Real Refuge - Isaiah 57 part 4

"Of whom were you worried and fearful,

when you lied, and did not remember Me,

nor give Me a thought?

Was I not silent even for a long time

so you do not fear Me?

I will declare your righteousness and your deeds,

but they will not profit you.

When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you.

But the wind will carry all of them up,

and a breath will take them away.

But he who takes refuge in Me shall inherit the land,

and shall possess My holy mountain."

(vs 11-13)

Hard heartedness never prospers us yet, it seems so common to us. Here the Israelites have found themselves worried and fearful and in the midst of it they have lied to themselves and forgotten their God. When in a mess of a predicament they remember Him not. They have hardened their hearts so much that He isn't even in their thoughts.

We have just seen in verses 3-9 the depth of the sin they have entered into. They have become scoffers and idolators and when trouble comes they no longer run to Him but to the world. They are proud and arrogant and have become their own arbiters of truth.

So, they want to overcome their situation in their own strength, wisdom and morality. Well, God's going to let them try to do it. "I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you." Go on Israel, stand in YOUR righteousness and YOUR deeds. But know this, they will bring you nothing. No help, no aid, no increase. Our righteousness is but filthy rags. Our deeds are worthless - even the best of them. It is in Christ alone that we can stand and apart from Him we will all fall.

They have turned to idols. Let their idols save them. "When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry all of them up, and a breath will take them away." Just as our righteousness has no profit neither do the gods of our imaginations. They are as worthless as feathers in a hurricane. There is nothing stable or secure or safe about them. A mere breath shall scatter them.

"BUT he who takes refuge in Me shall inherit the land, and shall possess My holy mountain." Here is a big "but". Jehovah God is all-sufficient. In Him is shelter and safety from all of life's storms. Matthew Henry writes:

"He that puts his trust in God and in God only, shall be happy both for soul and body. Those that trust in God's providence take the best course to secure their secular interests. They shall possess the land, as much of it as is good for them. Those that trust God's grace take the best course to secure their sacred interests as well. They shall possess His holy mountain. They shall enjoy the privileges of the church on earth and be brought at length to the joys of heaven."

There's no comparison between dead and dumb idols and the living and true God. If it is real refuge you are seeking from the worries and fears that you face there is but one strong and lofty tower to run into - Christ. Seek safety not in yourselves. Seek security not in the god that your mind has formulated and contrived. Seek salvation in the Rock of Ages. Are we in distress? Jehovah is our help! He who puts his trust in God shall never be disappointed.

"God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear,

though the earth should change,

and though the mountain

slip into the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains quake

at it swelling pride.

Selah.

There is a river whose streams

make glad the city of God,

the holy dwelling places

of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her,

she will not be moved;

God will help her

when morning dawns.

The nations made an uproar,

the kingdoms tottered;

He raised his voice,

the earth melted.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our stronghold.

Selah.

(Ps 46:1-7)