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- Oct 26, 2007
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Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the LORD. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, for he said, "Since these gods helped the kings of Aram, they will help me, too, if I sacrifice to them." But instead, they led to his ruin and the ruin of all Judah. 2 Chronicles 28:22-23 NLT
King Ahaz had big troubles—all of which he brought on himself. He was defeated in battle by King Aram and lost thousands of people to captivity; he was defeated likewise by the king of Israel, who slew 120,000 men, including the king’s son, the officer in charge of the palace, and the king’s second in command. Add to all this, the Edomites and Philistines attacked outlying areas, took prisoners, and occupied cities. Even bribing the king of Assyria for help with items from the temple of the Lord backfired.
But despite these troubles—which the Lord brought as a punishment—King Ahaz did not repent. Instead, he doubled down on his wickedness, thinking that setting up more altars to false gods “at every street corner in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 28:24) would help.
There’s a saying that if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging! Troubles are often messages. Whether you choose to humble your heart and then listen and act—or to harden your heart and ignore them—is the issue.
Prayer: Lord, let me accept “trouble” as a chance to see and think more clearly.
King Ahaz had big troubles—all of which he brought on himself. He was defeated in battle by King Aram and lost thousands of people to captivity; he was defeated likewise by the king of Israel, who slew 120,000 men, including the king’s son, the officer in charge of the palace, and the king’s second in command. Add to all this, the Edomites and Philistines attacked outlying areas, took prisoners, and occupied cities. Even bribing the king of Assyria for help with items from the temple of the Lord backfired.
But despite these troubles—which the Lord brought as a punishment—King Ahaz did not repent. Instead, he doubled down on his wickedness, thinking that setting up more altars to false gods “at every street corner in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 28:24) would help.
There’s a saying that if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging! Troubles are often messages. Whether you choose to humble your heart and then listen and act—or to harden your heart and ignore them—is the issue.
Prayer: Lord, let me accept “trouble” as a chance to see and think more clearly.
