Isaiah 8:11-10:19
Focus on the reign of Jesus rather than on riches
As Lily Allen sings in ‘The Fear’, if we focus on the wrong things we are ‘taken over by the fear’. But Isaiah says, ‘Don’t fear what they fear. Don’t take on their worries. If you’re going to worry, worry about The Holy. Fear God-of-the-Angel-Armies’ (8:12–13, MSG). The antidote to our irrational fears and worries is faith. Isaiah writes ‘I will wait for the LORD… I will put my trust in him’ (v.17).
He warns against focusing on the occult, fortune-tellers, spiritualists and consulting the dead (v.19): ‘Tell them, “No, we’re going to study the Scriptures.” People who try the other ways get nowhere – a dead end… A blank wall, an empty hole. They end up in the dark with nothing’ (vv.20–22, MSG).
He also warns against pride and ‘arrogance of heart’ (9:9). In addition, he has much to say on the subject of riches.
First, riches in themselves do not satisfy: ‘Appetites insatiable, stuffing and gorging themselves left and right with people and things. But still they starved’ (v.20, MSG). However much money we make, it will never satisfy the deep spiritual hunger in every human heart.
Second, he warns against making money at the expense of the poor (10:1–3). Injustice is at the heart of so much suffering in the world: ‘Doom to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make victims – Laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity, exploiting defenceless widows, taking advantage of homeless children’ (vv.1–2, MSG).
There are many countries in the world where we can see exactly this happening. A few people become very rich at the expense of the poor, the widows and the orphans. There are unjust laws and no justice for the people. Isaiah asks the question about the day of judgment: ‘Where will you leave your riches?’ (v.3d). All this money at the end of the day is utterly meaningless: ‘What good will all your money do you?’ (v.3d, MSG).
Into this world of injustice and inequality the prophet Isaiah sees a different kind of ruler arising – the ultimate fulfilment was, of course, in Jesus Christ: ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end’ (9:6–7a).
The more you allow the rule of Jesus in your life, the more he directs your plans, decisions, conversations and thoughts – the wiser you will become and, instead of being ‘taken over by the fear’, the more you will experience his peace.
Peace does not come from money, riches, success, promotion, clothes or diamonds. It comes from living under the rule of Jesus in justice and righteousness, following his example of rich generosity.
Lord, I worship you, the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Help me to follow your example of generosity and find the path to true riches, honour and life.
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