PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Kings 15-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” (2 Kings 16:2)
As followers of Jesus, we are committed to doing what he did.
We believe that Jesus did what was right in the eyes of God.
We see his devotion and his compassion, and his willingness to die for others.
His love and sacrifice for us and the world inspires us, and makes us want to do the same.
Ahaz was inspired as well, but not by the one he was following (David).
He was inspired by the nations, driven by devotion to self and personal passion.
Instead of sacrificing himself for his people, he sacrificed his son for himself.
Ahaz was not committed to doing what was right, but what was advantageous.
These two chapters challenge me to consider what motivates me.
Am I committed to doing the right thing, even if it is not easy or nice?
Am I devoted to serving God and other, even if it means self-sacrifice.
It is not possible to perfectly follow Jesus in doing what is right.
But grace makes it possible to want it and aim for it with his help.
Through grace I am forgiven; through grace I am also helped to change!
PRAYER
Lord, I do not want my life to lean towards Ahaz, I want my life to lean towards you. I am comforted by your grace, may I be compelled by it too!
Without a rudder a ship is left merciless to the currents and winds of the sea. Israel and Judah were buffeted by lack of faithful leadership that was rooted in the Lord. We see glimmers of hope as faithfulness returns in some ways – but then the next succeeding king unravels the gains. Reminds me of my walk in life – when I allow my own ego/desires take charge – as I do things on my own – I lose my rudder – I come back and remind myself – I am a child of the Lord. Help me Jesus to seek your way in all that I do! “Jesus Savior pilot me!”
The refrain ‘and he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God’ is repeated for many of the kings in today’s reading. But God created mankind to serve Him and others, just as my Saviour has done. He did the will of His Father and I must do the same. Serve Him. May others see Christ in me as I continue to live for Jesus. I am not my own but belong to Him. Lead me and guide me Lord by Your Spirit.
Verse 1
I am weak and I need Thy strength and power,
To help me over my weakest hour.
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Chorus
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Verse 2
Help me tread in the paths of righteousness.
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee:
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Verse 3
I am lost if you take your hand from me,
I am blind without Thy light to see.
Lord just always let me thy servant be,
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.