On Plots and Plans

Scripture:
Do not call conspiracy
    everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
    and do not dread it.
The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
    he is the one you are to fear,
    he is the one you are to dread.
Isaiah 8:12-13

Observation: God begins to outline both the downfall of Israel, and the restoration of all mankind through the Messiah. His instructions to Isaiah include this concept: Fear only the Lord for it is only he who can truly destroy and only he who is in charge of all things; And for that reason, do not fear the things that non-believers fear, or analyze situations in the same way they assess them.

In other words, those who have turned from God see the coming of war as a plot and plan of men. God however is in control, and the coming of war is an act of God. If they were to fear God, the hardships of war would not have been necessary for God is in control. Since they do not fear God, they now believe that the punishments of God are the acts of men.

Application: Prophesy isn't just prediction - it is revelation of God's thoughts and will. It is the same on the verse discussed yesterday ... when Jesus says that nation will rise against nation, he was not just predicting the actions of men, but rather foretelling the actions ordained by God for the end times.

My lesson, then, is this: God is in control. Yes, he allows free will of men, and yes, terrible things happen. But God is on the throne, he is sovereign over all the earth, and "his hand is still upraised". God is to be honored and respected, and no other person or issue or problem is to be feared on earth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, all honor is yours! You are indeed the God of the earth, the one creator, the maker of all things, and my King. May thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.