Scripture Reading(s)
Isaiah 7:10-14
7:10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying,
7:11 Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.
7:12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.
7:13 Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also?
7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Reflections
Note that is was the Lord that told Ahaz to “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” This was not a subtle command. This was not a little request. The Lord is asking Ahaz to think big. Expect big things. Sadly, Ahaz felt that he knew better than God and he quoted God’s own words back to Him saying, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” Thankfully, for Ahaz, God gave him a sign anyways.
That is the God we serve. Sometimes we disobey but we get what we need regardless. Even in the midst of Ahaz’s stubbornness a savior is promised. Much can be said of ourselves. While we were still dead in sin and rebellion towards God was in our hearts, He redeemed us by sacrificing His son. None of which we deserved.
[Featured image from ilovedevotionals.com]