Revelation 20; Isaiah 7-8; Psalm 110

“For the Lord spoke thus 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.’” (Isaiah 8:11-13 NKJV)

It would be natural, with all the intrigue going around Jerusalem in Isaiah’s day, to assume that there were lots of conspiracies flying around. Ahaz not only had to worry about people in Jerusalem conspiring to depose him, he also had to worry about those who might conspire to sell him out to Israel, or Syria, or perhaps even that rising power in the north, Assyria. God’s message to Isaiah was not to join in that speculation. The only thing God’s people should fear is getting on the wrong side of God. God alone is to be hallowed, feared, and even dreaded. While we live under the umbrella of grace and forgiveness, we should always live so that our lives reflect His glory.

Many people today develop interesting conspiracy theories – especially in the political realm. They look at everything happening and see it through the lens of a conspiracy. We could talk about the practical problems involved with conspiracies – especially ones that are never officially discovered – but the most important thing to remember is that God’s in charge even when people conspire together – if they actually do. Rather than worrying about what people are doing to us, we need to focus on God’s desires for our lives. If God is for us, who can stand against Him? On the other hand, if we deal with things our way, how can they succeed if we’re not working in God’s will?

Lord, remind me that You alone are to be feared. Don’t let me worry about what people can do to me, instead, let me trust in You, knowing what You can do for me.