Born In Time For Famine (Gen. 41:50)

Read Genesis 41:50.

If you knew that seven years of horrific, unprecedented famine were coming soon, might you put off having children until after?  Such responsible adults would reason this way:  "Why put my children through that?  Why not give them every advantage?"

Joseph doesn't think that way.  He doesn't and won't live in fear because he knows Who God is, what He is like and what He has said.  When you know these things, there is a confidence.  You can rest in the One who knows every detail.  You don't have to bear the weight of accounting for every contingency.

Shaken But Not Taken (Isa. 36:1-22) (Part 4)

This is the last post in the series.
----------
Conclusion:

• Don't you hear the Rabshekah?  "Your ally is worthless, your God is powerless, your leader is clueless and your military is helpless. Your best option is to surrender to Sennacherib."
  
• Right now there's a part of you that screams at Hezekiah's delegation, “Don't do it! It isn't worth it! You're getting taken for a ride!”
• Some of God's people today are being taken for a ride!  You're going through a tough time. The comfort offered by your friends is sincere but shallow. You asked God to intervene, but so far He hasn't (at least not the way you want). You're starting to wonder if He's as powerful as He said. Has he forgotten you?   
• You have only a little fight left in you. You've thought to yourself, “Perhaps I should do things the world's way.” (You would never say it aloud, but you've thought it.)  Don't do it! It isn't worth it! You'll be taken for a ride! 
• Ask yourself the same questions Rabshekah asked Hezekiah's delegation. “What is this confidence you have?” “Now on whom do you rely?”
  
• You are relying on someone or something. You will continue to do so.
  
• Are you confident in God? Do you rely upon Him? Is He trustworthy? I hope your answer is yes, yes and yes.

Shaken But Not Taken (Isa. 36:1-22) (Part 3)

If you missed part 1 or part 2, you might want to read them now.  The background will be helpful.
----------
2. The secondary intent of the Rabshekah's speech was to UNDERMINE THE PEOPLE'S CONFIDENCE IN HEZEKIAH (Isa. 36:11-20).

• In verse 11, Hezekiah's delegation asked a reasonable question.
• They asked that, since this was a diplomatic interaction, an appropriate diplomatic language be used.
• Why should the common people be privy to a political conversation?
• In verse 12, the Rabshekah gave an unreasonable answer.
• He said "no" in an offensive, demeaning way.
• In verses 13-20, the Rabshekah gave a demeaning speech.
  • vv. 13-14 > “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you...” (NIV)
    
  • v. 15 > “Do not let Hezekiah persuade you...” (NIV)
    
  • vv. 16-17 > “Do not listen to Hezekiah...” (NIV)
    
  • vv. 18-20 > “Do not let Hezekiah mislead you...” (NIV)  

Do you notice a common thread between the last post and this one?  The Rabshekah's intent was to undermine people's confidence so they wouldn't submit to authority.  He encouraged rebellion against God-ordained authority and presented bondage as a better alternative.

Shaken But Not Taken (Isa. 36:1-22) (Part 2)

Yesterday's post contained the background material and introduction.  You can read the post here.  Today's post will reveal four tactics commonly used against you.  Their intent is to undermine your confidence in God. 
----------

Transition: Our starting point is to understand the intent behind Rabshekah's speech.

1. The primary intent of the Rabshekah's speech was to UNDERMINE THE PEOPLE'S CONFIDENCE IN GOD (Isa. 36:4-10).

• In verses 4-5, the Rabshekah asked two questions.
  • Question #1 > “What is this confidence that you have?” (v. 4).
    
  • Question #2 > “Now on whom do you rely...?” (v. 5)
    
  • Tactic #1 > Interrogation. Ask strategic questions and people's minds will consider options they previously hadn't.
  • What questions have you been entertaining?
  • What are your answers to the two questions above?
• In verses 6-10, the Rabshekah gave three answers.
• Answer #1 > You shouldn't rely upon Egypt.
  • Tactic #2 > Isolation. “Don't ask for help. Do it alone.”
  • In context, this was true.  God was clear Israel should look to Him alone. 
  • For our purpose, it isn't that God isn't enough.  One of the ways He works is through His people. 
  • Stay away from "Egypt" (the world) but don't isolate yourself from people.  When the bottom falls out, who will be there to help you?
• Answer #2 > You shouldn't rely upon God.
  • Tactic #3 > Insurrection. Can't you hear it?  “God can't help you. God won't help you. God's mad at you. Come out from underneath His authority.”
• Answer #3 > You shouldn't rely upon the military.
• Translation:  “You are inferior, overwhelmed, caught and helpless."  
• Tactic #4 > Intimidation. 

Shaken But Not Taken (Isa. 36:1-22) (Part 1)

Background: For this week's Bible verses to make sense, there are four things you need to know.

• Hezekiah was the King of Judah.  The kingdom of Judah consisted of two tribes (Judah and Benjamin).
• The dominant world power at the time was Assyria (not to be confused with Syria).
• The King of Assyria was Sennacherib.
• “Rabshekah” was not a proper name. It was a title that meant “cup-bearer” or “high, trusted official.”  This was Sennacherib's trusted adviser, who was skilled at oratory.

Introduction:

• Can you remember a time when you lost confidence in someone or something?
• What thoughts bounced around in your mind? What emotion did you have to corral?
• This week's Bible story is about three politicians who almost lost confidence in God and in their leader.  (That's a story that will sell! Manipulated enough, it could be front-page in tomorrow's Wall St. Journal.)
• Read the story in Isaiah chapter 36, verses 1 to 22.
• Is your confidence being shaken? If so, how should you respond?

You Keep It (Heb. 10:35)

What a defiant tree!  Doesn't it know its leaves should be gone by now?  After all, it's November 12.  This tree keeps saying, "I will not lose my leaves.  I will not lose my leaves."  That tree is fighting a losing cause.  Give it a week.  There will be no leaves.  Let's switch from leaves to confidence.  It is within our power to keep confidence.  "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." (Heb. 10:35)