Turning Away or Turning to the Lord?
📖 Nightly Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 28
Ahaz’s reign in Judah stands as one of the starkest examples of rebellion against God. He did not simply drift away—he ran headlong into idolatry, shutting the doors of the Lord’s temple, offering his own children as sacrifices, and placing his trust in foreign kings rather than in the Lord. The more he suffered under divine judgment, the deeper he plunged into disobedience. Instead of turning to the Lord in repentance, Ahaz sought security in alliances with Assyria, stripping the temple of its treasures to bribe a pagan empire for protection. Yet, no alliance could shield him from the consequences of rejecting the only true God.
There is a sobering truth here: suffering does not automatically drive people to God. It exposes the direction of their hearts. Ahaz used hardship as an excuse to harden himself further, while those who trust the Lord see trials as opportunities to lean into His sufficiency. The difference is not in the circumstances but in the response.
Yet even in the darkness of Ahaz’s reign, God’s redemptive plan was at work. Through the prophet Isaiah, God gave a promise of a future King—Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14). Ahaz rejected this word, but God remained faithful. Centuries later, Jesus, the true Son of David, came not only to restore a wayward people but to be the very presence of God among them. Unlike Ahaz, who closed the doors of the temple, Jesus tore the veil that separated sinful man from a holy God. Unlike Ahaz, who sought salvation through human means, Jesus accomplished salvation by laying down His own life.
The story of Ahaz challenges us to consider where we turn in times of distress. Do we harden ourselves, seeking solutions apart from God, or do we rest in the One who has already given us all things in Christ? The choice is clear: rebellion leads to ruin, but trust in the Lord leads to life.
Reflection Questions
Ahaz rejected God’s discipline and grew more unfaithful. How do you respond to difficulties—by hardening or by yielding?
Where do you seek security apart from Christ? Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to trust in earthly solutions over God’s sufficiency?
How does Jesus, as Immanuel, change the way we see God’s presence in our daily lives?
Prayer of Confidence
Father, You have already given us everything we need in Christ. In Him, we have Your presence, Your wisdom, and Your unshakable security. When trials come, we rest in the truth that You are working all things for our good. Thank You for the faithfulness of Christ, our true King, who opened the way for us to live in fellowship with You. We stand firm in Your promises, knowing that You are always with us, and we walk forward in the confidence of Your unfailing love. Amen.
📖 Insight credit: Grace and Truth Study Bible