Conspiracy Theories

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Scripture: Isaiah 8:11-13 (ESV)

11 For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread

Devotion:

            Today, conspiracy theories abound everywhere in our culture. Especially via the internet these wild rumors have taken root like a weed that refuses to be removed. We plainly see from today’s scripture that these conspiracies are not a new thing. God here instructs Isaiah to warn the people centuries before Christ was born not follow the conspiracies of the day. Of course, Israel did not possess the internet, but the damage that can be done by rumors and conspiracy theories was just as intense.

            The Lord hates these conspiracy theories because they spread fear and panic among the people. They take the peoples eyes off of God and the worship and adoration that belongs solely to him and puts it on something else. The Lord demands our total obedience and will not share his place with another pretender god. People, however, are attracted to these theories because they think they are getting information or knowledge that the rest of the world does not have. Some people thrive off the drama that comes with this knowledge.

            Isaiah stands in for all believers in this scripture. The Lord warns us not to walk in the way of the world. We must not follow the world in spreading rumors and believing in conspiracy theories. The way of the world profits them nothing. We instead must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. Fear God first, second, and last as you live your lives. We know from other scripture that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7) Let us then begin to fear the Lord and follow where he leads us. Help us to seek to please God as the sole aim of our lives.

            So, even though the people around us continue to believe in these conspiracy theories and wild rumors those of us who are Christians must believe in Christ and follow him in the ways that make for peace. We must refuse to be intimidated by the world, We must not fall into being fearful people because we know that God has given us a spirit of power, love, self-control. Let us now pray for each other and the world that all will follow Christ and live fearless lives.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, we come before you to worship you and adore you. May your name be magnified in all the earth. Lord deal with your children the ones you have called by name. Teach us to follow you in the way of righteousness. Fearing you and you alone. Help us to calm the world by showing what life can look like when lived in and for you. Teach us to trust and not be fearful. Amen.

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