Where Is the Conspiracy?

Where Is the Conspiracy?

Isaiah 8:11-13
11 For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
12 “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.

   As Isaiah gave this prophecy, armies marched towards Jerusalem.  The combined armies of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Syria encircled Jerusalem or were close to doing so.  They planned to depose King Ahaz of Judah and set their own man on the throne (Isaiah 7:6).  Now, Isaiah’s prophecy declared the armies of Syria and Israel would not succeed in conquering Judah, but the Assyrians (who they trusted to help them) would attack Judah and do much damage. This sounds like a dangerous time to live and the people of Judah were in the middle of the most dangerous place to live.
   But what was the point of what God told Isaiah?  In the midst of all the wars, rumors of war, and political intrigues and the mounting state of fear among the nation, it is easy to let your heart or mind fill with conspiracy theories and threats.  But God tells the people of Judah, and tells us today, not to.  When danger or calamity comes upon us, it’s easy for our minds to begin making up a thousand imaginary dangers, and our imagination can be our biggest enemy.
   The Lord told Isaiah not to say, “A conspiracy.”  He said not to be afraid of their threats.  It is tempting to give in to fear when faced with danger on a national scale.  And it’s not as if there are no conspiracies or threats facing us in the world today.  But what we need to see is the reality of God’s power and know that what is happening is all in His hand, and the Lord is bigger than any of the conspiracies or threats we will face.  Your life is in His hands, not the hands of conspirators or of governments.  Things may seem out of control, but it’s not the circumstances we should fear.
   “The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear.”  We are not at the mercy of the government.  We are not at the mercy of our economy.   Don’t see yourself at the mercy of outside forces; you are in God’s hands.  And God’s hands are filled with mercy.  If you need to worry, worry about your relationship with God.  Our fear of the Lord should lead us honor and love Him more instead of avoiding Him.
   “Dear Lord, I don’t want to be blind to the dangers and problems of this world, but I want to always keep everything in its proper perspective.  Help me to see You as bigger and more important than any danger or conspiracy I might fear.  I want to rest in You and rely on You and not on anyone or anything else.  Help my mind to be at peace and to be focused on You and Your Kingdom.”

Stephen Cram                            May 20, 2012                          Colossians 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.  Colossians 2:8