Faith or Fear: Isaiah 8:1-18

1. There are generally two ways to approach counseling. One is clinical counseling, and the other is solution-focused. Clinical counseling relies heavily on theories and established systems, while solution-focused counseling emphasizes practical steps. These days, many counselors prefer the solution-focused approach.

1.2 I served in the military and had two main responsibilities. One of those was serving as a counselor for new recruits. Many of them struggled to adjust because of their prejudices and fears. They had heard so many misconceptions from others, which became the root of their anxiety. Through our counseling sessions, I was able to help them overcome those fears.

1.3 In our daily lives, we are often faced with two perspectives: faith or fear. We have the choice to accept one or the other. Today, we are going to discuss which perspective we should choose before God. Let’s look at Isaiah 8:11-18.

Isaiah 8:11–18 ESV

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: “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”

Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching among my disciples. I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.

2.1 To understand why the choice between faith and fear was so urgent, we need to look at the historical context. In 734 B.C., Judah faced a national crisis called the Syro-Ephraimite War. Two neighboring kings—Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel—joined forces to invade Jerusalem. Their goal was to overthrow King Ahaz and replace him with a king they could control.

2.2 At that moment, Judah had two paths they could take:

• The Solution-Focused Path: King Ahaz and most of the people wanted to reach out to Assyria, the superpower of that era, for help. They were looking for a quick 'tool' or a political fix to solve their immediate problem.

• The Faith-Focused Path: Through the prophet Isaiah, God told them to trust in His quiet and steady protection instead.

This is the backdrop for our text today. It’s a story about what happens when we try to rely on our own 'tools' rather than God’s presence.

3. Looking at Isaiah 8:1-18, there are three main points I’d like to share with you today:

1. Two types of water: Gentle grace versus overwhelming power.

2. Two types of fear: Worldly conspiracies versus holy reverence.

3. Two faces of God: A sanctuary or a stumbling stone?

Now, let’s take a closer look at the first point: the two types of water. 

Isaiah 8:5–8 NLT

Then the Lord spoke to me again and said, “My care for the people of Judah is like the gently flowing waters of Shiloah, but they have rejected it. They are rejoicing over what will happen to King Rezin and King Pekah. Therefore, the Lord will overwhelm them with a mighty flood from the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria and all his glory. This flood will overflow all its channels and sweep into Judah until it is chin deep. It will spread its wings, submerging your land from one end to the other, O Immanuel.

Point 1. Two Types of Water: Gentle Grace vs. Overwhelming Power

4.1 In verses 5 through 8, God presents a vivid contrast between two different sources of water. This isn't just a lesson in geography; it's about where we choose to place our trust.

4.2 The Waters of Shiloah (v. 6): The text speaks of the "waters of Shiloah that flow gently." Shiloah was a small stream that supplied water to Jerusalem. It wasn’t a roaring river or a grand waterfall; it was quiet, steady, and humble. In our spiritual lives, this represents God’s "Gentle Grace." It is the "Immanuel" presence—God being with us in quiet moments and providing exactly what we need for today. However, the people of Judah "rejected" these gentle waters. Why? Because Shiloah didn’t look strong enough to stop an invading army. In their "solution-focused" mindset, they wanted something bigger, faster, and more visible.

4.3 The Waters of the Euphrates (vv. 7-8): Since the people rejected the gentle stream, God said He would bring upon them the "mighty floodwaters of the River"—referring to the Euphrates and the King of Assyria. They wanted the "power" of Assyria to solve their problems, so God gave it to them. But there is a serious warning here: The "tool" you choose to save yourself often becomes the "flood" that overwhelms you. The text says this water would sweep into Judah, swirling over it and reaching up to the neck. What they thought was a "solution" (Assyria) became an overwhelming power that threatened to destroy them.

4.4 Application: Think back to the new recruits I counseled in the military. They often looked for quick ways to escape their fear—sometimes through rumors or temporary distractions. In our own lives, when we face a crisis, we often overlook the "gentle waters" of prayer, scripture, and quiet trust in God. We want a "Euphrates-sized" solution—like money, political power, or human influence. But remember: The Euphrates may look strong, but it is destructive. Shiloah may look small, but it is the water of life. Are you rejecting God’s gentle grace because it seems too slow to solve your problems?

Isaiah 8:11–12 NIV

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

Point 2. Two Types of Fear: Worldly Conspiracies vs. Holy Reverence

5.1 Living in a Culture of Fear (vv. 11-12): In verses 11 and 12, God speaks to Isaiah with a "strong hand," warning him not to follow the crowd. The people were obsessed with "conspiracies." They were consumed by rumors, political alliances, and the fear of what their enemies might do. When we are in a crisis, our minds naturally gravitate toward "What if?" scenarios. We focus on the news, the economy, or the opinions of others. This is what I call "Worldly Fear." It’s a fear that paralyzes us because it’s based on things we simply cannot control.

5.2 The Command to Fear God (v. 13): God offers a radical alternative. He says, "Do not fear what they fear... but the Lord of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy. Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread." At first, this sounds a bit strange. Why would God tell us to fear Him to escape our other fears?

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

5.3 Many people today, much like the disciples in Acts 1:6, are anxious to know the exact timing of God’s return. Because people are afraid of the end times, they often try to 'control' the future by predicting when it will happen. We’ve seen this recently in the U.S., where certain leaders predicted the Rapture, only for those dates to pass by. The Bible makes it clear that fear should not be the driving force in our lives. Fear doesn't produce anything useful in us. Instead, Scripture teaches that when we have true faith, we don't need to worry about the 'when' or the 'how.' If we trust in God’s character, we can be at peace regardless of the season.

1 Peter 3:14–15 NKJV

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

5.4 During my time as a military counselor, I noticed that recruits stopped fearing barracks rumors once they began to respect the authority of their leaders and the reality of their training. Similarly, "Holy Reverence"—the fear of the Lord—is the only cure for the fear of man. When we realize how big, holy, and sovereign God is, the "conspiracies" of this world start to look very small. As the saying goes, "He who fears God has nothing else to fear."

5.5 Application: Are you more afraid of your problems than you are in awe of your God? When we lose our "Holy Fear," we become vulnerable to every "Worldly Fear." If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the "conspiracies" in your life today—whether it's health issues, financial stress, or broken relationships—the solution isn't to fix the problem first. The solution is to re-center your heart on the holiness of God. Honor Him as holy, and you’ll find that the fears of this world lose their grip on you.

Point 3. Two Faces of God: A Sanctuary or a Stumbling Stone?

Isaiah 8:14 ESV

And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

6.1 The Unchanging Rock (v. 14): In verse 14, we encounter a profound spiritual paradox. Isaiah tells us that the Lord becomes two very different things at the same time: a Sanctuary (Mikdash) and a Stumbling Stone (Eben Negaph). Imagine a massive rock in the middle of a path. The rock itself is solid and unchanging. However, what that rock represents to you depends entirely on how you approach it.

• If you are a traveler fleeing an enemy and you climb onto that rock, it becomes your high tower—your Sanctuary.

• But if you are walking in pride and blindness, ignoring the path, you will trip over it and fall. To you, that same rock is a Stumbling Stone.

6.2 Existence vs. Response (Linguistic Insight): The original languages give us a beautiful depth here. In the Hebrew text, the emphasis is on the dual nature of God’s presence. God is holy, and by its very nature, holiness protects what is pure and destroys what is impure. The Greek translation (LXX) adds an emphasis on our response. It implies a condition: 

"If you trust in Him, He will be your sanctuary." This reminds me of my counseling days. The discipline of the military is a "Sanctuary" for the recruit who trusts the system; it protects him and prepares him for battle. But those same rules become a "Stumbling Stone" for the recruit who rebels; they only lead to his failure.

6.3 The Connection to ChristThis image is so powerful that Peter and Paul both use it to describe Jesus. To those who believe, Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone—the foundation of our lives. But to those who reject Him, He is a "Rock of Offense."

Romans 9:32–33 NRSV

Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “See, I am laying in Zion a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

1 Peter 2:7–8 NASB 2020

This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers, “A stone which the builders rejected, This became the Chief cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed.

6.4 ApplicationThe most important question we can ask ourselves today is: "Who is God to me right now?" If you find yourself constantly "stumbling"—feeling broken, trapped, or frustrated with God—perhaps it’s because you are trying to use God as a "tool" to solve your problems, rather than honoring Him as the Lord of your life. When we treat God as a means to an end, He becomes our stumbling stone. But when we stop trying to 'fix' our lives with our own tools and surrender to His holiness, the God who seemed like an obstacle becomes our Sanctuary. He becomes the only place where we are truly safe.

Conclusion: The Posture of the Remnant

Isaiah 8:17–18 ESV

I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.

7.1 The Choice to Wait (v. 17): How should we respond to these two realities? Isaiah gives us the answer through his own personal resolution in verse 17: “I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him.” Sometimes, it feels like God is "hiding His face." Our problems aren't solved immediately, and the "Gentle Waters" seem to move too slowly. But Isaiah shows us that waiting isn’t passive; it is an active choice of faith. To wait for the Lord means refusing the "Assyrian tools" of this world and keeping our eyes fixed on the Sanctuary, even when the floodwaters are rising.

7.2 Living as Signs and Wonders (v. 18): Isaiah concludes by saying, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel.” Isaiah’s life, and even the names of his children, served as living messages to a frightened nation. When we choose the fear of the Lord over the fear of the world, our lives also become "signs." In a world drowning in anxiety and "solution-focused" panic, a Christian who remains at peace becomes a powerful sign of God’s presence—living proof of Immanuel.

7.3 Final Call to Action: As we go back to our daily lives this week, remember the two paths before us:

• Will we seek the overwhelming "Euphrates" of worldly solutions, or will we drink from the "Gentle Waters" of Shiloah?

• Will we be paralyzed by "Worldly Conspiracies," or will we be anchored in "Holy Reverence"?

• Will we treat God as a "Tool" to be used, or as a "Sanctuary" to be worshipped?

7.4 If we feel like you are stumbling today, stop trying to "fix" the rock. Instead, change our heart. Stop trying to use God and start trusting Him. When we surrender our tools and our fears to Him, the very God who seemed like an obstacle will become our safest Sanctuary. Let us be a people who wait for the Lord, hope in Him, and stand as signs of His grace to this world. Immanuel—God is with us.

Short-Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions using 2–3 sentences based on the provided text.

1. What are the two primary approaches to counseling mentioned in the text, and how do they differ?

2. What was the specific historical crisis facing Judah in 734 B.C. known as the Syro-Ephraimite War?

3. What do the "waters of Shiloah" symbolize in a spiritual context?

4. According to the text, what is the danger of choosing a "Euphrates-sized" solution to a problem?

5. How does the text define "Worldly Fear," and what are its typical focuses?

6. What is presented as the only cure for the "fear of man"?

7. How can the same "Rock" (God) be both a Sanctuary and a Stumbling Stone?

8. What insight does the Greek translation (LXX) of Isaiah 8:14 provide regarding God’s presence?

9. According to Isaiah 8:17, what does it mean to "wait for the Lord" during a crisis?

10. In what way do Isaiah and his children serve as "signs and portents" in Israel?

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Answer Key

1. Counseling Approaches: The two approaches are clinical counseling, which relies on established theories and systems, and solution-focused counseling, which emphasizes practical steps. In the context of the text, many people prefer the solution-focused approach because it offers immediate "tools" to address problems.

2. The Syro-Ephraimite War: In 734 B.C., King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel joined forces to invade Jerusalem. Their primary goal was to overthrow King Ahaz of Judah and replace him with a puppet ruler they could control.

3. The Waters of Shiloah: Shiloah represents God’s "Gentle Grace" and His "Immanuel" presence, which provides steady, humble, and quiet protection. Though it may not appear strong enough to stop an army, it symbolizes the life-giving support found through prayer and scripture.

4. The Danger of the Euphrates Solution: Choosing a "Euphrates-sized" solution, such as political power or human influence, often results in the "tool" becoming a "flood" that overwhelms the user. While it looks strong and effective, it is ultimately destructive and can submerge a person "chin deep" in further trouble.

5. Worldly Fear: This is a paralyzing fear based on things outside of an individual’s control, such as rumors, political alliances, and "what if" scenarios. It often causes people to follow the crowd and gravitate toward "conspiracies" or news-driven anxiety.

6. The Cure for Fear: The text states that "Holy Reverence"—the fear of the Lord—is the only cure for the fear of man. When an individual realizes the sovereignty and holiness of God, the conspiracies and threats of the world begin to look small and lose their grip.

7. The Paradox of the Rock: The rock is a Sanctuary for those who trust God and climb it for protection from enemies. However, for those who walk in pride or rebellion, that same solid rock becomes a Stumbling Stone that causes them to fall and be broken.

8. The Greek Translation Insight: The Greek translation (LXX) emphasizes the human response as a condition for how God is experienced. It implies that if an individual trusts in Him, He will be a sanctuary; thus, the outcome depends on the person's faith or disobedience.

9. Waiting for the Lord: Waiting is described as an active choice of faith rather than a passive state. It involves refusing worldly "Assyrian tools" and keeping one’s eyes fixed on God even when His face seems hidden and problems are not immediately solved.

10. Signs and Portents: Isaiah and his children are living messages to a frightened nation, with their lives and names serving as proof of God’s plan. Similarly, a Christian who remains at peace during a crisis becomes a "sign" of God’s presence and the reality of Immanuel.