THE TRAILER LESSON

A trailer is a practical addition when you need to transport a bulky load that can't fit in a vehicle. However, it can also become dangerous. When going downhill, for example, a sudden deceleration can cause a loss of control: the trailer then begins to swerve unpredictably. The heavier the trailer, the more pronounced these swerves, often leading to a loss of vehicle control, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.

*Picture by Pixabay - TimHill

This image strikingly illuminates a term used in Isaiah 65:2. In the TOB (Trail of the Bible), the Hebrew word is literally translated as "trailer." Other translations offer: "according to their ideas" (French Rabbinate), "according to their fancy" (Jerusalem Bible), "as they please" (French Common Language).  The Hebrew word machashabah means: thought, invention, desire, project, design—sometimes evil—or even plot. All these meanings evoke the image of a thought that carries a person along, like an overly heavy trailer behind a vehicle.

This term is central to Isaiah 65: it is the key to understanding it. Despite God's welcome of his people (v. 1), despite the fact that he extends his hands to an unfaithful nation, the people choose to act "only as they please," according to their own thoughts, desires, and plans. God then makes a clear observation: this people has acted contrary to the law (vv. 3-7) and has even considered itself "holier" than God himself: "Do not touch me, for I am holy" (v. 5). Yet, God called, spoke, and warned. But the people made the willful choice to opt for what did not please him (v. 12), driven by prideful thoughts. 

The word machashabah appears frequently in the Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to describe "wicked," "vain" thoughts, or even evil and cunning plans. These thoughts lead a person down a downward slope: the momentum of their thoughts then exceeds their ability to control them. Once the thought is set in motion, sin takes root, and then the act follows (Mt 5:28; Phil 4:8; 2 Cor 10:5).

Like an uncontrollable trailer, these thoughts drag our entire lives along in their swerve. We may believe we are children of God—for God is indeed addressing believers in Isaiah 65—but we remain separated from Him when we live according to our own thoughts and desires. We all struggle against sin, but those who allow themselves to be led by unrenewed carnal thoughts do not belong to Him (James 1:14-15). The rest of the chapter clearly contrasts the fate of those who belong to God with that of those who do not; the consequences are directly linked to their behavior, which itself stems from their thoughts.

This text reminds us today that we cannot allow ourselves to be led by vain thoughts. Sometimes they seem good, but God's thoughts are not our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). As soon as we place our desires at the center, our thoughts no longer come from God. So, how do we stay connected to good thoughts? 

THROUGH CONSECRATION.

Consecration leads us to make the necessary sacrifices and to recognize our total dependence on God. He is the one who can help us overcome vain and wicked thoughts. This recognition reminds us that we are nothing without Him. None of us can consider ourselves superior or excessively sanctified (v. 5). Pride then gives way to humility, and this humility makes us understand that we need one another—for we form one body—and above all, that we need God at every moment. We then freely seek His face, through prayer, through reading His Word, and by putting it into action.

Our “carrying baggage” becomes lighter: we carry only our cross (Mt 16:24), having laid down our burden (Mt 11:30). It no longer pulls us down a downward slope. And when the slope does present itself, we naturally seek God more earnestly and allow ourselves to be renewed by His Spirit.

Finally, machashabah can also have a positive meaning: profound thoughts, righteous plans, good intentions. In Isaiah 55:7-8, God promises forgiveness to those who abandon their evil plans. In Jeremiah 29:11, the same word is used to refer to God's good plans for our lives. If you recognize that your thoughts are vain, if you have slipped into legalism or pride, if wicked thoughts have led you to sin and you can no longer escape, or if your desire to spend time with the Lord has weakened, then return to Him. This means that your thoughts and plans have left God aside. But He has promised to forgive those who return and continually seek His face (1 Chronicles 16:11).

LET US PRAY.

Lord, forgive my vain thoughts and renew my mind by Your Holy Spirit. Free me from my evil inclinations. From this day forward, I take every thought captive to obey You (2 Corinthians 10:5). I choose to dedicate myself more fully to You through prayer and reading Your Word. Help me to understand my place in the body of Christ and transform my proud thoughts into humble ones. Thank You, Jesus!