OCTOBER 8, 2023 – WHAT IS MAN?

READ: Is. 2:22-3:15

Sever yourselves from such a man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he? – Is. 2:22

Judah (and we) are given the divine advice to turn away from man and his works, not to rely on human beings. It’s tempting to seek favor with people. For example, to follow the wisdom, opinions, and customs of the world. This might seem compassionate, but God judges differently when it concerns human wisdom that deviates from His Word. If you go along with such human thinking, you might lose God.

The problem is that it seems safe, as the path of least resistance. You have less disapproval or enmity to fear. But realize that in taking the easy road, you choose against God and for idols and will receive God’s judgment.

In the time of Israel and Judah, God often tests His people to see if they will continue to hope, trust, and build on Him. Sometimes He uses an invasion by an enemy army for this purpose. Will they place their hope in Him, or instead seek human allies?

God also tests them on how they deal with the idols of the nations. Will they serve them to gain favor with those nations, or will they cast them away in faithfulness to God (Judg. 3:1-4)?

Isaiah contrasts trusting in humans with having faith in God, the Almighty Creator (2:22). What is man compared to Him? Man has received breath from God and cannot live independently. Eventually, man will die and his plans will perish. Therefore, trust in God alone!

God will take away everything from the leaders who forsake Him, including their wealth and power (3:1-12), because their sins warrant no less. In their place inexperienced people will appear who lead land and people to chaos. When the leadership of God’s people falls short and speaks and acts against His Word before Him, God is angered and executes His judgment (vv.7,8). The wicked will fare poorly, but the righteous who continues to trust in God will fare well (vv.10,11).

Is it okay to be envious of large, thriving churches?

Singing: Ps. 118:3