“Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the LORD. For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him, and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Aram helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But they became the downfall of him and all Israel” (2 Chronicles 28:22-23).
King Ahaz was one of the most evil leaders of the southern kingdom of Judah. His father, King Jotham, had been a good king (2 Chronicles 27:2-6) but the son didn’t follow in the steps of the father. The Bible reveals some of his wickedness: “But he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel; he also made molten images for the Baals. Moreover, he burned incense in the valley of Ben-hinnom and burned his sons in fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out before the sons of Israel. He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills and under every green tree”
(2 Chronicles 28:2-4).
As the opening text of this article makes plain, part of the problem of pursuing evil in our lives is that it dulls our senses when we face times of trial. When King Ahaz was facing invasion by hostile armies and failed alliances (2 Chronicles 28:5-8,16-21), he foolishly chose to bow down to the “god of success” rather than to the true God of heaven. Did you notice his reasoning? “The gods of Aram must be right because they are successful and I’m not.” But beware! As the saying goes: “All that glitters isn’t gold.”
The temptation to make life decisions based on the success of others is pervasive and dangerous. “He’s rich so he must be doing something right.” She’s at the top of her profession so her methods for getting there must be praiseworthy.” But both statements are drawing unnecessary conclusions. Success without submission to God is ultimately fleeting. Ahaz learned that lesson too late.
God loves you!
Mike
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