Q1. Ahaz's Test of Faith

[Irmela]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8)

What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz?

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?

What did Ahaz do instead?

What was the consequence of this disobedience?

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God?

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

Isaiah's prophetic instruction was reassurance that the planned attack of Syria and Israel would not happen.  Trust in God and do not seek help from Assyria.

Ahaz was not a true follower of Yahweh.  Outwardly he made a show by saying he would not test God, meanwhile he did not have a personal relationship with Yahweh and did not believe the prophetic instruction from Isaiah.  In fact he was actually terrified and had already decided what he would do, regardless of who said what.

Ahaz stripped the temple of gold and sent this as tribute to the Assyrian king, and thus became its vassal state.

This disobedience resulted in the destruction of Syria and Israel and also the destruction of Judah's fortified cities.  Jerusalem was still standing, although it was besieged.  The enemy retreated before the city fell. 

I doubt that we think we are smarter than God.  I think we just act and don't think. 

Sin has separated us from God and that gives us a hearing impairment.   We then also cannot sense God's leading.  Not being willing to WATCH and WAIT, shows a lack of faith and  actually disobedience.  Fear and doubt step into our lives, with a vengeance.