Isaiah 8:6,7
Author: Steve Amato
Keywords: bible study,bible, isaiah,gentleness

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## Beware Popular Reactions

> Isaiah 8:11-13 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said: "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread."

It is human nature to react to circumstances in accordance with the society, but Jesus was not viewed that way and thus the society hated him. He said in Luke 7:32 describing the society, "They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’" Should we be dancing to the music of non-Christian culture? (And you can take that literally or allegorically) True that Jesus was empathetic, such as when his friend Lazarus died in John 11. But early in the chapter when he knew he died he didn't cry. But later when Jesus saw Mary weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled and he wept. I perceive it was not for Lazarus he wept, but for the feelings of those around him. But concerning the death of Christians, for example, Paul writes, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope." 1Thess 4:13 And so also "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will." Rom 12:2

Beware of going along with the crowd, for what is popular often has something wrong with it. Rather evaluate all circumstances in the light of God's sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience and holiness. And it is interesting that people tend to fear just about anything but God. He is the one you are to fear. He is the one you are to dread. But concerning circumstances, knee jerk reactions of fearfulness are hard to avoid, but it is also written, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Is 26:3 As also Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

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