in you. Yet our heart’s desire is to please you above even ourselves, so we are choosing to look to you alone as the source of our help. And as we call to you, send help our way. Move on our behalf and take action to defend us from both physical and spiritual danger. Remove any idols that exist in our lives, so that nothing will hinder you liberating power as you send your Holy Spirit to save us in the times of trial and to deliver us from all evil. You said you would always be there for us, and so we are leaving our health and prosperity in your Devine hands alone, for we know that you are mighty to save us whenever we are in trouble. May we choose toody to submit  to your will, as we enjoy the peace that is in your protection. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!