Sin is always overconfident. The skeptics are sure they will win the day. Those who promote sin and perversion claim that they have history on their side and that eventually the world will join them in their ways. Science fiction almost always assumes a future in which there is no religion; when all that superstition and silliness has passed into history. Many today look at certain trends in the church and project that the American church is dying. They are overconfident.
In Isaiah 36 and 37, the Rabshakeh, a key assistant to the king of Assyria, was brimming over with confidence. "Surrender, Judah. Your gods will not save you any more than the gods of the other nations we crushed did." He dripped with arrogance, absolutely sure that the armies of Assyria could not be stopped by this second rate nation of Judah with their second rate King Hezekiah.
On strictly human terms, he had every reason to be confident. As did Pharaoh. As did Goliath. As did the false prophets on Mt. Carmel. As did so many enemies of God's people. In each of those stories, "God's side" appeared weak and sure to lose.
But there is one thing that the enemies of God never factor in - God! We serve a mighty God who can enable the Hebrews to escape Egypt, to help David kill Goliath, to send fire from heaven on Elijah's sacrifice, and to protect Judah from their fierce foe.
That is exactly what God did in Isaiah 37. He sent the big-mouth Rabshakeh likely scurrying back to Nineveh after 185,000 of their soldiers were mysteriously struck down (by the hand of God). There, his king was struck dead by his own sons. Because his calculations were only human, because he failed to take into account the God of Heaven, his bold predictions failed miserably.
It ought neither surprise us or disturb us that the enemies of God discount him in their calculations. What is sad is how often even God's own people ignore him when we are making our decisions. Do you ever act, when faced with a challenge, as if God were not going to do anything? Do you assume that you are on your own?
Never discount the power of God. He is sovereign over this world and his love is unlimited. Whatever is going on, he is involved and will work it for the good of those who love him and are called to his purposes. He will never leave us or forsake us, instead, he will continue to work the good work he began in us until he completes it.
Whatever life throws at you, never forget this: God is still at work!
Only fools and skeptics forget that.
Father, thank you for your power and glory. May I always trust in you whatever life throws at me. I am grateful for the confidence that my trust in you will always be rewarded.
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