What do anxiousness, insecurity, and control all have in common?

What is Isaiah saying?

When Israel trusts the Lord, they are exalting the Lord; and the Lord is the only One who is worthy to be exalted in this way! Instead:

(1) They are exalting pagan practices of superstition & divination (v. 6)

In contrast to what was happening, the Hebrew law forbade the use of divination and magic (; ) and argued against developing close relationships with pagans (; , ). Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 136). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 136). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

(2) They are exalting materialism (v. 7)

When a nation is rich, it may seem unnecessary to trust God for food and other daily needs, but this is a false source of security. Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 136). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 136). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

(3) They are exalting idols (v. 8 - 9)

word for idols means nothing, worthless

In each of these three areas, Israel is trusting in these things for their source of security.

(4) There is a day in which this pride will be humbled (v. 10 - 21)

Two primary ways/reasons this humility will take place:

The Lord’s presence (v. 10, 19, 21)

The Lord’s glory (v. 10, 19, 21)

Two things will happen in the future: (a) the splendor of God’s majesty will be revealed; and (b) the dread of God’s presence will cause people to hide (2:10). The “splendor of his majesty” (mēhadar gĕʾônô) is an attempt to describe the visible appearance of the glorious presence of God in its exalted fullness

Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 139). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

(5) Exalt the eternal Creator alone by trusting in Him (v. 22)

Why is Isaiah saying this?

The Syrio-Ephramatic Crisis/War is taking place. Judah was being urged to join Syria/Israel against Assyria.

Throughout history, leaders are eventually forced to chose one of two options: (a) they arrogantly trust themselves, or (b) they humble themselves and trustingly follow the Almighty God who sovereignly controls the universe. - Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 139). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

Smith, G. V. (2007). . (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.) (p. 139). Nashville: B & H Publishing Group.

What is the principle?

The revelation (presence & glory) of the Lord is a call to trust in him alone for security. To trust the Lord exclusively is to exalt the Lord.

Where is Christ?

The New Testament affirms two important truths for us:

(1) There is a day coming for a final shaking of the earth at the revelation of the Lord ()

Those in Christ are part of an unshakeable Kingdom

[during what is known as the Tribulation Period]

[during what is known as the Tribulation Period]

(2) There was a day when God spoke and revealed his presence and glory to this world

- Note what verse three points out

- both presence and glory pointed out

Why this manifestation? So that men and women would trust in Him and not find their security in anything else.

Jesus, is God manifesting His presence and His glory. This calls men to fear and believe.

How does this apply today?

(1) For the unbeliever, Jesus is God’s call to trust Him.

(2) For the believer, having trusting in Jesus Christ don’t revert back to anything less as the Source of your Trust.

Stop trusting in the temporal for your ultimate security. ().

Trusting the revelation of God in Christ means you do not trust in superstition or divination ().

Trusting in the finished work of Christ means that you don’t place faith in your nation for ultimate security ()

Trusting in the revelation of God in Christ means that you don’t place trust in your intellectual accomplishments (idols - ).

How do you know if you have trusted in Jesus for salvation but you are not trusting Jesus for your ultimate security now?

i. You live with continual anxiousness because you cannot control the outcome that brings you security.

ii. You seek means (many times manipulative) to try to control the outcome that would bring you security.

What do anxiousness, insecurity, and control all have in common?

They tend to be rooted in pride = and unwillingness to trust the Lord.