PODCAST
Do Not Lose Heart
December 13th, 2021
Isaiah 7:6-14
Ahaz was between a rock and a hard place. The kingdom of Israel was divided shortly after Solomon’s reign: Judah in the south and Israel in the north (1 Kings 12). Israel and the kingdom of Aram formed an alliance to attack Judah, as it would not agree to form a coalition against the northern kingdom of Assyria.
Isaiah, the prophet of God, shares a message of hope with Ahaz: “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood” (v. 4a). While it may burn hot, it is essentially harmless. Ahaz responds with unbelief. God provides a sign when Ahaz refuses to ask: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (v. 14b). What a hopeful promise we glory in today!
But take heed—Ahaz’s refusal to stand firm in God meant that He will “bring the king of Assyria” on Judah. Our willingness to wrap up our hopes and faith into anything (politics, power, position, and so on) is a dangerous game to play and will find us stumbling. Stand firm in God.
Author: Stefanie Hendrickson
