Two Kings, Three Lessons
Read: 2 Chronicles 27-28
Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help. (28:20 NIV)
Jotham was a good king, better than his father Uzziah. He built cities, forts, towers, and gates, conquered the Ammonites, and walked before the Lord. Ahaz, on the other hand, did what was right in his own eyes. He followed the wrong kings and burned the wrong offerings, sacrificing his sons in the fire. He led a life of increasing wickedness under the increasing wrath of God.
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What can we learn from these two kings? First, our past does not determine our future. Some good kings had bad sons (Jotham had Ahaz) and some bad kings had good sons (Ahaz had Hezekiah). A godly heritage is a wonderful thing and an ungodly heritage is no favor. But where we're from doesn't determine where we're going.
Second, if the Lord is against you, who can be for you? Ahaz thumbed his nose at God and God returned the favor, repeatedly humbling Ahaz and handing him over to his enemies.
Third, if you look for help in the wrong places, you won't find what you're looking for. Ahaz went to Assyria and Aram seeking alliances, and all he got was trouble. The gods of this world will bring us low. Only God can lift us up.
Prayer: Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Amen.
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