“Daring to be different is Good,” is a jargon often heard in product adverts. It seems to be an increasingly relevant message today. We see various offers and lifestyle shows that are very contrary to the value of the truth of God's word. The glorification of possessions, wealth, and power has become a common show. People are willing to go to any lengths to achieve all three, even when the path they take is contrary to the values at hand. Most people choose to go with the flow and get swept away in the banal movements of the times. Others are desperate to uphold their values and principles, including through the words of God that they live by. So, what should we do as believers.
Our passage today shows the attitude and direction of Ahaz's political movement which was pressured by external threats. God offered a way out of the situation. But Ahaz chose to pin his hopes on himself and another power, the Assyrian Empire, which he thought could deliver Judah. Yet God wanted to teach that only He could be the source of deliverance for His people.
Hence God insists through Isaiah not to follow the "ways of this people", not to call "conspiracy" as they do, and not to fear as they fear. God's people must not be intimidated by anything. Fear and worry are natural, but to be consumed by them is not what God wants." God alone is the centre of reverence, fear, and trust. The fear of the Lord must be the basis of everything. In this situation God offers two choices. For those who believe in Him, God becomes a refuge, while He becomes a stumbling block for those who reject it, namely in the upbringing and teaching process that God does. So God returns the choice to us.
Friends of the Bible, let us live not only in compassion but also in firmness and decisiveness. Especially firmness in choosing the way of life that should be chosen based on God's will and decree. Often the path according to His will is far different from the path shown by the world. However, believers should not be intimidated by this, because being different but following His will is far better than going with the flow but denying His will and power. Live in determination to always live in God's love and will.
