It seem so unpredictable whether the next generation will be faithful to the Lord or not. Ahaz was 4 when his father began his reign as king. Jothom reigned faithfully for the next 16 years until Ahaz became king. Still Ahaz turned his back on the Lord and pursued other gods… the gods of Israel and later other gods.
As sad and disappointing it was that Ahaz chose the wrong faith-path, the story grew even darker as Ahaz rejected the Lord’s beckoning. Verse 22 tells the story. In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.
The Lord sent Ahaz indicators that He wasn’t pleased. All Ahaz needed to do was humble himself and turn back to the Lord and God would have forgiven him.
As people can turn away from the Lord in later in life so they can turn to the Lord and be forgiven.
But Ahaz didn’t turn to the Lord… In time of trouble he turned everyway but to the Lord even turning to Damascus and prostrating himself to their gods!
Where or to whom do you turn in times of trouble?
God’s arms are always open wide to those who turn to Him. I think of the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). God, the Father, gladly welcomed the prodigal home. One important ingredient in this story is that the son turned and came toward home.
No matter where you have been God will greet you when you turn for home. He greeted me, he greeted Martin Luther, Chuck Colson, and the apostle Paul. God will greet you too. Just come home…
If you haven’t come home, I pray you do. Jesus’ arms are open wide when you do.
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, praise You that Your open arms have enveloped me. I am forever grateful… Thank you and bless you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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