Creator, Father, King #276

Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?

AS HUMANS, WE ARE quick to put people on a pedestal—literally. Have you ever noticed how many marble and bronze statues of famous individuals fill our cities and towns?

We are quick to elevate all sorts of people in life: professional athletes, movie stars, pop singers, etc. We even do this with pastors and other Christian leaders. That was the problem in the first-century Corinthian church, as we discussed in yesterday’s devotion.

But admiration can quickly become idolization. What happens when that Christian leader fails? Too often these days, we read about another pastor or well-known Christian figure getting caught in a public scandal.

But the issue goes much deeper than this. Perhaps you personally know someone who is a Christian—or claims to be one—and isn’t representing the Lord well. Or maybe it’s a group of people, or even a church. Perhaps this situation is so disturbing, it has caused you to question the church, Christianity, or even God himself.

What now?

Let God’s Word, which is “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), give you wisdom and encouragement today!

What’s It Mean?

Isaiah 2:22 cuts to the heart of the matter: even those closest to us and/or those who are supposed to be our greatest examples—parents, other family members, teachers, pastors, etc.—will fail us eventually. That’s because all humans—including the godliest ones we know—are still morally corrupt and as “frail as breath.”

But when people—or even an entire religious organization such as a church—fail you, don’t let it skew your view of God. Don’t ascribe their shortcomings to a God who has none.

People are sinful, weak, and susceptible to temptation and change. God is not. He is holy—completely transcendent and separate from sin. He is always faithful, and his love is steadfast. He greatly cares for the suffering of his children. “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

There are many godly people in this world who will be a blessing to you. But our ultimate hope should be God himself! “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence” (Jeremiah 17:7).

Now What?

Look up these related passages: Psalm 118:8-9; Psalm 146:3-7; and Jeremiah 17:5-10.

Did You Know?

Today’s verse is not promoting skepticism of all people. You’ll go crazy if you suspect everyone you meet of hurting you! Isaiah 2:22 is talking about reserving our greatest trust and devotion for God, not humans.