What steps can we take to avoid Ahaziah's mistake in our spiritual journey? Setting the Stage: Ahaziah’s Misstep “Now Ahaziah fell through the latticed window of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: ‘Go and inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.’” (2 Kings 1:2) Ahaziah’s injury became a spiritual crossroad. Rather than cry out to the living God who had rescued Israel countless times, he turned toward a pagan shrine. His choice cost him his life (2 Kings 1:16-17). Scripture preserves the account so believers today can chart a different course. Step 1: Turn to the Lord First, Not Last • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Momentum builds in the direction of the first step. Begin every crisis—physical, emotional, financial—by seeking God through prayer and His Word. • Practical habit: before calling a friend or scrolling the internet, open Scripture and present the situation to the Lord. Step 2: Reject Mixture, Stand for Purity • “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him.” (1 Kings 18:21) • Ahaziah treated the God of Israel as one option among many. Modern parallels include horoscopes, superstitions, or “manifesting” techniques blended with faith. • Decide in advance that no rival voice—cultural trends, false spirituality, or self-help fads—will dilute allegiance to Christ. Step 3: Seek God’s Voice in Scripture • Elijah carried God’s word to Ahaziah; today the completed canon carries that same authority. • “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Develop a reading plan, memorize key promises, and let passages frame decisions instead of feelings or popular opinion. Step 4: Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel • Ahaziah gathered messengers willing to run errands for a demon god. God places believers in fellowship so that wise counsel is close at hand. • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15) • Choose mentors and friends who will point to Scripture, pray faithfully, and speak truth even when it stings. Step 5: Embrace Humble Repentance • God sent Elijah not merely to condemn but to expose the king’s sin, yet Ahaziah hardened his heart. • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • When conviction comes, respond quickly—turn, confess, and realign with God’s ways rather than doubling down on a wrong path. Step 6: Walk in Ongoing Obedience • Seeking God once does not inoculate against future drift. • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) • Small, daily acts of obedience—integrity at work, kindness at home, generosity toward the needy—fortify trust and keep the heart tender. Putting It All Together Ahaziah’s story warns that ignoring God’s supremacy invites disaster. By making the Lord our first resource, rejecting spiritual counterfeits, anchoring in Scripture, listening to godly companions, practicing swift repentance, and persevering in obedience, believers steer clear of Ahaziah’s fatal error and walk a path of blessing under the watchful care of the living God. |
    |