A THEORY ABOUT CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Today, for my quiet time, I am reading an ancient text, written over 2500 years ago, on the topic of conspiracy theories. Apparently, there was a plethora of them buzzing around when Isaiah wrote His diatribe, about and to, the rebellious nation of Israel just before they were conquered by stronger enemies and their people were disbursed into the far corners of the known world.

 

This is an ancient story, but it seems unnervingly relevant to us living in North America today.

 

I should not be surprised. This whole ancient collection of books that make up our Bible constantly surprises me with its contemporary relevance.

 

This may be because the Bible is full of stories that unflinchingly portray human nature, which seems not to have changed a bit since the beginning of time. But the Book portrays more than human nature. It also shows the nature of the God who created human beings and cares, deeply and doggedly, about them.

 

Isaiah’s book is a commentary on what God’s rebellious people were going through and would continue to go through if they didn’t smarten up and listen. 

 

Israel was surrounded by enemies and they were so confused that they didn’t know where to start attacking. They were not even sure who was an enemy and who was not. Hence the theories.  And they probably squabbled among themselves over the theories instead of sitting back, recognizing the problem, and reaching out for the solution.

 

In chapter 8, Isaiah tries to tell them both the problem and the solution. The problem is that they are putting confidence in their own ability to solve the problem instead of recognizing their inability to do that and looking to their Creator to help them.

 

God is angry.  At everyone.  At His chosen representatives on earth and also at their enemies. Things are in turmoil and His message, through Isaiah, begins with a classic literary example of verbal irony. *

 

God says:   Make an uproar and be broken in pieces, O you peoples [rage, raise the war cry, do your worst, and be utterly dismayed]! Give ear, all you [enemies] of far countries. Gird yourselves [for war] and be thrown into consternation! Gird yourselves, and be utterly dismayed! (vs. 9, 10)

 

Then Isaiah says, “For the Lord spoke thus to me with His strong hand [upon me], and warned and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,” Do not call conspiracy [or hard, or holy] all that this people will call conspiracy [or hard, or holy]; neither be in fear of what they fear, nor [make others afraid and] in dread.

 

The Lord of hosts—regard Him as holy and honor His holy name [by regarding Him as your only hope of safety] and let Him be your fear and let him be your dread [lest you offend Him by your fear of man and distrust of Him]. (vs. 12, 13)

 

Isaiah goes on to say, about this loving, angry, holy God, And He shall be a sanctuary [a sacred and indestructible asylum to those who reverently fear and trust in Him]; but He shall be a Stone of Stumbling and a Rock of Offense to both the houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.] And many among them shall stumble thereon; and they shall fall and be broken and be snared and taken. (vs. 14, 15)

 

Alas, the Israelites didn’t get it. They were too busy formulating and espousing conspiracy theories, none of which involved or even considered the activities of the God of the universe—the indestructible asylum. So they went into exile.  

 

It feels like we’re all in exile these days. Disoriented, confused, anxious--afraid of anything and everything. We are literally at loose ends.

 

But there is an answer.  It’s the one God gave the Israelites (and us) in another of those ancient books that have been passed down to us today.

 

Proverbs 3:1-6 says:   My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. 

 

Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart.

 

So shall you find favor, good understanding and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man.

 

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 

 

Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil.

 

It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.

 

The only answer to our human angst, today as it always has been, is to attach ourselves to the One firm foundation—the only Rock that will not move underneath us, ever. 

 

*All verses are taken from the Amplified translation of the Bible.