IN HIS WAY AND IN HIS TIME

Isaiah 30:1-2

The Assyrian army was sweeping through the Middle East and conquering nation after nation. What was Israel to do? They held a discussion and agreed that they should send ambassadors to Egypt to ask for their protection. What they did not do was ask the Lord what He wanted them to do.

Therefore the ambassadors set off, trekking through the wilderness, their donkeys and camels loaded with wealth, to ask Egypt to give them support.

It is more than ironic that the places where this diplomatic meeting took place were called Zoan - ‘Place of Departure’ and Hanes - ‘Grace has fled’. The Lord warns His people that Egypt were in a no-lose situation. They could take the wealth and then not come to Israel’s defence. After all, what could Israel do about it! He mockingly calls Egypt ‘Rahab Sits Idle’. (Isaiah 30:7. Rahab refers to proud strength).

So what should Israel have done? The answer comes in v15:

● Return to God - the nation was lukewarm towards Him.

● Rest and be still - don’t take any action at all.

NOT TAKE ACTION!! Just allow the Assyrians to come and take our city?

How big is your God?

Isaiah chapters 36-37 record that, when the Assyrians did come, the Lord defended His people by wiping out the army in one night. Israel did not even have to fire an arrow. All they had to do was trust the Lord. Is there a challenge in your life today which seems too big? Are you tempted to ‘look to Egypt for help?’ Come before the Lord first, ask Him what He wants. Maybe ask some friends to join you in prayer (Zoom meetings are useful for this!)