Does Not Disappoint

July 9–Isaiah 18-22

” ‘In that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘the peg driven in a firm place will give way; it will even break off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off,’ for the Lord has spoken”(22:23).

Part prophet, part poet, Isaiah used vivid picture-words to communicate Spiritual truth. In today’s reading, he refers to, “a peg in a firm place” (22:23, 25).

Can you imagine it? Will you? In your kitchen or garage, a nail firmly anchored in a wall, a peg on which you hang tools or bags of supplies?

It is a metaphor for trust. The picture refers to people in whom, (on whom), we hang our hopes. Institutions we trust. Leaders we believe will hold the weight of our confidence.

A disappointing exercise! Always. After Shebna was replaced (22:15), Eliakim the king became a “peg” for Judah. People depended on him. Overworked him. Expected too much of him. When, predictably, he collapsed, Isaiah’s prediction became a reality.

Ultimately, only God can carry the weight of our needs. He only is the peg that doesn’t give way, the peg on which we can hang our hopes.

For years, Isaiah declared this truth. Don’t trust Egypt! Don’t trust Damascus! Don’t trust yourselves or your leaders or the Temple! None will give you safety against the threat of Assyria. Turn to God! Trust God! The visible world is passing away. Only God is stable. Only God is safe.

Have you been disappointed, dear one? Have you trusted people or organizations, only to have them fail you? Christ calls us to put our confidence in Him. With loving heart and indestructible life, He alone can prevent your disappointment.

“And not only this, but we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance brings about proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”(Romans 5:3-5).