Isaiah 41:5-8 - The islands have seen it

41:5-7

We then get the reaction of the nations, or the islands. They see and fear what is happening, but instead of repenting, instead of listening to God, they band together to resist God, to continue their rebellion. In some ways we might think the reaction is good. They encourage one another, and help one another.  But this unity is unity in building an idol, in keeping an idol in place. There is nothing commendable in working together in rebellion against God. We see this behaviour again and again in the world. For a time men will band together in common cause, but if we are acting against God it is both futile and wrong. We need to be careful not to be taken in by unity for its own sake.

41:8

41:5-7 tell us how the world reacts, but we are not of the world (at least we are not supposed to be). We are God’s servant, chosen by God. Man in rebellion is self-identifying, man as he should be seeks to live according to his God-given identity. We have been chosen by God to be His servants, and to live by faith. When we as individuals, or as a church, go along with the world’s ways we are not being “true to ourselves” and we are being exceedingly stupid.