Burdens are lifted
You have gone to Molech with olive oil and many perfumes, sending your agents far and wide, even to the world of the dead. You grew weary in your search, but you never gave up. Desire gave you renewed strength, and you did not grow weary. “Are you afraid of these idols? Do they terrify you? Is that why you have lied to me and forgotten me and my words? Is it because of my long silence that you no longer fear me? Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you. Let’s see if your idols can save you when you cry to them for help. Why, a puff of wind can knock them down! If you just breathe on them, they fall over! But whoever trusts in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.” Isaiah 57:9-13 NLT
From the text, Isaiah pointed out that the Israelites did not only fashion idols out of stones, but they were also guilty of conniving with pagan leaders and trusting them for protection instead of trusting God (Isaiah 57:9). Isaiah told them that they practice idolatry when they trust a pagan ruler and his army. They turned to political rulers to find solutions to their problems thinking that in this way they will be strengthened. Isaiah reminded them that this too is hopeless (v. 10). Anything that we trust other than God becomes our idol. It can be personalities, politicians, profession, practice, money, friends, or position. We have to constantly assess ourselves whether we have idols in our lives. We have to ask ourselves whether we turn to God or to other sources when we need to solve a problem. We also have to find out if we rely on our abilities rather that turning to God and seek His will and His help. Whatever idol we hold on to will not stand against the test of God. Difficulties in life will prove what we are made of and where our faith lies. Just like what Isaiah was telling the Israelites, when they make God their refuge, they will not be disappointed. God said, “Whoever trusts in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain” (v. 13). Trust in God overcomes fear. It is in the gospel that God offers us everything. He wants us to inherit the life He wanted us to have. Stop doubting God. Set your mind on Him and let Him help you carry your burdens.
Blessings,
