What steps can we take to avoid the fate described in 2 Chronicles 28:5? Setting the Scene “Therefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Aram. They defeated him and took many captives from him and brought them to Damascus. He was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with great force.” (2 Chronicles 28:5) Why Ahaz Fell • He practiced idolatry, even sacrificing his own children (2 Chronicles 28:2–4). • He rejected the temple worship God had ordained (28:24). • He trusted pagan kings more than the LORD (28:16–21). Steps to Avoid That Fate Today • Cultivate exclusive loyalty to God – “Do not follow other gods…lest the anger of the LORD your God burn against you.” (Deuteronomy 6:14–15) • Obey Scripture wholeheartedly – “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Reject any form of modern idolatry – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • Seek the Lord in repentance and humility – “If My people…humble themselves, and pray and seek My face…then I will hear from heaven.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) • Depend on God rather than human alliances – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) • Maintain God-honoring worship and fellowship – “Let us not neglect meeting together…but let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Practice righteousness and justice daily – “He has shown you, O man, what is good…and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) • Stand firm against spiritual compromise – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7–8) Encouraging Examples • Hezekiah, Ahaz’s son, reversed idolatry and experienced deliverance (2 Chronicles 29–32). • Josiah rediscovered the Law and sparked national renewal (2 Kings 22–23). Promises to Hold On To • “Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, for he knows My name.” (Psalm 91:14) • “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) |
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