Prophets, Politicians, and Porch Fires - Advent Devotional Day 2

Scripture
"13 Then Isaiah said, 'Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? 14 Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.'" - Isaiah 7:13-14

Reflection
My name is David and I have a house. Thankfully a prophet has not come to my home and yelled at me for being obstinate and fearful. Although in 2021, I was cornered on my porch by a very vigorous, but well-meaning pair of prognosticating Latter-day Saints.

The house in Isaiah’s story is more akin to the House of Commons: kings and politicians debating the fate of their nation. The king of Judah (Ahaz) is apprehensive about the alliance of Israel and Syria’s militaries. No doubt there are rousing monologues and a raucous exchange of ideas as the group attempts to solve the issues on their own. Isaiah publicly chastises the leaders for rebuking God and presents them with a sign of the impending birth of the living God (Immanuel=God with us). I wonder if any of the members shouted “Here! Here!” after Isaiah finished speaking. 

Sadly, as with many Old Testament stories, the signs and warnings were not heeded. And the king’s fatal decision to ignore God led (predictably) to a great deal of death and destruction, borne from his cowardliness.

I have the luxury of living in a place and time where my house is not constantly under threat. Many people aren’t so lucky. I empathize with Ahaz. He gathered his team, sought advice and implemented a strategy he thought would not worsen an already bad situation. I don’t know how convincing Isaiah was as an orator. Was he more Winston Churchill or Nicolas Cage? The bible doesn’t really address it. Regardless, Ahaz didn’t listen.

Perhaps one thing we can take away is that disregarding our faith when making life decisions, especially impactful ones, may not be the savviest response. Even the simple act of prayer, sharing with God our thoughts and desires, as part of decision-making can be powerful. The outcome isn’t always what we want it to be, but the act of believing God is with us makes the burden less onerous or lonesome.

None of us are as good at influencing fate as we think we are. I suppose Isaiah is telling us, quite expressively, to acknowledge our faith and recognize that God is with us. As for me, maybe next time they knock, I will invite the nice young missionaries into my house. And I’ll be more intentional to thank God that they didn’t set my porch on fire.

Practice
What is a decision are you faced with right now? Share with God your thoughts and desires. Then take a moment to reflect and receive that God is with you. Amen.