I hesitate to leave this precious book, that of Isaiah. As I have already noted, it is a little like the ending of a Beethoven symphony.  There is simply no good place to stop, so he goes on and on. Similarly, I do not know how to close my meditations on Isaiah.

I have come, however, to a place of summary. What is God’s urgent message to me, as it was to Israel and is to you?  My eyes fall on a little phrase that might well be the theme of this marvelous word from the heart of God. It is Chapter 2, verse 22.  “Stop trusting in man…Of what account is he?”  

Little has changed. In two weeks the preliminary steps will be taken for people in this nation to choose their own leaders.  Leading up to the elections, the air is full, once again, of people who point out every mistake or weakness of the people presently in power and promise to never, never do anything wrong, ever.  They call for all voters to put him or her in office to put everything right.  Certainly good leaders are better than bad ones but will we never learn?  Enough promises are going around to bring in an era of unparalleled excellence.  But will it happen?

The promises of God which are meant for his Kingdom are real and true.  The voice of God says, “Stop trusting in man.”  I am a citizen of this fine nation, thankful to be one. But I must be careful not to put my trust in man nor in the institutions he creates.

As elections approach I am reminded again and again that I must filter out the Pollyanna promises that are just that, and look at things through the eyes of the One who is building his new Kingdom, on the earth and in the heavenlies.

Cultural politics have a place, no doubt but politicians seem to disappoint, perennially. Our Heavenly Father, or Savior and blessed Holy Spirit are true and trustworthy. Their word to us today?  Like it was through Isaiah.  “Stop trusting in man.”