Isaiah 35-36 Faith Is Living Without Scheming

The people of Jerusalem had watched as the Assyrian army had decimated the surrounding land, and now that mighty army stood ready to invade the Holy City.  They were likely amazed to hear Isaiah’s words from chapter 35.  God was telling them about a time in the future when the curse of sin on creation would be removed.  The deserts would become more fertile than farmland.  All sickness and infirmity would disappear, and God would establish “The Road To Holiness” to lead people to Him!

But first there was this matter of the Assyrian army outside the city walls, waiting for the order to attack.  The field commander had come to Jerusalem to talk sense into them.  He spoke Hebrew so that every citizen would understand him and likely put pressure on King Hezekiah to surrender.  The propaganda he delivered included the promise of peaceful lives in Assyria in captivity.  He also told them something that shocked them:  “The Lord Himself told me to come to this country and destroy it.”

“The Assyrian invasion was a part of God’s discipline to teach His people to trust Him alone,” my commentary said.  “Hezekiah and his people needed to learn that faith is living without scheming.”  No more running to Egypt for help or trying to buy off invaders.  Only trust in God would do.

Ironically, this meeting was taking place on the very spot where Isaiah had confronted Ahaz, Hezekiah’s father, about 30 years earlier.  “Ahaz hadn’t trusted God, but had instead made a treaty with Assyria, and now the Assyrians were ready to take Jerusalem!”

Father, You call us today to lives of faith – living without scheming – trusting You for everything in our lives.  But we must be on Your Highway to Holiness.  We cannot expect Your blessings when we are cheating faith by scheming.  Help us to see when we are doing that and to repent and depend solely on You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford