On Christ, the solid rock I stand

You boast, “We have struck a bargain to cheat death and have made a deal to dodge the grave. The coming destruction can never touch us, for we have built a strong refuge made of lies and deception.” Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken. Isaiah 28:14-16 NLT

What is the use of faith if it is not being tested? The Israelites from the text made political alliances not in God (vv. 15, 18). In the days of King Ahaz, they made an underground treaty with Assyria. In the days of King Hezekiah, they turned to Egypt for help (30:1–5; 31:1). Isaiah then rebuked them for engaging in these alliances. Such were founded upon “lies and deception.” These deals “to cheat death and ....to dodge the grave” were destined to fail because God was not in them. The enemy would come like a flood, a storm, and a whip and there would be no escape. The alliances they had made could not give them rest (see 28:12), and the treaties they made would not cover them (see 31:1). Our real enemy is sin. The only hope was in the tried and true foundation stone, “the Sovereign Lord” (28:16); He is the “firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.” This is definitely a reference to the Messiah and is so interpreted in the New Testament (1 Peter 2:4–7; Rom. 9:33; Mark 12:10; see Ps. 118:22). Sin can enslave us forever. Yet, God is telling us to take refuge in Him, not in denial, and not in pleasant lies. We can face the reality of our guilt and God will show to us how He can forgive a sinner like us. A solid rock and precious cornerstone is better protection than a flimsy covering of lies!

Blessings,