Reading
SAA Notes
We find here a leader who does what’s right in God’s sight, but a people who acted corruptly in spite of his example. Jotham’s own son and heir does not follow in his father’s footsteps, therefore judgment! 28:5 The religion he turned to condoned child-sacrifice! God was not pleased with this sincere religion!
SJA Notes
* Holy God, we praise You in Your sanctuary, we praise You in Your mighty heavens! We praise You for Your mighty deeds, according to Your excellent greatness!
“In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD – this same King Ahaz.”
There is much importance weighted in how we respond to distress and hard situations.
Do we reject God like Ahaz did in times of hardship?
He turned to the false and destructive religion of a nation that God ordained to bring about punishment on Judah for their sin.
The apostle Peter no doubt wrestled with what to do as he faced the truth of his own betrayal, of the High King of Heaven, his dear friend and Saviour – Jesus, who was tried and beaten while Peter denied Him.
The response that God wants from us, that He gives to us as a healthy mechanism, a strong defence in times of trouble, Peter tells us,
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Whether we are enduring much hardship, suffering like never before, or whether buoyed up with much joy and pleasant fields – This truth must be ours.
Let us be a people of humility, a flock that runs to the Good Shepherd, casting on Him the cares and worries of each day.
* Dear Father God,
Lord, please take our cares, we cast them on You.
We can be tired, worried, anxious about this or that.
Please take our burdens Lord God, refresh our spirits, put within us a desire to seek You and Your face, to be known by You, to know You better as You write Your word upon our hearts.
Little by little, please draw us closer to You.
Amen.