Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
And rely on horses,
And trust in chariots because they are many
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!
Isaiah 31:1 (NASB)
In today’s scripture Isaiah speaks to the Israelites who are in rebellion to God, and seeking their help from other sources rather than from their Almighty God. Rather than come in repentance to God seeking His help with the threatened invasion by the Assyrians, they turn their back on Him and seek the help of Egypt. It is quite a thought indeed; that they turn away from God’s love and seek help from their ancient enemy.
As I pondered this, it became clear that the very same practice can be seen today – many people choose any way rather than God’s Way. There are folk whom we know, those we refuse to admit their sin and need of a Saviour – they turn anywhere for solace in their time of need rather than God. So many such souls are easy fodder for humanists and other false beliefs. Backslidden believers often hold out against seeking God, and some never return until the most desperate moment. And probably the saddest example is that of churches/denominations who turn away from God’s Word, seeking the mythical neutral ground with the world.
Dear Reader, what about you today? Are you on the run from God, just like the prodigal son in the parable told by Jesus? (Luke 15:11-32). Just as the Israelites found no help from Egypt, we can find no solace from anyone except our Father God in our time of need. May we come to our senses as the prodigal son did, and come repentantly to our Father God and receive His blessing.
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
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