“This message came to me the year King Ahaz died: Do not rejoice, you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken— that the king who attacked you is dead. For from that snake a more poisonous snake will be born, a fiery serpent to destroy you! I will feed the poor in my pasture; the needy will lie down in peace. But as for you, I will wipe you out with famine and destroy the few who remain. Wail at the gates! Weep in the cities! Melt with fear, you Philistines! A powerful army comes like smoke from the north. Each soldier rushes forward eager to fight. What should we tell the Philistine messengers? Tell them, “The Lord has built Jerusalem; its walls will give refuge to his oppressed people.””
Isaiah 14:28-32 NLT
The first question today is “Who was King Ahaz”? Well, he reigned in Judah from 735 to 715 BC and was the 12th King of Judah. He is remembered for his disastrous alliance with the Assyrian Empire and deep involvement in idolatry, which brought heavy tributes and foreign religious practices into Jerusalem. The account of what happened during his reign can be found in 2 Chronicles 28. But it is worth noting that he abandoned true worship of God and added to it worship based on Baal, following the example of Israel’s kings. Somehow, the worship of God became integrated with the worship of Baal, and, faced with agricultural realities in Canaan, the Jews adopted Baal, the local storm and fertility god, as a rain-giver. They viewed Yahweh as the national covenant God, and Baal as a functional deity, often worshipping them side-by-side at local “high places”, a process referred to as syncretism. A really sad situation, but then we remember that we pilgrims live in a country where the national religion, Christianity, is being sidelined more and more by secularism and the introduction of other religions, such as Islam, through immigration. The worship of God in Judah and Israel was integrated with idol worship, and the merger resulted in death, destruction and exile for the Jews. Today, even the Bible-based worship of God is being diluted in some denominations by the introduction of secular and societal customs (idols and ideologies) that directly contradict the Word of God, and, as in the days of King Ahaz, it will not end well. We even find the abomination of occasional “multi-faith” worship services that include religious leaders from other religions sharing the platform with Christians. Christians today tend to believe that the Old Testament judgments on Jewish societies will not recur in modern times under the New Covenant, but such complacency may be ill-founded. We cannot ignore the prophecies in Revelation, because the plagues John described may occur sooner than we think. Jesus said that He was coming “soon”, but we don’t know how soon “soon” will be.
But what else can we find in our verses today? Isaiah wrote, “The Lord has built Jerusalem; its walls will give refuge to his oppressed people”. When trouble comes, our natural instinct is to look for a safe place. We may seek security in our finances, our health, our family, our abilities, or the people around us. Nations seek security in political alliances, military strength, and powerful leaders. Yet Isaiah reminds us that none of these things can provide lasting security.
The Philistines were rejoicing because the king who had oppressed them was dead. This king was Uzziah, whom Isaiah wrote about in chapter 6. King Uzziah had previously struck down the Philistines and broken down the walls of major cities such as Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod (see 2 Chronicles 26). The Philistines thought the danger had passed. But Isaiah warned them not to celebrate too quickly. One threat would be replaced by another. It was likely that this would be the Assyrians or perhaps King Hezekiah of Judah. Their confidence was misplaced because they were looking at changing circumstances rather than at the sovereign purposes of God.
How often do we do the same? We think that if one particular problem disappears, everything will be well. If our circumstances improve, our health improves, our finances become more secure, or a difficult situation is resolved, then we will finally have peace. But circumstances change. One problem may disappear only for another to take its place. Human strength fails. Political powers rise and fall. Financial security can disappear. Health can change. Even the people we depend upon cannot always be there for us. Isaiah points us towards something far more secure: “The Lord has built Jerusalem; its walls will give refuge to his oppressed people”. The security of God’s people did not ultimately depend upon kings, armies, alliances, or favourable circumstances. Their security rested in the Lord. And the same is true for us pilgrims today. Our greatest security is not found in the absence of trouble but in the presence of God.
Jesus never promised His followers a trouble-free life. In fact, He said: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Our confidence is not that nothing difficult will ever happen to us. Our confidence is that whatever happens, we belong to the Lord, because He is our refuge. When circumstances are uncertain, He remains faithful. When people disappoint us, He remains trustworthy. When our strength fails, His strength remains sufficient. When the future is unclear, His purposes remain secure.
The Philistines placed their hope in changing political circumstances. God’s people were called to place their hope in the unchanging character of the Lord. Perhaps today we pilgrims are facing uncertainty. We may be wondering what the future holds or how a particular situation will work out. Isaiah’s message is simple but powerful: Do not build your security on circumstances that can change. Build your life upon the God who never changes.
The Psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” (Psalm 46:1-3). The safest place in an uncertain world is not a life without problems. It is a life hidden in God.
Dear Heavenly Father. Please forgive us for the times when we place our security in people, possessions, circumstances, or our own strength. Help us to remember that You alone are our true refuge. When life is uncertain and the future is unclear, teach us to trust in Your faithfulness and rest in Your sovereign care. Thank You, that whatever we face, we belong to You, and we are safe in Your hands. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 