hope

Hope: God With Us

God’s Will Prevails

God’s ways are not our ways; they’re much better. (Isaiah 55:8-9) The story of Ahaz, Pekah and Rezin is a perfect example.

King Uzziah’s grandson, Ahaz, was twenty years old when he became king and, like many young men that age, he thought he knew better than his elders.

Both his grandfather, King Uzziah, and his father, King Jotham, walked in the ways of the Lord. Ahaz, on the other hand, rebelled from the start. He worshipped every idol available on the high places. (2 Kings 16:1-4) Worst of all, he burned his infant son to death as a sacrifice to an idol and led the people of Judah to do the same. Burned his baby son. Pause to consider this for a moment. Ahaz was about as bad as it gets.

Imminent Disaster

Pekah was the king of Israel at the time and every bit as bad as Ahaz. He formed an alliance of war with Rezin, king of Aram. The two kings decided to make war against Jerusalem in order to capture it but could not defeat the city. They camped in Ephraim as a launching spot for their army in anticipation of more war and the ultimate takeover of Judah.

Of course, the news spread like wildfire. The Judean people were terrified and their hearts shook like trees in a windstorm. Ahaz was as frightened as anyone.

Mercy and comfort are not my first responses toward wicked king Ahaz, but God is considerably nicer than I. No surprise there. His response to Ahaz’ fear is nothing short of amazing grace. (Leanna paraphrase of Isaiah 7 coming up.)

God’s Response

“Isaiah,” God said, “Go see Ahaz and tell him to calm down and quit worrying. Summon up some courage, Ahaz. I’ve got this and everything will work out fine this time. The Arameans are not the ones you need to worry about. It’s the Assyrians, so get your faith right.” 

As if encouragement straight from God was not enough, God made a surprising offer via Isaiah. “Ask for a sign, Ahaz. Ask anything and I’ll do it. I want you to understand I’m in control.”

“Oh, no,” Ahaz told Isaiah. “I wouldn’t dream of testing God by asking for a sign.” Hw didn’t mind testing God by burning his son alive in the arms of a huge metal idol, but he refused to ask for a sign.

Isaiah was perhaps a little exasperated by Ahaz’ refusal because he said, “Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well?” (Isaiah 7:13) “If you won’t ask for a sign, God will give you one anyway.”

Here’s the remarkable part. Wicked Ahaz wouldn’t do what God said, despite a personal message from God Himself, but God was not dependent upon Ahaz’ willingness to obey. He had something to say and He said it, even if no one wanted to listen.

The Good News

“A virgin will bear a son,” He told Isaiah, “And she will name him Emmanuel (God with us).”

Pause a moment and consider God’s words to Ahaz when an invading army appeared apt to carry him and his people into captivity. “Don’t worry, Ahaz. Not only will this army not defeat you, but I will send my Son to be with you.”

Consider God saying those words to you…”Don’t worry Leanna, I know you’re under a lot of pressure to get things done, but I have everything under control and Jesus is with you. Your job is to believe me and obey.”

Jesus. God with us.

Are there any more precious words? There is no situation so bleak, nothing we face, no fear we have nor disease we contract that can stand in the presence of Jesus. Immanuel. God with us.

We are not alone.

At one of the darkest moments of his life, the encouragement God gave Ahaz is the same He gives us today. Emmanuel. God is with us.

We need not fear. Jesus has come and the world will never be the same again, nor will we, His people.

He is with us no matter what we face nor how difficult our circumstances. His presence, dear friends, is always enough.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

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Want to read more? Here are links to a few of my most recent posts:

True Beauty Begins When Pride Ends

When the Last Days Come

Christmas’ Best Gift: Beautiful Redemption

Advent: Beginning December

On Being Beloved

The Whining Season

If you’re looking  for an Advent devotional guide, consider this one:

It’s available in Kindle format ($0.99) and paperback ($6.00)

Here’s an in-depth, life-changing digital Bible study to help you start the new year:

You can also send either book as a gift through Amazon.

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