“’Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or the highest heights.’ But Ahaz said, ‘I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.’” (Isaiah 7:11-12)
On the surface, it looks like Ahaz, king of Judah, gave a humble, spiritual reply to the prophet Isaiah… but this was not the case. Ahaz did not want a sign because in his heart, he did not trust the Lord. Instead, he looked to gods and leaders from other nations. (see II Kings 16 and II Chronicles 28)
“Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and also made cast idols for worshiping the Baals.” (II Chronicles 28:1-2) Ahaz set up a foreign altar in front of God’s temple in Jerusalem. He even gave the silver and gold from the temple as a gift to the king of Assyria.
After the king declined God’s invitation, Isaiah replied: “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:13-14)
To an arrogant, rebellious king, God promised the deepest revelation of Himself the world has ever known. Why was good news given to Ahaz? As Jesus tells us how to respond to opposition, He points to His merciful Father: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
Immanuel – ‘God with us’ – the greatest Gift ever – was given to the undeserving.
Merry Christmas!!
More from Isaiah… written over 700 years before the birth of Jesus:
“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord – and He will delight in the fear of the Lord… Righteousness will be His belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist.” Isaiah 11:1-5