Israel was God’s chosen nation that was supposed to be the nation through which, the word of God was to be preached throughout the world. God rescued them from Egypt and made a covenant with them. This covenant included Laws that they were to obey if they were to remain God’s chosen nation. Israel continually rebelled against God by failing to obey his laws. The passage below is one of the times that they did rebel against God. I will use this passage to illustrate what God’s position is regarding those that fail to align the plans with that of God. Those who fail to align God’s will with that of theirs. These are those that fail to live according to the will of God. This message is meant to serve as a lesson to all of us.
Isaiah 30:1-5 (NLTse)
1 “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the L ord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.
God is speaking through his prophet Isaiah to the children of Israel. God starts by indicating that sorrow awaits his rebellious children. The children God is reffering to here is not only Israel but also us. Why us, because we are just as rebellious and equally so, sorrow awaits us.
God says that Israel awaits sorrow because they have made plans contrary to those of God. Israel failed to consult God in making plans to ensure that their plans are inline with that of God. Israel ignored the will of God and went ahead and did whatever they wanted. Does this not also refer to us. How many of our plans were done in line with the will of God. How many of our plans are contrary to those of God. When was the last time, if ever, that we attempted to find out what the will of God is in our lives so that we can align our wills and plans with that of God. We are no different to what Israel has done. We also have made plans contrary to those of God.
Not only that but, Israel went on to make alliances that were not guided by God through the Holy Spirit. Israel failed to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in making alliances. How often do we pray and ask God through the Holy Spirit to direct us in our day to day lives. How often do we ask God to give us wisdom and strength to direct us in this world. We somehow beleive that we don’t need God’s guidance and we are much capable of doing things ourselves. When last, if ever, have you asked God to direct you through the Holy Spirit, as to which church to attend, which school to send your child, which Job interviews to attend, which jobs to apply for, to direct you as to whom to marry, whom to befriend, etc. When did you ever sit down and say God, from this point onwards, I will be to you like a blind man and you will from now on, direct me wherever I go.
God says that by making plans contrary to his plans, and making alliances that are not directed by the Holy Spirit, you pile up sins for yourself. It make sense does it not, if your life is completely contrary to God’s will and you are not directed by the Holy Spirit, you are bound to live a life of sin.
2 For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade.
This is what Israel did showing how they made plans contrary to that of God and made alliances without the direction of the Holy Spirit. They went down to Egypt to Pharoah for help. They put their trust in Pharoah’s protection and hid or tried to hide in his shade. These are the things that, instead they should be doing to God. They should be asking for help from God, they should be putting their trust in God and they should be hiding in God’s shade. Instead they chose Pharoah over God. What have you chosen over God. What is that, that you have chosen to depend on instead of God. What is it that you have chosen to trust in, instead of God. Under whose shade have you tried to hide under, instead of God’s shade.
3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced. 4 For though his power extends to Zoan and his officials have arrived in Hanes, 5 all who trust in him will be ashamed. He will not help you. Instead, he will disgrace you.”
God says that by trusting in Pharoah, Israel will be humiliated and by depending on him, they will be disgraced. God says they must not be deceived by his power, if they continue to trust in him, they will be ashamed. He has no power to help them and instead, he will disgrace them.
Whatever it is that you are trusting in, instead of God, whatever that thing is or that person is, you will be humiliated. Whatever it is that you are depending on, instead of depending on God, you will be disgraced. That thing or that person you are trusting in or depending on, might look like they have power, but they are deceiving you. If you continue to trust and depend on them, you will be ashamed. Although this thing or this person you are trusting, appears as if they will help you or are helping you, they are not and they wil not, and you will be disgraced.
God is asking you today to stop making plans that are contrary to his plans. To stop making decisions in life that are not directed by the Holy Spirit. To stop trusting and depending on anything other than him. To protect yourself and stay away from those that give you false and temporary help. To stay away form those that promise you solutions that are contrary to the word of God. Stop relying on churches and pastors that are contrary to the word of God. Instead read the word of God yourself and allow God to direct you. God says if you don’t stop, you will not get help but instead, you will be humiliated and disgraced. Sorrow will come upon you and will await you.