Jesus our Sanctuary

"Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered."

Proverbs 11:21

The world is filled with uncertainties and realities which can fill us with debilitating fear.  Countless conspiracies (imagined or genuine) increase concerns and cynical views of everything.  People live in fear of governments, of schemes to disseminate "alternate facts" by media outlets, hidden agendas, secret plans to cull populations, and the collusion of individuals to gain money, power, and control.  Just like music, news reporting, and sport, conspiracy is big business which preys on the alleged ignorance of people to deliver the real truth and secret agendas behind the scenes.  For unbelievers who have no authority in their lives greater than themselves, government, armies, and are at the mercy of this world and the systems imposed upon them, there is cause for alarm given the state of things today.  But one who fears God ought to not be unsettled by a thing.

I am admittedly cynical about most every "conspiracy theory" I have ever heard, and this murky pit of intrigue has drowned many willing victims who clamour for more.  Conspiracies are nothing new and remain as unsatisfactory as ever.  Should a confederacy or conspiracy prove true, what can a person do about it beyond knowledge and attempts to convince others about this plot you can do nothing to stop?  Or you can live in constant fear - and that is what happened to the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the days of Isaiah.  The Assyrian war machine was mowing down nations, and word came to Jerusalem they did not stand a chance against them because there was a confederacy - the Assyrians and others - plotted against them.  The people were troubled because of this conspiracy, but God directed Isaiah to address the people.

Isaiah 8:12-14 says, "Do not say, 'A conspiracy,' Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. ¹³ The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. ¹⁴ He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."  How amazing is this!  What people called "a conspiracy" was known by God and was no cause for fear.  Instead of God commanding the people to spread the word of the so-called conspiracy, they were to fear God above all and heed Him.  God was as a sanctuary, a place of safety and refuge for His people in a world filled with deceit, hatred, murder, and schemes.  To God's people He is a Saviour and Deliverer, but to all who opposed God and His people He would cause them to stumble and be trapped.  People joined forces against God's people, but the schemers would be the victims of the their own plot!

In hindsight since Jesus Christ has come, we know He is this "stone of stumbling and a rock of offence."  He is the One whom we ought to fear, not the schemes of Satan or men.  Looking forward scripture reveals one day all the nations of the earth will be deceived by Satan to come against Jesus Christ as He is enthroned with His saints in Jerusalem.  The conspiracy to overthrow Him will be strong, but Jesus will destroy them all simply with the words of His mouth.  Isn't God greater than man?  Aren't His plans sovereign and good?  Can Satan and all the demons together overthrow what God has ordained?  Is God threatened by the nations of the earth, or is He unsettled and fearful of the governments and how they conspire against His people?  Please.  Not a chance.

In our Saviour Jesus Christ we have a place of refuge, and when we sanctify Him in our hearts and look to Him in reliance we will not be afraid or unsettled.  Should adopted children of the King waste effort in unbelief, lamenting "cover ups" or boasting over hidden truth which has nothing to do with Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?  This world is in a hopeless state, yet followers of Jesus who are in the world are not of the world.  We are not at the mercy of this world or our enemies; we will not go as the world goes and can lead others to THE Truth, Jesus Christ received through faith.  May the LORD be our fear and dread, not schemes or plots of men.  He has promised those deemed righteous by faith and their posterity will be delivered.  Praise God who can keep such promises.  Is there any greater than our God?