This chapter continues the prophesy and signs regarding the coming Assyrian invasion. Isaiah prophesies to the people of Judah pleading with them to fear and obey God, not to fear their human enemies.
“But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem… I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him.” (v13-14, 17)
Based on the context it’s clear that Israel and many in Judah were not looking to the Lord their God. They were so focused on their physical circumstances and the impending invasion that they were not trusting and obeying God. Isaiah says that God will provide a sanctuary for His people and even fight their battles for them, if only they would wait on/for Him.
What does it mean to “wait on the Lord”? Some think it’s a passive, do-nothing approach to life. I think it’s more intentional than simply killing time until God acts. To me, waiting on the Lord means being attentive to His requests, actively obeying His desires, and seeking to please Him above any other. Think of it like a customer service representative or table host trying to consider their customer’s needs, and provide a service that pleases them.
I encourage us to trust God, obey His every word, and seek to please Him. I speak from experience when I say you can’t please every person you come across (including ourselves) – it’s absolutely impossible. It is possible however, to please our Father in Heaven by waiting on Him and fearing Him over any other. We can do this by listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and following in the footsteps of Jesus by loving God and loving others.
Father God, our Divine Creator and Sovereign King, we praise Your wonderful name for You alone are worthy of praise. Spirit please guide us to hear the Father’s voice and discern His leading in our lives. Please give us insight into Your heart Jesus, and show us Your ways so we may follow them. Father please help us to wait on You, and leave all of our concerns and burdens in Your more-than-capable hands. May we fear You alone, and walk in accordance with Your word, setting Christlike examples to all who see us. We seek to honor and glorify You, with all that we say and do, from this day forward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training