Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16
When I first read this scripture, I was confused. Why was the prophet so unhappy with King Ahaz’s reply about not testing the Lord? Didn’t Jesus have a similar reply to Satan in the wilderness? Then I learned the back story (it is in 2 Kings): during Ahaz’s reign in Judah, the kings of Samaria and Israel wanted to wage war against a weakened kingdom of Assyria. They wanted Ahaz to join them in this conquest. But Ahaz said no. In response, the two kings planned to march against Ahaz, dethrone him and install an ally. When Ahaz learned of this, he was terrified. But where did he turn for help? To Assyria and foreign gods. He even went so far as to sacrifice his son on the altar of a foreign idol!
God, through Isaiah, was trying to bring Ahaz back and stop his turning toward idols. Isaiah assured Ahaz that God would not let the plot against him succeed. But Ahaz didn’t listen. This is the point where our scripture reading picks up. Isaiah insists that God will give him a sign that He is the one true God, the God who can save him. But Ahaz says no. His protest about not putting God to the test was false piety. Ahaz thought he had it all figured out himself. He didn’t need God. Isaiah knew Ahaz’s true intentions. He persevered with his prophecy: there will be a sign. A young girl (later understood as a virgin) is pregnant and will bear a son named “Immanuel”, meaning “God is with us”.
So, we know that Ahaz turned from the God of his people and looked for answers in the world around him. We know that Isaiah was faithful to his calling and spoke the word of God to Ahaz. But what does the passage tell us about God? I think it tells us that even when we turn away and think we can fix things all on our own, God will still be there actively seeking us. He never grows weary of waiting for us to come back to Him. No matter how foolish or stubborn we are, He doesn’t give up on us. Isaiah’s prophesy is for our time, too. God loves us so much that he sent this greatest of signs: unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a son is given. And his name is Immanuel. God IS with us.
Our personal adversaries today aren’t literal armies marching against us. But there is a seemingly endless list of battles we may face: health concerns, broken relationships, financial worries, grief and addictions, to name a few. Whatever our own adversaries, may we always remember the promise of God with us. We aren’t on our own. God is WITH us. He will provide strength, courage and wisdom for our individual struggles.
In all circumstances, turn to God for deliverance. Once more, hear Isaiah’s promise: A young girl will bear a son called “Immanuel”. God is with US.
Prayer: Thank you, God for sending your son Jesus as a sign to us of your love and faithfulness. Forgive us for the times we try to rely only on our own resources. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of your son -- this greatest of gifts -- help us to always remember the promise of your presence. May we always turn to you. In the blessed name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Mary Sue Beam
When I first read this scripture, I was confused. Why was the prophet so unhappy with King Ahaz’s reply about not testing the Lord? Didn’t Jesus have a similar reply to Satan in the wilderness? Then I learned the back story (it is in 2 Kings): during Ahaz’s reign in Judah, the kings of Samaria and Israel wanted to wage war against a weakened kingdom of Assyria. They wanted Ahaz to join them in this conquest. But Ahaz said no. In response, the two kings planned to march against Ahaz, dethrone him and install an ally. When Ahaz learned of this, he was terrified. But where did he turn for help? To Assyria and foreign gods. He even went so far as to sacrifice his son on the altar of a foreign idol!
God, through Isaiah, was trying to bring Ahaz back and stop his turning toward idols. Isaiah assured Ahaz that God would not let the plot against him succeed. But Ahaz didn’t listen. This is the point where our scripture reading picks up. Isaiah insists that God will give him a sign that He is the one true God, the God who can save him. But Ahaz says no. His protest about not putting God to the test was false piety. Ahaz thought he had it all figured out himself. He didn’t need God. Isaiah knew Ahaz’s true intentions. He persevered with his prophecy: there will be a sign. A young girl (later understood as a virgin) is pregnant and will bear a son named “Immanuel”, meaning “God is with us”.
So, we know that Ahaz turned from the God of his people and looked for answers in the world around him. We know that Isaiah was faithful to his calling and spoke the word of God to Ahaz. But what does the passage tell us about God? I think it tells us that even when we turn away and think we can fix things all on our own, God will still be there actively seeking us. He never grows weary of waiting for us to come back to Him. No matter how foolish or stubborn we are, He doesn’t give up on us. Isaiah’s prophesy is for our time, too. God loves us so much that he sent this greatest of signs: unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a son is given. And his name is Immanuel. God IS with us.
Our personal adversaries today aren’t literal armies marching against us. But there is a seemingly endless list of battles we may face: health concerns, broken relationships, financial worries, grief and addictions, to name a few. Whatever our own adversaries, may we always remember the promise of God with us. We aren’t on our own. God is WITH us. He will provide strength, courage and wisdom for our individual struggles.
In all circumstances, turn to God for deliverance. Once more, hear Isaiah’s promise: A young girl will bear a son called “Immanuel”. God is with US.
Prayer: Thank you, God for sending your son Jesus as a sign to us of your love and faithfulness. Forgive us for the times we try to rely only on our own resources. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of your son -- this greatest of gifts -- help us to always remember the promise of your presence. May we always turn to you. In the blessed name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Mary Sue Beam
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