Lenten Reader | Day 28

April 2nd, 2022

A Sign From the Lord

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give
birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

- Isaiah 7:10-14

Are You Listening?

Can you imagine standing in the room with King Ahaz and Isaiah? You can just hear Ahaz’s voice as he says “I will not ask.” I bet if you and I were in that room we would be feeling a cold chill fill the room. Have you ever been there? In a place where you know someone is not obeying God? It’s cold. Why is it “cold” in those situations? Because there is a direct disconnect between God and man. God wants to have a connection with us and love us! But oh my, how many times do us humans say “I will not?” So where does that leave a loving God who never stops running after us?

He will give us a sign! Here the sign was of a miraculous conception, a future baby from a virgin. When the Lord wants us to know what is going to happen, He has no issue with putting together an amazing sign for us. The house of David, who has gone away from the Lord, is before God and He doesn’t leave them. Instead, God, through the house of David (this very same house that is firmly against the voice of God), will be used to restore all things. He will bring Himself to earth and be Immanuel (God with us) through the line of David – this house of sinners.

Through Isaiah in this passage, God is showing how, even when hearts are hardened, He is the one who will show love. He shows his love even to the ones who do not obey.
Friends, there are days when I tell God “no” in my pride, but I’m glad to say He never gives up on me! He is faithful and no matter how many times we push Him away; He always is coming back to us. His signs are everywhere that He loves you and cares for you today. Ask God to help you say “I will obey” and see the signs.

- James Hall

Prayer
Father, thank you for loving me even when I say “no” to you. Help me to put aside my pride and say “I will obey” not matter the circumstance.