Isaiah 2:17-18 The arrogance of man will be brought low
and the pride of men humbled;
the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,
and the idols will totally disappear.

Verse seven of this chapter speaks of material wealth, and verse eight speaks of people worshiping what they themselves have made. That sounds a lot like most of the “developed” world today! When things go so well for us we have a stubborn tendency to think we’ve done it ourselves, and we don’t need God. This is precisely what Moses warned the Israelites about before they entered Canaan. (Deuteronomy 8:6-20) One reason we have the Bible is so that we will know how Moses’ warning was both given and fulfilled. Isaiah is simply recognizing the state of things and reiterating the warning. At this point, all sorts of things point to these verses being fulfilled again, and it won’t be pretty. Naturally enough, I pay a lot of attention to America. There are indeed some hopeful signs, as more and more people seem to be waking up to how bad things really are, and there are pockets of genuine revival among young people, but the overall picture is dire as so many people insist that man, not God, is the answer to all problems. When you remove God from society you remove the foundation for all good, because without God there is no basis for right and wrong. Atheists have been trying recently to say that is a good thing, but thoughtful Christians have been pointing out that no one would want to live in the sort of world that would result if there were no morality at all. For such thoughtful Christians, this passage should be a comfort and encouragement, even as they pray for mercy for their neighbors and their nation.

I’ve never been especially tempted by wealth, but advances in science can become idols as well, and that has been a weakness for me. I am delighted to learn of new discoveries and developments, but I must never let God out of the picture, as so many technology-centered people seem to do. Too often our scientific pursuits are reminiscent of the Tower of Babel, as we substitute our achievements for God. That is indeed hubris, the consuming pride that has been recognized as dangerous in many societies (the word comes from the ancient Greeks). At my current age I enjoy technology and its fruit, but I’ve got to keep it in the category of a tool with which I may serve God. As I look at problems around the world, I must never think for a moment that any merely human endeavor could solve them, but always pray and depend on God. He always has the Final Answer, and it’s no game.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for being able to read yesterday about what You are doing in high schools in Los Angeles, of all places. Help me always remember that You are God and nothing is impossible for You. May I keep You at the focus of my heart and mind, the foundation and goal of everything, so that I won’t be distracted by all the stuff, good and bad, but will be secure and strong in Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!