March 1
Ask God for Advice!
“And I will wait upon the LORD…” —Isaiah 8:17
Read Isaiah 8:11-22
Dark days were looming on the horizon for Judah. The mighty army of Syria was approaching and was ready to invade this small country. At that time Syria was still supported by Ephraim, Judah’s brother tribe.
The inhabitants were probably scared stiff; there seemed to be no possible escape. However, instead of turning to the Lord in their need, they looked to wizards and those with familiar spirits (v.19). In response, Isaiah addresses his hearers with a fiery speech, for though masses of people had departed from the Lord their God, there were a few faithful believers left. And so Isaiah spurred these people on, and encouraged them to trust in the Lord.
“How foolish,” reprimands Isaiah, “to ask for advice from the dead.” They should turn to the living God for counsel and give their attention to the teaching He has entrusted to them in His Word (v. 20). When a nation departs from God’s Word it can only expect to encounter great difficulties. It may be subjected to famine and misery resulting in despair. And because the nation is surrounded by darkness, there will be visible relief (vs. 21-22).
Irrespective of how dark it may become in this world and how many setbacks may be experienced in this life, the Lord is able to give counsel and hope! Therefore let go of your idols and expect everything from the Lord alone.
What do you think idolatry is?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.