A Study in Delusion (Part 1)
A delusion is a persistent false belief regarding
oneself (or other persons-objects) that is maintained in spite of
indisputable evidence to the contrary. The victims of delusion
consistently embrace the false as true. In short, they believe a
lie. None of us like to think of ourselves as susceptible to
delusion. But the scriptures reveal that all of us, with the proper
preconditioning, can be snookered.
The KJV makes two references to delusion. The first
is found in Isaiah 66:4 (“delusions”). The second is found in 2
Thessalonians 2:11 (“delusion”). An analysis of each text will
demonstrate that delusion exists in epidemic proportions within the
America culture. In this Pen, we will examine its first
usage: Isaiah 66:4.
In Isaiah 66:1-4, the Lord was looking for
individuals who (1) were aware of their spiritual need, (2)
possessed a spirit that was contrite (broken) over personal sin, and
(3) trembled at his word (66:2). God issued a clarion call, but the
nation did not hear, and none answered (66:4). Israel chose their
own ways instead, and found delightful a myriad of abominations in
which their God had no delight (66:3-4).
A reading of 66:3 reveals that God’s major bone of
contention with Israel was the turning of a sanctified religion into
sacrilege. First in the list of indictments was killing an ox as if
slaying a man. Why does a man kill another man? He’s revengeful,
full of anger! In every ox sacrificed was contempt for the God who
mandated it! Second was failure to grasp the significance of the
lamb as prefiguring Messiah. As far as they were concerned, it might
as well have been a dog. Third was the equating of oblations to
swine’s blood. Can you imagine what an affront the second and third
indictments were to the God of redemption? Fourth was the burning of
incense in a manner that was worship-free. They might as well have
burned it to an idol. Serious indictments indeed!
The Lord responded to their choices as follows: “I
also will chose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon
them” (66:4). The word “delusions” is instructive. It’s the Hebrew
word ta’aluwl (“wantonness vexation, petulance,
childishness"). In its only other biblical usage, it is translated
“babes” (3:4). Now, a petulant man is insolent or rude in speech or
behavior as one would expect from a child who has a problem with
authority. Comparing scripture with scripture leads me to conclude
that the “delusions” of 66:4 are a second reference to the “babes” of 3:4. Both lie within
similar judgment contexts. A feature of that judgment is God giving
them children for their princes and “babes” to rule over them. Do
not confuse the “babes” God gives in judgment with those out of
whose mouths God has ordained strength (Psalm 8:2, which Jesus
cited with rejoicing in Luke 10:21).
The petulant babes of Isaiah 3:1-8, who would one day
occupy Israel’s leadership, lacked the gravitas to provide
spiritual, moral and military strength for the nation. Contrariwise,
they would oppress the nation and oversee its ruination. The agenda
of these “babes” is thus described: dismantling the military (3:2),
corrupting the judiciary (3:2), attacking the prophets (3:2),
dismissing the wisdom of sages (3:2), inhibiting the free enterprise
of skilled artisans (3:3), and censoring eloquent orators (3:3).
These, my friend, are a few of the realities in play when God in
judgment turns a nation over to its delusions and fears by putting
“babes” in charge.
The history of Israel with its track record of
petulant leadership is being repeated in America! The current White
House administration is essentially a cadre of “babes” actively
pursuing an Isaiah 3 agenda. At some point they will arrive at
replication unless deterred. If you and I were not aware of the
Isaiah source for the aforementioned realities, we might have easily
mistaken them for a compilation of 2010 headlines from any number of
Christian and or conservative news outlets.
As a theological-political conservative and
registered Independent, I perceive widespread corruption and
cowardice in both major parties. At the end of the day, God Almighty
will hold every nation accountable for the manner in which it
responded to his truth. God has given America much, and therefore
much is required. He is no respecter of persons or nations.
America appears to be in the midst of divine judgment with “babes” at the
helm. They are trampling our Constitution, stacking the Supreme
Court with activists, erasing our liberties on a daily basis,
destroying the private-sector economy (the domain of skilled
artisans), accusing our prophets of hate speech, and consistently
giving deference to demonic Islam at the expense of Israel and the
Christian faith. There are those who firmly believe that our leaders are simply
trying to dig their way out of an inherited mess. But evidence to
the contrary is indisputable! They are the mess!
Without a spiritual
awakening that restores the God of the Bible to his proper place in
our national dialogue, the America we have known and loved will
cease to exist! Ronald Reagan said it best: "If we ever forget that
we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under." In
the next Pen, we’ll look at the second reference to delusion:
2 Thessalonians 2:11.
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