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
“In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD …”
There is much importance in how we respond to distress and hard situations.
Do we reject God as Ahaz king of Judah did in times of hardship? He turned to the false and destructive religion of the nation that God ordained to punish Judah for their sin.
The apostle Peter no doubt wrestled with this as he faced the truth of his own betrayal of the High King of Heaven, his dear friend and Saviour – Jesus, tried while Peter denied him.
The response that God wants from us, that He gives to us as a wonderful mechanic, a strong defence in times of trouble,
“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 such as we’ve never experienced before, or 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 the day.
* Dear Father God,
Oh Lord, please take our cares, we cast them on You.
We are tired, worried, anxious about this or that and multiple things going on in our lives.
Please take our burdens Lord God, and refresh our spirits, fire within us a desire to seek You, to be known by You, to consume Your word and come to You in prayer each day.
Little by little, please draw us closer to You.
Amen.