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Prepare: Have you ever asked God for a sign? What was the outcome?
No sign
Enter Ahaz, king of Judah, stage right. And Rezin and Pekah, rulers of Syria and Israel, stage left; aiming together to overpower Jerusalem and form a coalition which will resist the threat from the powerful Assyria.
Although unsuccessful (v 1), Judah’s king is still pretty shaken by it all (v 2). So God sends Isaiah with a message of warning mixed with a good dose of encouragement (v 7), and the offer of a pretty spectacular sign (v 11). Ahaz reckons he doesn’t want to put God to the test. Or is it really that he is set on his own course of action, choosing his own allies but sounding super-spiritual at the same time (v 12)?!
God knows best
Does that ring any bells with us? Sometimes we have to believe God when he says incredible things, even if we don’t really understand them. We may have to give up our chosen course of action, and just trust that God does know best.
You can hear Isaiah’s frustration here (v 13). But God still wants him to give Ahaz the sign! He would only see as far ahead as a son for Isaiah, but we have the privilege of being able to recognise the promise of the coming of Jesus (v 14).
Respond: ‘If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all’ (v 9). Pray for a faith that is not rocked by the fears that threaten you.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-21
No sign
Enter Ahaz, king of Judah, stage right. And Rezin and Pekah, rulers of Syria and Israel, stage left; aiming together to overpower Jerusalem and form a coalition which will resist the threat from the powerful Assyria.
Although unsuccessful (v 1), Judah’s king is still pretty shaken by it all (v 2). So God sends Isaiah with a message of warning mixed with a good dose of encouragement (v 7), and the offer of a pretty spectacular sign (v 11). Ahaz reckons he doesn’t want to put God to the test. Or is it really that he is set on his own course of action, choosing his own allies but sounding super-spiritual at the same time (v 12)?!
God knows best
Does that ring any bells with us? Sometimes we have to believe God when he says incredible things, even if we don’t really understand them. We may have to give up our chosen course of action, and just trust that God does know best.
You can hear Isaiah’s frustration here (v 13). But God still wants him to give Ahaz the sign! He would only see as far ahead as a son for Isaiah, but we have the privilege of being able to recognise the promise of the coming of Jesus (v 14).
Respond: ‘If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all’ (v 9). Pray for a faith that is not rocked by the fears that threaten you.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-21
Scripture
About this Plan
WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union England & Wales for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.wordlive.org/youversion
