Isaiah 7.2
King Rezin of the heathen country of Aram joined with Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel to fight against Jerusalem. Fortunately they could overpower it.
When Ahaz king of Judah heard of this, he and his people were devastated.
However, God spoke to Isaiah telling him to go and meet Ahaz and say to him, "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart." (v4) God called Rezin and Pekah "two smouldering stubs of firewood." They had dared to plot to ruin Ahaz saying, "Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it." (v6) Their arrogance and ambition were considerable.
God, however, is greater. Through Isaiah he spoke to Ahaz saying, "It will not take place, it will not happen ...If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." (vv 7,9)
God spoke yet again to Ahaz: "Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." (v11) Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, saying he would not put God to the test. In response, Isaiah challenged Ahaz with trying the patience of God. He further said that God Himself would give the sign - and the sign that God gave was almost beyond belief. He promised the birth of a Saviour: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (v14)
There is so much I gain from this reading. Whatever the earthly situation threatens, God is greater. And God's response can leave me speechless because of its power and impact for the good - for my good. I have nothing to fear from the world or from worldly circumstances.
Lord God,
You are for me, and You are with me. How blessed I am. I stand firm in my faith, remembering that, however bleak and threatening the world and its actions might be, You are greater. You will lead me to overcome, and to do so with the power of the mightiest, the greatest. Thank You. Amen.
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