To face these days without fear we must avoid conspiracies…
Isaiah 8:11-13 ‘Fear God, Heed His Word For the Lord spoke to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.’
Henry says – [The Lord] cautions them against a sinful fear. It seems it was the way of this people at this time, and fear is catching. He whose heart fails him makes his brethren’s heart to fail, like his heart (Deut. 20:8); therefore Say you not, A confederacy {conspiracy}, to all those to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; that is, [1.] “Be not associated with them in the confederacies they are projecting and forecasting for. Do not join with those that, for the securing of themselves, are for making a league with the Assyrians {enemy}, through unbelief, and distrust of God and their cause. Do not come into any such confederacy.” Note, It concerns us, in a time of trouble, to watch against all such fears as put us upon taking any indirect courses for our own security. [2.] “Be not afraid of the confederacies they frighten themselves and one another with. Do not distress yourselves with the apprehension of a confederacy upon every thing that stirs, nor, when any little thing is amiss, cry out presently, There is a plot, a plot. When they talk what dismal news there is, … do not you fear their fear: Be not afraid of the signs of heaven, as the heathen are, (Jer. 10:2). Be not afraid of evil tidings on earth, but let your hearts be fixed. Fear not that which they fear, nor be afraid as they are. Be not put into such a fright as causes trembling and shaking;” so the word signifies.
As a truth seeker it can sometimes be very difficult to resist the temptation to dig around an issue. Truth-seekers will seek out the truth until they find it.
We find ourselves today in unprecedented times. Our usual life has come to an abrupt halt. We are ‘staying home’ as directed by Government. Now with extra times on our hands it could be easy to get caught up in the why’s and wherefores – (a term to describe ‘the various underlying factors that cause or contribute to something). It’s in our inquisitive nature to ask, ‘what’s really going on?’
But this scripture clearly tells us not to get caught up in the underlying factors of something. But you may say what about Hosea 4:6 where it says, ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’. This is referring to a lack of knowledge of God in the land; and because there was no vision, or none to any purpose, the people perished Prov. 29:18.
In 1 Corinthians 8 it says: ‘We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up [or makes arrogant], but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”. John 14:6
The truth we need to seek is that of Jesus Christ. It’s knowledge of the Word that we need. What can we know and understand anyway of the ways of this world and the strings that are being pulled in our society? But if we have a knowledge of Christ and His ways then our lives will prosper and be at peace.
Christian Conflict Romans 7:21-25 In the law of God My inner being does delight. The only desire I have Is to be glorious in His sight. Yet evil is always at hand To sing it’s all too familiar song. Why when I always want to do what’s right Do I end up doing what’s wrong? My mind and heart With the law of God agree But often there is a different law at work Deep inside of me. This law fights with my mind Holding me in its power. Because sin is still in me Sometimes I just want to cower. What an unhappy man I am. There is no happiness in me. From my sinful old self Who can set me free? Thanks be to God For the Lamb who was sacrificed. I am truly set free Through our Lord Jesus Christ. By the late Andrew Feakin (passed away 16th March 2019)
Prayer: Father forgive me for seeking for answers outside of the knowledge of You. Forgive me for fearing anything other than the reverential fear of You. Forgive me for when I have spread fear instead of faith to others. Prompt me to set a guard over my eyes to read and watch only that which Glorifies You and set a guard over my mouth Lord that I may speak only that which comes from You. In Jesus Name. Amen