What would you do if you were king? Your small nation is being ganged up on by two other nations because you refused to join them in warfare against an even stronger nation. What would you do when you heard the news of their plans to decimate your nation, kill you, the king, and place another on the throne? How would you respond to such news, knowing you did not have the ability to fight them?
I’d love to hear your answer. For what this king did might surprise you. Although his story comes from Biblical history, he didn’t turn to the prophet nor to God in prayer. Indeed, he did not turn any of the directions you might assume, instead, he allied himself with the superpower nation against whom his former friends (now enemies) had asked that he align with them to battle!
Then God came to him through the prophet and had words.
This king was King Ahaz. His story is filled with words that God spoke into his life about the One coming who would be faithful and true, the Messiah, who would be the true savior. In contrast to what we heard Jonah say in his book, “My Salvation comes from the Lord,” this King instead said, in essence, “My Salvation will come from Nineveh!” Interesting contrast in choices!
When God said, “Ask for a sign and I will give it,” this king refused.
When God said, “Do not be afraid, do not worry,” this king worried and feared.
When God said, “Stand firm,” he didn’t.
Yet, in the middle of this king’s faithlessness came God’s promises. Into his life God spoke the promise of a child, Immanuel, a foreshadowing of Another, and foreshadowing something also in Ahaz’s time. And God named the character and calling of the Messiah who would be light in the midst of darkness.
Have you ever felt faithless in the light of enemies lined up against you? To whom did you turn? Come listen to Ahaz’s story and find confidence of your own to return and turn to the Lord. He is real. He is faithful and, best of news, He is Immanuel, God with us.