How can we avoid trusting in unreliable sources like Egypt's "hired soldiers"? The Lesson from Egypt’s Hired Soldiers (Jeremiah 46:21) “Even the mercenaries among her are like fattened calves; they too will turn and flee together. They will not stand their ground, for the day of their calamity has come upon them—the time of their punishment.” What Made Egypt’s Backup Plan So Weak? • They were mercenaries—loyal only as long as the money flowed. • They had no stake in Egypt’s future, so when danger grew, they ran. • They were fleshly resources, not the living God. • Their strength looked impressive but collapsed when most needed. Spotting Modern “Hired Soldiers” We’re Tempted to Trust • Financial security: savings, investments, credit lines. • Cultural approval: trending opinions, influential voices, social media acclaim. • Technological fixes: gadgets, algorithms, human expertise. • Political alliances: parties, leaders, government programs. • Personal abilities: intelligence, charisma, health, work ethic. Why These Supports Fail • They change (James 1:11). • They wear out (Isaiah 40:30). • They can be taken away overnight (Job 1:13-19). • They cannot cleanse sin or conquer death (Psalm 49:7-9). God’s Alternative: Trust in the Unshakable • Isaiah 31:1 — “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.” • Psalm 20:7 — “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Practical Steps to Shift Our Trust 1. Evaluate: Identify one area where you lean hardest on human strength. 2. Confess: Acknowledge that misplaced reliance before the Lord (1 John 1:9). 3. Replace: • Anchor decisions in Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Seek counsel from mature believers, not popular opinion (Proverbs 11:14). • Pray first, plan second (Philippians 4:6-7). 4. Act: Obey promptly when Scripture speaks, even if alternatives look “safer” (Luke 6:46-49). 5. Remember: Regularly recount the Lord’s past faithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:2). Encouraging Promises for Those Who Trust Him • Psalm 125:1 — “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.” • Isaiah 26:3 — “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.” • Hebrews 13:5-6 — “I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you… The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Takeaway Egypt’s hired soldiers remind us that every human prop is temporary. By fixing our confidence on the living God—through His Word, prayer, and obedience—we stand on an unmovable foundation when every other support gives way. |
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