The Egyptians Are Man, And Not God
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Isaiah 31 and Psalm 119:97-104 (NIV)
(Joshua Ong from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Isaiah 31 (ESV)
OBSERVE:
The context of this chapter is that the kings of Judah chose to ally with Egypt in order to fend off attacks from Assyria. God criticises their reliance on worldly power and strength to protect Judah/Jerusalem from its enemies. Instead, God gives Judah both a warning and a promise: if it continues to rely on Egypt and not God, God will bring disaster against both (31:3). However, if it turns to Him, “Like birds hovering, so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it; he will spare and rescue it” (31:5), and their enemies, the Assyrians will be defeated (31:8-9). God challenges the kings of Judah not to mistake the appearance of strength (as in Egypt, with its chariots and horses; 31:1) as true strength, but encourages them to trust in the LORD who is the one who is truly strong and mighty to save! “The Egyptians are man, and not God” (31:3)
APPLY:
Recently, I was faced with a stressful situation at work (which I felt at a loss to address) and in ministry and gave in to certain temptations which seemed to offer respite from the stress. However, in hindsight, I realise that in that time, I failed to remember the one who is able to supply me with true strength through the challenges – the LORD Himself. I failed to come to Him in prayer and dependence, seeking His help in my time of need. How often have I been tempted to sin, turning to worldly things for comfort and support, because I did not actually believe that God could help me? Isaiah 31 calls me to turn back to God and depend on Him instead. In Isaiah 36-37, King Hezekiah trusted in God and prayed to Him for help and God, true to His word (31:8-9), delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians. Shouldn’t I expect God to do the same in my own trials even if it is in ways I may not expect, but according to His inscrutable wisdom? God is able, and He will help us.
DO:
I will:
- Make prayer to God my first port of call whenever I face a difficulty/challenge
- Continue to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
PRAY:
Dear LORD, I am sorry that I have often sought comfort and protection through worldly and sinful ways. Help me to trust in You once again for help in my time of need, and remind me that You are mighty to save. Help me to turn to You each and every day for the daily bread that I need, and which You will faithfully provide. Thank You LORD for graciously doing so even when I have strayed.
