For this is a rebellious people, lying sons,
Sons who refuse to listen to
The law and instruction of the LORD;
10 Who say to the seers, "You must not see visions from God";
And to the prophets, "You must not prophesy to us what is right!
Speak to us pleasant things and smooth words,
Prophesy [deceitful] illusions [that we will enjoy].
11 "Get out of the [true] way, turn aside from the path [of God],
Stop bothering us with the Holy One of Israel."—Isaiah 30:9-11 AMP
The Amplified version makes these verses very plain! God had done much for his people, but they still turned away and sought the help of Egypt instead of seeking His will. In verse 8 God tells Isaiah to inscribe their rebellion on a scroll so that at a later time it would be as a witness against them that they WERE rebellious, lying sons who sought their own and not the law of God. Both the people and their leaders would rather hear pleasant words from lying lips than God’s truth. They wanted a message that would make them feel comfortable and would not challenge their illusions. They wanted God to stop bothering them with truth...lies were their refuge.
Isaiah depicts very graphically in verses 12-14 the ultimate end of those whose lives have departed from the truth and have instead placed their trust in oppression and guile.
"Because you have refused and rejected this word [of Mine]
And have put your trust in oppression and guile, and have relied on them,
13 Therefore this wickedness [this sin, this injustice, this wrongdoing] will be to you
Like a crack [in a wall] about to fall,
A bulge in a high wall,
Whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant,
14 "Whose collapse is like the smashing of a potter's jar,
Crushed so savagely
that there cannot be found among its pieces a potsherd [large enough]
To take [coals of] fire from a fireplace,
Or to scoop water from a cistern."
Beloved, make God and His truth your refuge. Yes, it might not be what you want to hear...yes, it might make you uncomfortable, but it is clearly a much better choice in the long run ( and often in the short run) to face reality rather than live a lie. Take the long view. The ultimate end of the one who does not obey the truth is destruction. The ultimate end for the one who does is eternal life in the very Presence of God. Isaiah speaks of the true way of salvation and strength in verse 15.
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel has said this,
"In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved,
In quietness and confident trust is your strength."
Today’s OYB Psalm is perfect here:
Psalm 62...
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
From Him comes my salvation.
2
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
My defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened.
3
How long will you attack a man
So that you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
4
They consult only to throw him down from his high position [to dishonor him];
They delight in lies.
They bless with [the words of] their mouths,
But inwardly they curse. Selah.
5
For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him,
For my hope is from Him.
6
He only is my rock and my salvation;
My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged.
7
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
He is my rock of [unyielding] strength, my refuge is in God.
8
Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him.
God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9
Men of low degree are only a breath (emptiness), and men of [high] rank are a lie (delusion).
In the balances they go up [because they have no measurable weight or value];
They are together lighter than a breath.
10
Do not trust in oppression,
And do not vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11
God has spoken once,
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God.
12
Also to You, O Lord, belong lovingkindness and compassion,
For You compensate every man according to [the value of] his work.
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