Isaiah 30 and 31 "Worldly Solutions for A Spiritual Problem?"

Here we hear of Isaiah's rejection of a worldly solution to a spiritual problem.

      Questions for Thought:

Does God judge evil within this world ?

If so, how can God's judgment be escaped?  by repentance?  by military alliance?

                            by science or technology?  by additional finances?

Can you think of examples where societies, individuals, or churches have sought to escape God's judgment through worldly, secular solutions?

Isaiah 30 -- A Military Alliance to Escape God's Judgment

    The government of Judah sought a military alliance with Eygpt.  The leaders of  Judah hoped that in case of attack by Assyria that the Egyptians would come to their aid.  From a skeptical and spiritual viewpoint this appears to be trying to avoid the judgment of God and God's demands for justice by borrowing a foreign army.

    Can the judgment of God be so easily escaped?

                  What are other examples of worldly solutions to spiritual problems?

++++++ Is the alcoholic who tries moving to another city and getting a new job an example of seeking a secular solution to a problem that requires a spiritual solution? While we commend the alcoholic for seeking a solution to his or her problem,  is this actually a dodge to avoid facing the spiritual nature of alcoholism? 

    +++++What about the congregation in decline that seeks big video screens and a younger minister to gain congregational vitality?  Is this just a wise move or an unwise seeking for secular solutions to a problem that requires a spiritual solution --  either from God or from growth within their own souls?

+++++++Consider the cover ups of the sexual abuse of children by priests within the Catholic Church in recent years.  Is this an example of seeking a worldly solution for a spiritual problem?  

Continuing Relevance of Isaiah to Our Human Situation

My point is that Isaiah has continuing relevance to us as humans.  We go off in the wrong direction more often that we like to admit.  Isaiah is speaking as a prophet to our human situation as much as he is speaking to ancient Judah of 27 centuries ago.

Isaiah 31  -- More of Isaiah's Rejection of the Egyptian Military Alliance

     Chapter 31 continues in the same vein.  I will quote without comment.

       "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help 

        and rely on horses,

        who trust in chariots because they are very strong,

        but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.  " Isaiah 30: 1   (Revised Standard Version)