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“…Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him.”  Isaiah 40:9-10

Sometimes the narratives in the Old Testament can seem antiquated and obscure to our understanding in the twenty-first century, but there is so much truth to learn from these narratives.  The Old Testament recounts the history of God’s relationship with the nation of Israel, the nation God chose to bring blessing (hope) to all the families of the earth.  At one time the people had a king named Hezekiah.  Hezekiah governed the nation at a time when a large empire grew around it.  The Assyrians were a ruthless and violent empire that ravaged any kingdom or community in its path of conquest.  The Assyrians are at the doorstep of Hezekiah’s kingdom ready to invade and destroy.  Boldly, the Assyrian representative calls out to Hezekiah and his people asking, “In whom do you now trust?” (Isaiah 36:5) Hezekiah is facing the potential obliteration of his kingdom, a great loss of life, and the end of God’s promise.  His trust in God is shaken.  What will he do? 

In the following chapters, the prophet Isaiah who lived and preached during that time, records Hezekiah seeking God in prayer.  Hezekiah had no where else to go.  He could not trust in neighboring kingdoms as they were under the same threat of destruction.  He could not trust in himself or his own warriors because they were outmatched.  He trusted in God to deliver them from the enemy.  God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and answered.  God struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers and their leader without Hezekiah sending out one soldier (Isaiah 37:36) All seems well, but not long after, King Hezekiah became deathly ill.  Again, in distress, he prays, and the Lord delivers.  In the face of extreme challenges, Hezekiah trusted in God and God came through. 

Then visitors from another kingdom came to see Hezekiah.  They had heard the news of Hezekiah’s success.  Hezekiah relished this new fame and recognition.  Instead of giving God the glory, Hezekiah showed off the treasures he had accumulated with pride.  Little did he know at the time that these unknown visitors were citizens of another empire that would one day sack the kingdom and destroy it.  Hezekiah learned in that moment of failure that trusting in himself is futile.  God deserves the glory and credit for the success and victory in Hezekiah’s life. 

In whom do we now trust?  When challenges, invasions, disease, and uncertainties come knocking on our doors where do we find hope and security?  Only the Lord our God can be trusted to bring justice, peace, and hope.  There is no government, political leader, ideology, or religion worthy of our trust.  Outside of God’s will, all of these will fail, fading like flowers, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).  Isaiah says, “Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him” (Isaiah 40:9-10).  God is powerful and able to give hope.  God rules sovereignly over the nations, and we can trust He will accomplish His good plan.  God will reward those who follow His way and will bring judgment on those who turn against Him. 

In whom are you trusting your life today? 

Further Reading:  Isaiah 36-40