Daily Thought

We all react differently under pressure. Often, in trying in many ways to prevent ourselves going under, we resort to those who dishonour the Lord and fail to recognize His place in the scheme of things. Beware of such a course of action!

Pekah, king of Israel, aligns himself with Rezin, king of Syria, and united they represent a fearful threat to Judah. Understandably, the smaller and weaker nation is moved to fear the worst, vv. 1, 2.

Immediately the Lord moves to comfort His people. First, Isaiah is to take his son with him. The presence of Shearjashub is a token that reminds Ahaz, king of Judah, that there is a divine purpose for them that cannot be changed. His name means ‘a remnant shall return’, v. 3.

There follows a clear explanation of the whole situation in considerable detail. Understanding the elements of any problem is always part of the Lord’s way of enabling us to tackle it, vv. 4-6.

He will then promise that this alliance and its plans will not succeed, v. 7. Divine promises are there to stimulate faith. Our God is not obliged to make them. They are part of His way of dealing with us.

Isaiah calls upon Ahaz to believe, and makes it the requirement for his future security. ‘If ye will not believe’, v. 9. The rejection of mere reasoning allows the Lord to turn obstacles into manifestations of His glory.

Ahaz is then invited to ask a sign, v. 10. This is exceedingly gracious on God’s part. It encourages us to appreciate how much He values our faith. For us this is asking for gracious confirmations from Him in response to our practical steps of faith and obedience, Phil. 2. 12, 13.

Ahaz refuses and so, under the pretext of piety, hides the rebellion of his self-will and unbelief, v. 12. Despite rejecting the offered blessing, it is provided by the unsolicited promise of mercy to the house of David, vv.13-16. The lesson is that even our unbelief cannot deny God the fulfilment of His purposes of grace. Hallelujah!