When Big Questions Arise
Verses:2 Kings 16:3-4"He walked in the way of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the detestable ways of the nations whom the LORD had driven out from before the sons of Israel. And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree."
The story of King Ahaz presents a troubling tension. He was a wicked ruler—so wicked that he offered his own child as a sacrifice, defiled the house of God, sought security in alliances with pagan kings, and led the people into idolatry. Yet, this same king was the one to whom a great prophetic word was given—a word that spoke of divine intervention and hope.
This raises difficult questions. How could such a promise be given to a man who had so thoroughly rejected the ways of the Lord? Some argue that the prophecy was only about immediate deliverance from enemy kings, while others see in it a far greater fulfillment. But the real challenge for us is this: We must not twist Scripture to fit our own assumptions.If we insist that the prophecy was only about a distant future, we risk overlooking God’s faithfulness in that moment—His willingness to act for the sake of His people, even under an ungodly king.
This tension forces us to a crucial truth: We must approach God’s Word with humility, free from bias.Too often, we read Scripture through the lens of what we’ve been taught or what we want to believe, rather than letting the text speak for itself. When we encounter passages that challenge us, we must resist the urge to force them into familiar boxes. Instead, we should wrestle honestly with the text, seeking the Lord’s clarity rather than our own conclusions.
When doubts arise—when the meaning of Scripture seems unclear or when God’s ways appear contradictory—we must not turn away. Instead, we must draw near to Him in prayer, asking for wisdom. And when He grants understanding, we must receive it with gratitude and humility, never allowing knowledge to become a source of pride.
Ultimately, the account of Ahaz reminds us that God’s ways are beyond our full comprehension. He may choose to speak hope even in the darkest of times, through the most unlikely of vessels. Our calling is not to explain away the difficulties but to trust Him—to seek His truth with open hearts and to walk in the light He provides.
Prayer:O Lord, Your ways are deep, and Your thoughts are beyond ours. When Your Word challenges us, give us the courage to face it honestly. Remove from us all bias and preconception, and teach us to seek Your truth above all else. When we do not understand, help us to trust You still. Grant us wisdom, and when You reveal Your truth, keep us humble and faithful. May we walk always in Your light. Amen.