Q26. Consulting

[Pastor Ralph]

Q26. (2 Kings 1) Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah’s consulting Baal rather than Israel’s own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God’s wisdom? Why?

[Katy]

Q26. Yahweh is insulted by Ahaziah who turns not to Yahweh but to Baal-Zebub to find out if he was going to get well following a fall through some wood lattice window coverings. Ahaziah had to send his messengers on a four day journey to reach Elton where this false god was. Because of his mothers teaching and influence he did not follow Yahweh but Baal. In our world today many people ignore God and treat other things as gods in their lives, social media, career, money etc. I have made decisions in my life without seeking God’s wisdom. I did it because I didn’t fully understand who God is, and God did not have the place He should have had in my life. Even now I can rush into things but now know I cannot make big decisions without first praying about it. 

[Krissi]

Yahweh had given Ahaziah and his family many chances to repent and return to the true worship of God. They didn't worship Yahweh consistently, but veered off toward other gods. 

The first Commandment is clear: YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME. 

Ahaziah disobeyed the first commandment by blatantly and openly consulting a false god, thus ignoring Yahweh. This isn't the same as making a personal or business decision before consulting God in prayer, but more like praying to Satan or consulting a horoscope to figure out the future -- clearly sinful.

 

 

[hanks]

Q26. (2 Kings 1) 
Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah's consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom? Why? 
God’s superior power had been displayed to Ahab and his family, including Ahaziah, and the people of Israel many times. The contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40), the two wars with Aram (1 Kings 20) in which, with the help of God, his father had been successful. This alone should have convinced Ahaziah to consult Yahweh, the true and living God, yet he sends a messenger to consult Baal-Zebub. What an insult. But it also shows the extent of his and Israel’s unbelief. Today people often resort to other means of seeking advice in decision making. Often paying huge fees to ungodly people. This shows a mistrust in the Lord. We have an all-knowing living God, who is sovereign and knows the beginning from the end. It makes sense to go to Him knowing He has our best interest at heart. One of my very favourite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” We must trust Him not only for our salvation but also for the direction of our lives. It must be a total commitment without reserve. Yes, I made a decision early in my Christian walk to go into business with people who I later found out were unbelievers. On top of this, it was a completely new type of business of which I had no previous experience. I did this without consulting my Heavenly Father, and it is only by His mercy and grace that I escaped this episode in my life with minimum financial damage. Very blessed indeed! Why? Even thinking of it today I cannot believe how stupid I was. Here I had learned a great lesson: never ever make quick decisions or a decision without first coming to the Lord in prayer and getting His advice. In decision making we should pray for wisdom; with patience and repeated prayer we will get His answer and help. He will provide the necessary knowledge we need to make wise choices.  
 

[lighthouse2014]

Yahweh is insulted because Ahaziah has more faith in Baal-Zebub the god of Ekron than the God who Israel out of Egypt by showing His wonderous power and wonders.

Modern day applications of this sin are placing our faith in man or in our wealth rather God.

In early days I placed wisdom in my own decisions and work, but later found out that relying on God in faith resulted in decisions that are sound, and turned out to be more advantageous to what I was trying to accomplish.          

[haar]

Q26. (2 Kings 1) Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah's consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom? Why?

Yahwey is offended by Ahaziah’s consulting Baal rather than Israel’s own God because this violets the first commandment that they should have no other god before Him.

In our times we take our decisions by ourselves or after consulting some people and then just ask God to confirm or endorse them. I am also guilty of this sin many times. Lord forgive me please.
http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/2130-q26-consulting/

[Jonathan Edwards]

Ahaziah is denying the sovereignty and the worship due to th Lord God of Israel. To go to a foreign pagan deity makes no sense.  The pagan Ekron deity is an insult.

We see this behavior in the churches today.   Tragic how various denominations have allowed false religions to wreck havoc.   Astrology, theosophy, spiritualism and other false religions have been mixed in with the worship services.  The false idols of humanism have been mixed in with nominal Christainity.  Episcopal Bishop Pike is an example.  He and his wife sought spiritualism to contact the dead.

I have sought counseling in the past as well as asking God for direction.  God's ways are mysterious indeed.   We don't see the whole picture.   We see family members suffer despite our best intentions.   We leave so many unanswered questions at the feet of Christ.  

[Irmela]

Q26. (2 Kings 1)

Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah's consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God?

What are modern-day applications of this sin?

Yahweh was the One Who had led the Israelites out of bondage and slavery, from Egypt and had watched over them in the desert wanderings and eventually led them into the Promised Land, to take possession thereof.  Now Ahaziah, after having witnessed Yahweh's faithfulness, still consults baal, the so called god of Ekron.  So only right to be offended.

Today it is so easy to consult with 'specialists in their field', be it Dr's, surgeons, oncologists, psychiatrists or psychologists, teachers, counselors, etc., and then in desperation turn to God.  It should be, turn to God and if needs be, let Him lead you to the one, He has appointed and given the know-how.

Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom? Why?   Unfortunately, yes.  I have repented and asked forgiveness.  God has been faithful in granting this. Unfortunately though,  'We reap what we sow".  I do pray for  change in the situation, and know that God is and remains faithful.

 

[Christopher Olamiji Taiwo]

Q26. (2 Kings 1) Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah's consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom? Why? 

Yahweh was offended by Ahaziah actions of consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God because he abandoned the real God and only God to sink help man made god the work His hands.

The modern day application of this sin is worshipping or trust in our ability and possessions than trusting God. 

Yes, because of impatient and feelings that it's the will of God. 

 

 

[blezed]

Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah’s consulting Baal rather than Israel’s own God?

Yahweh is offended that Ahaziah considers Him so impotent that he consults to a pagan god two days' journey distant.

What are modern-day applications of this sin?

Modern-day applications are when we put anything before God. 

Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God’s wisdom? Why?

Yes, I have made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom.  I think it was because I felt that I could do it on my own.  In some cases, I just did not think to consult God.

[JOLLAM BANDA]

Yahweh is offended by Ahaziah’s decision to consult Baal rather than Yahweh because by doing so Ahaziah is worshipping idols contrary to God’s commandment that “You shall have no other gods before me”. An idol is anything more important that you seek to give you what God can give. In modern times there are different ways of consulting and worshipping other gods. These include paying attention to money and material things; job and status; physical appearance; phones and technology; comfort; family and many more.

 

 

[Kym Nixon]

He's offended because Elijah had proven to a lukewarm, complacent, and compromised assembly that Yahweh is the one true God. That Ahaziah would bypass the God of Israel to consult with a pagan God is insulting. Consulting with mediums, so-called experts, and secular counsel. Yes I have. I think it's a tendency to think God has given me resources, common sense and the ability make decisions. But also, it comes from a place of I want what I want. 

[Old Jerry]

In the Ten Commandments, God told us that we are to worship only Him. He is a jealous God and is going to punish those who praise other God. The modern-day applications of this sin is our money, our leaders, and everything that we go to for advice. We almost always leave out God.

[JanSumi]

God is offended that Ahaziah consulted Baal because it's the first commandment, for one thing. But God had done so much for Israel, and the king doesn't seek God's help when he is injured. Yet I can't help but think it is more than just a slight. It is breaking covenant with God, something more important anything else. Israel has a covenant with Yahweh, and the commandment to worship Him and Him alone shouldn't be taken lightly. I don't think we can fully understand the mind of God, but we do know that He was angry because Ahaziah died immediately. Seeking another god could be looked at as a kind of betrayal. Clear modern day applications are any occult practices. For some reason, we want to know what's going to happen, maybe because we're trying to make sense of everything, but maybe we - I - need to simply trust You in what we can't see and don't know. That's hard, but help us. We don't need to be in control because You are! When I am confused and uncertain about a decision, I seek you, but when I think I know what to do, I often don't seek You first and just go ahead with my plans. That's pride. In fact, my self-confidence is an idol, as is anyone or anything else we seek without first seeking you. There's nothing wrong with seeking counsel or doing research, but often we put our faith in ourselves or others without seeking You and Your direction first. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to seek your wisdom in every situation. I do wish I would live like that, not depending on what I think I know or what someone else knows, but looking to You who knows everything, including the future.