Week 4 Friday

Who’s Who

Today’s scripture selection: Isaiah 18-22

Key verses: Isaiah 19:11

 

     It’s often said, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.”  While that may be somewhat true – especially in the worlds of business and politics – an ancient prophet named Isaiah begs to differ.

     Back in his own day – a day of dangerous and fragile political and military alliances – he warned his people to trust more in God than in their contacts.  Sometimes they listened; often they did not – to their own peril.

     Thousands of years later, we are often caught in the same trap.  We think it’s all about our Rolodex; our social networking; our “bff” or our consultants.  But Isaiah said it well, speaking at the time to those who thought they knew it all in the great empire of Egypt:

“The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice.  How can you say to Pharaoh, ‘I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings’?”

     The prophet’s point was that when you need real counsel it’s not who you know – it’s Who knows you.  In other words, it’s about a daily, ongoing relationship with the Almighty – that’s the key to real wisdom and security.

     There will always be someone trying to tell you what to do and when to do it.  You might even say I am guilty of it in this little blog post.  But my intentions are honorable.  I’m just sharing with you, from personal experience, an important lesson learned.  You can do with it what you will.

     What’s the lesson?  It’s that the old prophet was right.

It’s not who you know – it’s Who knows you.  No address book; no Rolodex; no contact list, no matter how long or impressive by the world’s standards – can compare with knowing God intimately as His child.  All the advice in the world can’t compare with a simple conversation with Him.

    

Prayer:  Lord, I am surrounded by “experts.”  Help me to remember that your counsel is what I need most.  Give me eyes to see and ears to listen.  AMEN.