CHOICES, COMPROMISES AND CONSEQUENCES

Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of Yahweh his God, as David his father had done. 

2 Kings 16:2

Ahaz was one of the bad kings of Judah. There are good examples and bad examples in our world, and he was a bad example. His choices and compromises led to consequences which affected him personally and the nation corporately. He chose to reject God and follow the kings of Israel which crippled his conscience. However, God sends the prophet Isaiah to him (Isaiah 7) and he turns away from God’s call to repentance because of God’s great compassion. 

It reminds me of the account in Tedd Tripp’s book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart. A boy was seen by the usher, when the offering plate was being passed, taking money out of the plate. The usher told the boy’s dad, and the boy’s dad asked to meet Tedd after the worship time. The dad said, “Give the money back.” The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out a $1.00 bill and gave it to Tedd. Tedd, very compassionately and calmly, explained to the boy that this is why Jesus came. He came to die for the sins of people like you and like me. As he explained the Gospel to this boy, the boy bowed his head, reached into his pocket and pulled out a $20.00 bill. The mercy of God was displayed. 

Friend, are you making bad choices, compromising and suffering the consequences? God is reaching out to you. Confess your sin. Repent of your sin and turn to God in submission and obedience. God will have mercy and show grace.

Ike Graham