Isaiah 35-36

Assyria comes to Jerusalem.
Threats make us lose confidence.  Threats are based on intimidation and perceived greater strength.  The Assyrian envoys threaten Jerusalem predicting that Jerusalem will fall just like all other cities.  Additionally, the Assyrian delegation asserts that Jerusalem’s God is powerless to stand against the Assyrian army.  The evidence for such an assertion is found in the ruins of any nation that has tried to stand against this army.  Throughout history individuals and nations have asserted that God is powerless.  They have demanded that those who follow Him have misplaced their trust and are acting in ignorance.  Our God has been derided for not acting in ways that mere mortals thought he ought to act.  The temptation for us is to believe that mortals are right rather than trusting God who often acts in paradoxical ways.  The proof is in a cross and an empty tomb.  We must not let mortal threats alter our confidence and faith.