Trusting in Pharoah
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! Isaiah 31:1I recently spoke with a fine Christian woman that was concerned about what she perceived as a different direction for Chalcedon. By this she was referring to my critique of the Religious Right, the GOP, and an overemphasis upon politics. She expressed great frustration at all the Bush-bashing and criticism of American foreign policy from fellow Christians -- Christians that appeared to only offer opposition, but presented no real solutions.
She repeatedly asked what our solutions were to the rise of Islam, and the economic and military prowess of China. She demeaned whatever reeked of isolationism or inactivity. She decried any de-emphasis upon politics, or the need for aggressive activism. After about an hour I realized what I was dealing with -- she was a political Christian.
When I mentioned the importance of repentance, prayer, self-government, and faith in God, she asked if I had "faith in my car?" What she meant was that I needed to place my faith ALSO in the government, the military, and political organization. I reminded her that "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man" (Ps. 147:10). This response only frustrated her more.
Her trust was in man and man's ability. Therefore, she had every reason to fear. She was practicing atheism -- God was not at the center of her equations. If her trust is in political activism, and a strong military, then God will give her over to that for her defense. He is greatly offended by such misdirected confidence, and causes both the powers, as well as those who trust in the powers, to fail together:
Now the Egyptians are men, and not God: and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is helped shall fall down, and all shall fail together. Isaiah 31:3Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help (v. 1). This is a clear warning from the terrible and awesome God that works all things according the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11). The One that desires His people take counsel from His mouth:
Woe to the rebellious children... that walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharoah, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharoah be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt be your confusion. Isaiah 30:1-3Conforming to the Image of This World
The oft-quoted refrain by Aristotle is that "man is by nature a political animal." He is correct. The organizing principle of humanism is statism, and history bears witness as her timeline is replete with the rise and fall of a myriad of empires. Our present national organization is no different. Despite the inscription upon our fiat currency, in God we do not trust.
What is disheartening is the transformation of God's people from a community of faith into an electoral bloc bent on advancing His Kingdom through legislation. We are conforming to the image of the world -- a world of political animals. As a holy nation, and royal priesthood, we have dishonored our spiritual mandate by disrobing our glorious garments and leaving the road to Zion. We are on a new trail of tears -- a march to the outskirts of Egypt and the domain of Pharoah.
Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb. 11:6). Faith in my car? No, sister, I do not have faith in my car. Were God to withdraw His providential hand every sparrow and hair on my head would fall to the ground. I am sustained by the gracious decrees of the sovereign God. I do not model myself, or God's people, after the great armies of Napoleon, Washington, or Shwartzkoff. King David was not taught to number his men, but rather to wait upon the Lord. This is not anti-militarism. It is trust in God.
It matters little the strength of our military if God is against us. It matters little the strength of our military if God is for us. For, if God be for us, who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)? If God be against us... well, God forbid!
