2 Kings 16
According to the Macarthur Bible Commentary, Ahaz was the first of Judah's king's since Solomon to personally worship at the "high places". Previous kings in the line of David had merely tolerated (for example see 2 Kings 15:4 where it says high places were not removed) such worship but Ahaz actively participated in it. Ahaz's sin did not stop there however. To appease and serve the king of Assyria, Ahaz builds an altar to a foreign God and modifies the Temple of the Lord - both of which are contrary to God's commands and instructions.
We know that God does not destroy Judah as He keeps His promises that the line of David will always sit on the throne.
The extent to which God is so full of grace is demonstrated time and time again in the Old Testament with this example of Ahaz being as glaring as it can be.
We must appreciate God's grace not just for Israel and Judah but also for ourselves because none of us is without sin.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is SO full of grace and compassion for me. I know I sin and I am in desperate need of Your grace and forgiveness. You provide it - as a gift - not because I am deserving. Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. v4
According to the Macarthur Bible Commentary, Ahaz was the first of Judah's king's since Solomon to personally worship at the "high places". Previous kings in the line of David had merely tolerated (for example see 2 Kings 15:4 where it says high places were not removed) such worship but Ahaz actively participated in it. Ahaz's sin did not stop there however. To appease and serve the king of Assyria, Ahaz builds an altar to a foreign God and modifies the Temple of the Lord - both of which are contrary to God's commands and instructions.
We know that God does not destroy Judah as He keeps His promises that the line of David will always sit on the throne.
The extent to which God is so full of grace is demonstrated time and time again in the Old Testament with this example of Ahaz being as glaring as it can be.
We must appreciate God's grace not just for Israel and Judah but also for ourselves because none of us is without sin.
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is SO full of grace and compassion for me. I know I sin and I am in desperate need of Your grace and forgiveness. You provide it - as a gift - not because I am deserving. Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
