We have all had it to some extent. It’s who we run to and what we turn to. It is to whom or where we sacrifice. This will either make us or break us. Idols are all around us, success in every corner. Let us take this King as an example.
In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the Lord- this same King Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:22
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 all of Israel. 2 Chronicles 28:23
King Ahaz can resemble a side of us when we go through uncertainties. We act sinful and unfaithful and sometimes go through a humbling process us and our families. (Reference 2Chron. 28:19) Looking outside of the Lord for help, we seek instant physical satisfaction to an internal void and wrong way of life.
Seeking something tangible that will cover up the void, not really healing the wound. We have long had a black hole inside of us that we continue to pour into. We don’t stop ourselves in our race to our own defeat. We don’t ask the Lord to lead us. We look to how others handled it and start worshiping those things and looking away from the Lord.
We may be drawn to successful people and picture money as the goal. We may even sacrifice our righteous behavior to “get ahead”. To get that family, relationship or status. Doing things that we know the Lord isn’t pleased with. The world lures us with lusts, comparison and the “me first” mentality. The Lord tests the righteous. Sometimes we go through financial, relational struggles and there our faith is tested. Who will we run to? Will we sacrifice our time and attention to hear from the Lord, or our time and God given energy for sin and lustful pleasures?
So Tiglathpileser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him. For Ahaz took a portion from the house of the Lord and the house of the King and of the princess and gave tribute to the king of Assyria but it did not help him.
2 Chronicles 2:20
Like King Ahaz, we look to the problem and think the solution is in it. If this problem consumed me then in it there has to be a way out. For example, no money .. I need to get tied into the next business idea. Sacrifice my family, health, wellbeing into making sure I get ahead. Greed gets into our head and we make excuses as we sacrifice countless hours, and emotions not knowing the true end to it all.
We look to a “solution” and pour all our efforts, resources, health, and even sacred things into it. We overlook our identity and the power of Christ in us. We miss out on the blessing of learning trust and patients in the trial. Of modeling humility and reliance on God. On leaning in on the Lord, for He has a way for it. His way is good and not to our harm. Because He is a good father. His blessing will bring joy and peace with it.
We are a royal priesthood, we are a vessel of the Lord, we are His temple. We can not sacrifice things to anyone but the Lord: we need to be available for Him and Him alone. If we don’t then let us be weary lest we are taking what is meant for the Lord, the sacred things, and spoiling them to empty places.
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. Jeremiah 17:5
May He direct our next business venture, healing of our families, broken relationships, unfilled desires as we lean into Him and trust Him first. He will lead us by still waters if we let Him. For the word of the Lord proves true.
In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3:6
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