Isaiah 20

“In the year that the commander-in-chief, sent by Sargon King of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it – during that time the Lord had spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, ‘Go, take off your sackcloth and remove the sandals from your feet,’ and he did so, going naked and barefoot – the Lord said, ‘As My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, so the king of Assyria will lead the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot with bared buttocks, to Egypt’s shame.”  Isaiah 20:1-4 (HCSB)

We are a third of the way through the book of Isaiah. So far, we know almost nothing about Isaiah himself! We know he had a wife and two sons. But what kind of person was Isaiah, the man? He was obedient.

The cost of obedience to God’s will is high, and the follower of Jesus knows that. But few have gone to the lengths to which Isaiah was commanded. Have you ever felt that you were called to do something that was just a little below your dignity? Many followers of Jesus feel just like that. I have. When the congregation’s building needs cleaning, we insist God has gifted us with theological insights, not the skill to use a vacuum cleaner. It is along these lines that David once said:

“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

Paul urged the Philippians not to think too highly of themselves. (Philippians 2:3)

God’s message (through the media of Isaiah’s “performance art”) is not primarily for Egypt, Ashod, or Cush. It is for Judah and especially for King Hezekiah, who was tempted to look to other nations for military deliverance from the Assyrian menace.

It is foolish to trust anyone apart from God. Though Hezekiah was essentially a godly king, given to reform, he was also prone to compromise in a crisis. Sound familiar? It is the essence of world politics today! Hezekiah’s glances at Egypt for help did not win him favors with Isaiah. This is a message Hezekiah will have to hear again.  (30:1-3) The attraction of Egyptian/Philistine military expertise might bring short-term benefits, but as guardians of the truth, God’s people are to be separate from ALL forms of unbelief.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we will rise up and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 (ESV)

The promise of God’s Word compels us to endure His calling, standing firm even when He beckons us to humiliating circumstances.