Self-reliance is condemned in Isaiah 50:11. All who reject the Lord and the word of his Servant are those who seek human wisdom, which may look like light but is in fact the darkness of disobedience and folly. They are like a hiker lost in the woods at night, who believes that all he needs is a lit torch to guide him to safety. Without a map he remains lost, and his torch, which may give him a measure of relief, may actually be the instrument that leads him to great danger. Futility and certain torment are what the Lord promises for those who refuse to respond to the Lord’s word with understanding. A sermon needs to lay this warning on the hearts of the hearers. There is no future without the Lord and his Servant. We simply need to trust in the Lord with a true faith. And faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17), the Servant who gives understanding.
11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.