This chapter proclaims judgement and destruction upon Syria and the Northern kingdom of Israel (called Ephraim in the text) for opposing God and His people (Judah in this text).
“In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense. In that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the wooded heights and the hilltops, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation.” (v7-9)
Those who choose not to follow God will be left with nothing in the day of judgement. God will strip away everything that is meaningless and offers false hope (eg. altars, false gods, fortified cities, other securities, etc.), so if someone does not rely on the one true God, they will be left with absolutely nothing.
Where are we storing up our treasure, and where does our sense of security / identity lie? Are we storing up treasures in heaven (investing in things of eternal reward like saving / discipling souls) or are we spending most of our energy building something of selfish or temporal value (eg. a nest egg, a career, a reputation, etc.).
Having some worldly ties is part of life, and we can’t just get rid of every worldly possession or relationship. We still need food, clothing, shelter, and a few niceties. It’s also critical for us to maintain good relations with other people – we can’t become hermits (however tempting it may be) and love our neighbors at the same time.
We must be in the world, however, our hearts must be obedient to God. If we let our sinful flesh (or the world) dictate our goals and motives then we’ll run into problems (investing in temporary, worthless things rather than what is eternal). I’m not discerning enough to tell you what obedience to God looks like for you – only God can do that. Let’s invite the Spirit’s discernment and guidance into our lives.
Father God, our Wise and Generous Lord, You bless us with everything we need in order to obey You. You have given us Your Holy Spirit who guides us with discernment and wisdom. May we learn to fully rely on Your guidance, and heed every whisper. May we seek to obey You, helping build Jesus’ eternal kingdom and not our own temporary earthly palaces. May we always seek to honor, glorify, and praise Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training