In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD—this same King Ahaz. 23 For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had defeated him and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel.
“Well I guess that’s the way it is.” That exclamation of resignation rarely lends itself to moral steadfastness. This King Ahaz was one of those kings who “did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” When the Assyrians conquered his kingdom, he resigned himself to their rule… and their gods! When the Philistines assembled for war, Ahaz appealed, not to the God of the universe but to these gods. His lack of trust in God was not just ruinous to him. His poor leadership and example to the people of Israel meant that they would go down with him. Idolatry can be contagious.
The world today has been taken captive by a culture that rejects God and celebrates the “gods” of the world. We are tempted to say, “That’s the way it is” and go along with it, affirming all sorts of insults to God. Sadly, many of our churches have leaders who have done just that. This lack of trust in God and acquiescence to sin is also contagious. Entire denominations are falling victim to this “Ahaz Disease”. In your time of distress, turning to the world, to astrologers and psychics, to drugs and alcohol, to pornography and adultery, will lead to ruin, for you and your family. There is an antidote to “Ahaz Disease”. It is the cure found on the cross. Jesus is Lord…
That’s the way it is.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church