Sorry for the late post - I forgot it was my Monday!
In our passage today we see Ahaz trying to get on the good side of successful pagan kings - relying on money and attempted alliances instead of on God. Unsurprisingly, this was not successful.
How often don't we do the same thing? We become too consumed with earning/saving up enough money and relying on our own wealth, instead of relying on God. Obviously, we are to work hard and be good stewards of the money we earn. But we also need to keep from being self-reliant and materialistic, and keep our trust on the only One on whom we can truly depend.
Thankfully, we see some changes when Hezekiah becomes king. It was sad to note.....
2 King 18:4 He broke up the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it.
My Life Application Bible says (emphasis mine)..
The bronze serpent had been made to cure the Israelites of the bite of poisonous snakes. It had demonstrated God's presence and power and had reminded the people of his mercy and forgiveness. But it had become an object of worship instead of a reminder of whom to worship, so Hezekiah was forced to destroy it. We must be careful that aids to our worship don't become objects of worship themselves. Most objects are not made to be idols, but they become idols by the way people use them.
What or who do we value so highly it's crossed the line into idolatry? Our priority must be God above all. Even good things (spouse, children, etc) can become idols if we're not careful.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 1-5
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For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had defeated him and said, "Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me." But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel. - 2 Chronicles 28:23
A good reminder for us in not becoming self reliant, but also remembering who to praise for our accomplishments.
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