Kingship Gone Astray

From Royal Lineage to Idolatry

The Story of King Ahaz

“Even during this Time of Trouble, 

King Ahaz continued to Reject the LORD”

 (2 Chronicles 28:22).

King Ahaz of Judah, a tragic ruler whose reign is marred by political turmoil and spiritual apostasy, offers a stark lesson in the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. His life and leadership, chronicled in 2 Kings 16:1-20 and 2 Chronicles 28, and framed by the prophetic voices of Isaiah and Micah, reveal the depths of his unfaithfulness and the ensuing national crisis.

The Troubled Reign of King Ahaz

Background and Context

Ahaz ascended to the throne of Judah around 735 BCE during a period of significant regional instability. His father, Jotham, and later his son, Hezekiah, are noted for their more faithful adherence to God. However, Ahaz’s reign is defined by a stark departure from this tradition.

Rejecting the LORD: 

Key Actions, Consequences & Prophetic Voices 

Idolatry and Pagan Practices

One of Ahaz's most egregious acts was his embrace of idolatry. He adopted and institutionalized pagan rituals, including child sacrifice, which were abominations in the eyes of God (2 Kings 16:3-4). This not only provoked divine anger but also led the people of Judah into deep spiritual corruption.

The Call to Justice, Mercy, and Humility

In stark contrast to Ahaz’s actions, the prophet Micah encapsulates God’s expectations in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." This verse highlights three fundamental principles:

• Justice : Fair and righteous behavior, particularly in leadership.
• Mercy : Compassion and kindness towards others.
• Humility : Acknowledging and submitting to God’s authority and guidance.

Political Alliances

Facing threats from neighboring nations, Ahaz sought security through political alliances rather than trusting in God’s protection. He made a pact with Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria, sending him treasures from the Temple and his own palace as tribute (2 Kings 16:7-8). While this alliance provided temporary military relief, it came at the cost of Judah’s spiritual and political independence, leading to further subjugation and compromise.

Ignoring Prophetic Counsel

In stark contrast to Ahaz’s lack of faith, the prophecy of Micah 5:2 points us to a different source of hope and leadership. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy foretells the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate ruler whose reign is characterized by justice, mercy, and everlasting peace.

The prophecy highlights the small and seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem, from which the greatest king would emerge. This underscores a profound truth: God's solutions often come from unexpected places and require faith and patience. Unlike Ahaz, who sought immediate and tangible security, the prophecy calls us to trust in God's long-term plan.

During King Ahaz's reign, prophets like Isaiah also played crucial roles as divine messengers, calling the king and the nation of Judah to rely on God rather than on political alliances and foreign powers. Isaiah’s messages were not just warnings but also assurances of God's protection and provision if Ahaz would only trust in the Lord. The consistent rejection of their messages by Ahaz significantly contributed to the spiritual and political decline of Judah.

The Immanuel Prophecy

One of the most significant prophecies during this time is the Immanuel prophecy found in Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy was given when Judah faced imminent threats from the allied forces of Israel and Aram.

Isaiah’s message was clear: God was with His people, and Ahaz needed to trust in that divine presence ("Immanuel" means "God with us"). This prophecy was a direct appeal for Ahaz to place his trust in the Lord, assuring him that God’s presence was sufficient for their deliverance and protection.

Instead of turning to God, Ahaz feared these powerful enemies and sought help from the Assyrian empire.

Reflecting on Ahaz’s Reign

Ahaz’s reign serves as a dire warning about the perils of rejecting divine guidance. His choices led to spiritual decay, national instability, and personal downfall. His story prompts us to examine our own lives and leadership. Are we, like Ahaz, placing our trust in flawed human solutions, or are we seeking God’s direction in all aspects of life?

Spiritual Decay

Ahaz's embrace of idolatry was a significant departure from the spiritual practices established by his predecessors. By introducing pagan rituals and sacrifices, including the horrific practice of child sacrifice, Ahaz led Judah into moral and spiritual darkness. This not only provoked God's anger but also caused widespread spiritual confusion among the people. 

For us today, Ahaz’s actions remind us of the importance of staying true to our faith and resisting the allure of practices or beliefs that lead us away from God. Spiritual decay often begins subtly, through small compromises, and can grow into a significant departure from God's will if left unchecked.

National Instability

Ahaz's political strategies, particularly his alliance with Assyria, brought temporary relief but long-term problems. By relying on Assyria for protection against threats from Israel and Aram, Ahaz subjected Judah to Assyrian dominance, losing its autonomy and suffering under heavy tributes.

This highlights a critical lesson: seeking solutions outside of God’s plan can lead to greater problems. National instability under Ahaz’s rule mirrors the chaos that can ensue in our own lives when we rely solely on human wisdom or external sources for security and guidance, instead of trusting in God's provision and protection.

Personal Downfall

Ahaz’s refusal to heed prophetic warnings led to personal and national tragedy. The prophets Isaiah and Micah offered divine counsel, urging Ahaz to trust in God rather than political alliances. His consistent rejection of their advice resulted in his downfall and left a legacy of turmoil for his successors.

In our personal and professional lives, ignoring wise counsel and divine guidance can lead to failure and regret. Ahaz's story challenges us to listen to those who offer godly wisdom and to prioritize seeking God's direction in all our decisions.

Self-Examination

Ahaz’s reign invites us to reflect deeply on our own actions and leadership. Are we, like Ahaz, tempted to rely on quick fixes and human alliances instead of trusting in God’s plan? Do we seek God's guidance in our personal and professional lives, or do we follow our own flawed reasoning?

• Spiritual Integrity: We must guard against spiritual complacency and remain vigilant in our faith practices, ensuring they align with God's commands.
• Trust in God : In times of trouble, our first response should be to seek God's guidance through prayer, scripture, and godly counsel.
• Heeding Counsel : Listening to wise and godly advice is crucial. God often speaks through others, and ignoring such counsel can lead to unnecessary hardships.

Conclusion

King Ahaz’s story, marked by his rejection of God even in dire circumstances, serves as a powerful lesson on the consequences of turning away from divine guidance. His refusal to follow God, especially during times of great trouble, led to severe repercussions for himself and his nation. As underscored by 2 Chronicles 28:22, his life reminds us of the necessity of aligning our actions with God’s will, maintaining spiritual fidelity, understanding the dangers of relying solely on human solutions, and valuing godly counsel.

In contrast to Ahaz's faithlessness, we find hope in the prophecy of Isaiah, who foretold the coming of Immanuel—"God with us" (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Jesus’ presence among us embodies the ultimate assurance of God's unwavering promise and guidance.

As we remember God's promises and reflect on the life of Ahaz, let us embrace the wisdom of Micah 6:8, which offers a timeless prescription for righteous living: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. By following these disciplines and acknowledging Jesus as Immanuel, we ensure that our lives reflect God’s desires for justice, compassion, and humility. With God with us, we have the assurance of His presence and the strength to live out His will faithfully.

Soli Deo Gloria

Walking On Water

A Journey of Fear, Faith, and Courage

The story of Jesus walking on water is a miraculous event recorded in three of the Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. This narrative not only showcases Jesus' divine authority over nature but also offers profound lessons on faith, fear, and courage. Let’s delve into this remarkable event and explore its significance for our spiritual journey.

Setting the Scene

After feeding the 5,000, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him across the Sea of Galilee while He goes up on a mountainside to pray (Matthew 14:22-23, Mark 6:45-46, John 6:15). As night falls, the disciples find themselves in the middle of the sea, battling strong winds and waves. It is in this setting of crisis and chaos that Jesus approaches them, walking on the water.

Faith in the Midst of the Storm

Matthew 14:25-29 (NIV): "Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' 'Lord, if it’s you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus."

Peter’s impulsive actions are an extraordinary act of faith. Trusting in Jesus’ command, he steps out of the boat and walks on water. This moment highlights the power of faith to empower us to transcend our natural limitations and confront our fears when we keep our focus on Jesus. While we might not literally walk on water, we do navigate challenging situations. If we concentrate on the difficulties around us instead of seeking Jesus' help, we risk despair and failure. To sustain our faith during tough times, focus on Jesus' strength rather than our own shortcomings.

The Reality of Fear

Matthew 14:30-31 (NIV): "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"

Peter’s fear overtakes him when he shifts his focus from Jesus to the surrounding storm. Peter’s impulsive actions often led to failure. Jesus always emphasized the importance of understanding the full gravity of the situation before committing to it. This illustrates how fear can undermine our faith. However, it also shows that in our moments of doubt and fear, calling out to Jesus will bring His immediate help and reassurance. When we are anxious about the challenges around us and doubt Christ’s presence or ability to assist, remember that He is always with us and is the only one who can truly help. Our faith is marked not by the absence of failure but by the ability to rise and continue after each fall.

Courage in Christ

Mark 6:50-51 (NIV): "Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed."

The disciples were frightened, but Jesus’ voice bid them to take heart and have no fear. In Mark's account, Jesus’ words and actions emphasize the call to courage. Biblically, courage means trusting in Jesus' presence and power even in the face of fear. His presence brings peace and calms the storms in our lives. When we confront our fears, do we try to handle them alone, or do we turn to Jesus for strength? His presence offers peace and security, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. Whether facing personal challenges, unexpected crises, or overwhelming circumstances, we can find solace knowing that Jesus is by our side, ready to provide strength, guidance, and support. This assurance gives us the courage to navigate difficult times with confidence and hope, trusting in His unwavering love and care.

Marks Foot Note - Hardened Hearts

Reflecting on Mark 6:52, "for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened," we see that Mark’s footnote to this episode is a crucial detail explaining why these events occurred. The use of the word “for” in verse 52 indicates causation or reason. In other words, Jesus orchestrated these events because the disciples had not understood the lesson from the miracle of the loaves. The disciples witnessed the miraculous feeding of the five thousand but failed to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus' actions. They saw the miracle but did not internalize its significance regarding Jesus’ divine power and provision. Jesus allowed these events to unfold to further teach and reveal Himself to the disciples. Their lack of insight and hard hearts necessitated additional experiences that would open their eyes to His true nature and mission. Mark attributes their lack of understanding to their hardened hearts, suggesting a spiritual dullness or insensitivity. Despite being close to Jesus and witnessing His miracles, their preconceived notions and lack of faith hindered them from fully comprehending who He was.

Just as the disciples struggled with hardened hearts, we too can become spiritually insensitive. It’s important to examine our own hearts for areas where we might be resisting God’s truth or failing to perceive His work in our lives. The incident emphasizes the necessity of depending on Jesus for spiritual insight. Without His intervention, our understanding remains limited. Seeking His guidance and revelation is crucial for deepening our faith. God uses various events in our lives to teach us and grow our faith. Recognizing and reflecting on these lessons can prevent the hardening of our hearts and open us to greater spiritual truths. By understanding the disciples’ struggle, we can be more mindful of our own spiritual journey. Keeping our hearts soft and receptive to Jesus’ teachings ensures that we gain the insights necessary to grow in faith and understanding.

Recognizing Jesus’ Presence

John 6:20-21 (NIV): "But he said to them, 'It is I; don’t be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."

John’s account highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus’ presence. Jesus does not just watch from afar but comes to the aid of his disciples with outstretched arms in their moment of need. Once the disciples welcome Him into their boat, they immediately reach their destination safely.This signifies that acknowledging Jesus in our lives brings resolution and peace.

Lessons for Our Spiritual Journey

1. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: Peter’s experience teaches us to maintain our focus on Jesus, especially when facing life’s challenges. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) reminds us, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
2. Cry Out for Help: When overwhelmed by fear, we should not hesitate to cry out to Jesus. Psalm 34:17 (NIV) says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles."
3. Embrace Courage: True courage is trusting in Jesus despite our fears. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) encourages us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
4. Recognize His Presence: Jesus’ presence in our lives is a constant source of peace and guidance. Matthew 28:20 (NIV) assures us, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Conclusion

The story of Jesus walking on water is a powerful reminder of the interplay between faith, fear, and courage. It calls us to step out in faith, confront our fears with the assurance of Jesus’ presence, and find courage in Him. As we navigate our spiritual journey, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, cry out for help when needed, embrace the courage He provides, and always recognize His constant presence in our lives.

By embracing these lessons, we can face the storms of life with confidence and peace, knowing that Jesus is with us, guiding us safely to our destination.

Soli Deo Gloria

Gratitude and Faith

The Healing Power of Gratitude 

A Reflection on Luke 17:11-19

In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a profound and thought-provoking story in chapter 17, verses 11-19. This passage recounts the healing of ten persons affected by leprosy by Jesus and highlights the themes of gratitude, faith, and the inclusiveness of God’s mercy. As we delve into this narrative, we uncover valuable lessons about recognizing God’s grace in our lives and responding with heartfelt gratitude.

The Setting

As Jesus continued His journey to Jerusalem, He passed through the region between Samaria and Galilee. This geographical detail is significant, as it sets the stage for an encounter that breaks social and cultural barriers. In this borderland, Jesus met ten persons affected by leprosy who stood at a distance and cried out for mercy, acknowledging Him as "Master."

The Healing

Jesus responded to their plea with a simple instruction: "Go, show yourselves to the priests." According to Jewish law, a priest had to verify the healing of a person affected by leprosy for them to be officially declared clean and reintegrated into society. In obedience, the ten persons affected by leprosy set out to see the priests, and as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

The One Who Returned

Among the ten, only one, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus to express his gratitude. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and praised God with a loud voice. Jesus acknowledged this act of thanksgiving and remarked on the absence of the other nine, highlighting the faith of the one who returned. Jesus said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

Lessons from the Passage

1. Faith in Action

The ten persons affected by leprosy demonstrated faith by obeying Jesus’ command even before they saw the evidence of their healing. Their journey to the priests was an act of faith, trusting in Jesus' power to heal them. This reminds us that faith often requires us to step out in trust, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.

2. The Importance of Gratitude

The story’s central lesson revolves around gratitude. While all ten persons affected by leprosy were physically healed, only one returned to give thanks. This Samaritan’s actions underscore the importance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for God’s blessings. Gratitude is not just a polite response; it is a recognition of God’s active presence in our lives.

3. Inclusiveness of God’s Mercy

The fact that a Samaritan, a member of a group despised by Jews, was the one who returned to give thanks is significant. It illustrates that God’s mercy extends beyond cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries. Jesus’ ministry consistently broke down barriers and welcomed those who were marginalized and outcast.

4. Spiritual Healing

Jesus’ final words to the grateful person, "Your faith has made you well," indicate that this man received more than physical healing. His faith and gratitude opened the door to a deeper, spiritual restoration. This story encourages us to seek not just physical or material blessings from God but also spiritual renewal and wholeness.

Application in Our Lives

Reflecting on this passage, we are called to examine our own lives and attitudes. Do we recognize God’s blessings and respond with gratitude? Are we willing to step out in faith, trusting in God’s promises even when the path is unclear? Are we inclusive and accepting of those who are different from us, following Jesus’ example of breaking down barriers?

Gratitude should permeate our daily lives, transforming our perspective and deepening our relationship with God. By acknowledging His grace and expressing our thankfulness, we open ourselves to greater spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Conclusion

Luke 17:11-19 is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and gratitude. The healing of the ten persons affected by leprosy and the unique response of the Samaritan teach us about the importance of recognizing and thanking God for His blessings. As we strive to live lives marked by faith and gratitude, we draw closer to God and experience the fullness of His love and mercy. Let us remember to always turn back, like the grateful Samaritan, and give thanks for the countless ways God blesses and sustains us every day.

Footnote

In today’s medical community, there is a conscious effort to refer to people affected by Hansen's disease in a way that is both respectful and accurate. This approach replaces outdated and stigmatizing terms with phrases like "persons affected by leprosy" or "persons with Hansen's disease." The rationale behind this change is multifaceted:

1. Reducing Stigma: Historically, the term "leper" has carried a significant social stigma, often leading to discrimination and ostracization. By using more respectful terminology, healthcare professionals and society aim to reduce this stigma and promote a more inclusive and compassionate perspective.
2. Emphasizing Humanity and Dignity: Referring to individuals as "persons affected by leprosy" or "persons with Hansen's disease" emphasizes their humanity first and foremost. This language choice highlights that they are individuals who happen to have a medical condition, rather than defining them solely by their illness.
3. Accurate Representation: The term "Hansen's disease" is the medically accurate name for the condition, named after Dr. Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who discovered the causative bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. Using this term helps to promote a more scientific understanding of the disease.
4. Promoting Awareness and Education: By adopting and promoting respectful terminology, the medical community encourages greater awareness and education about Hansen's disease. This can lead to better understanding, more supportive environments, and improved healthcare outcomes for those affected.
5. Alignment with Modern Medical Ethics: Modern medical ethics emphasize respect, dignity, and the holistic well-being of patients. This shift in terminology is a reflection of these values, ensuring that the language used in medical contexts aligns with the principles of patient-centered care.

Overall, this change in terminology is a significant step toward fostering a more compassionate and informed approach to Hansen's disease, contributing to the overall well-being and acceptance of those who live with it.

Soli Deo Gloria