PURPOSES AND PANICS
Isaiah 7:1-2. And it came to pass, in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, &c.
In this brief record of events [781] that occurred so long ago, we may find suggestions of truths which it will be well for us to lay to heart to-day.
[781] For a statement of these events, see following paper: THE VIRGIN’S SON.
I. Men often confidently form purposes which they find it impossible to fulfil (Isaiah 7:1). Rezin and Pekah no doubt were sure their project would be successful; they left no means untried to make it a success; they had many things to encourage them (2 Chronicles 28:5-7); success seemed certain, yet they failed! In Isaiah 7:6 we have another statement of their purpose, and in Isaiah 7:7 we are told the real reason why it failed: GOD determined that it should not stand. This is an illustration of much that takes place in our own day, in our own life. Purposes daringly conceived, and wisely and energetically prosecuted, come to nothing; and in such cases GOD is often the real hindrance. He hinders, not because He has any capricious delight in frustrating our plans, but because in them we intend only our own self-aggrandisement. It is with our purposes as with our prayers (James 4:3). If He hinders, no alliance formed with men can profit us; even Rezin will help in vain.
1. In forming our plans, let us remember and acknowledge our dependence on the permission and help of God (James 4:13-15; Psalms 127:1). If plans should be formed for our hurt or overthrow, let us comfort ourselves by remembering that all men are under God’s control. The confederacy may be very powerful: most elaborate preparations may be made for the accomplishment of its purpose; but there can be no success unless the Lord will (Daniel 3:16-18).
II. Men often give way to unreasonable panics (Isaiah 7:2). Panics are very common, very painful, very dangerous and hurtful. Their cause: lack of faith in God. Without faith in the controlling providence of God, men are naturally as liable to alarm as is a wealthy man who on a foggy night has to make his way through a dangerous quarter of a strange city; he knows not whether the footsteps he hears behind him are those of a policeman or of a garotter! Firmness is the reward of faith—of intelligent confidence exercised by righteous men in a righteous God (Psalms 3:6; Psalms 56:11; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 112:7-8, &c.). Deliverance from fear is one of the respects in which “godliness has the promise of the life that now is.” This blessing may be yours, if you will; yours in times of domestic, of commercial, of national alarm. You may be delivered, if you will, from the supreme fear—fear of death. Christ came into the world for the purpose of delivering you from it (Hebrews 2:14-15). Yield yourself to be really His, and your end shall be peace (Psalms 23:4; Psalms 73:26).