Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

A Sign for the Nations

By Dana December 5, 2008 Devotion, Faith, Scripture

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

I have been working through Isaiah (a Kay Arthur Precept Upon Precept study) with two of my girlfriends. In this verse by verse exposition of Isaiah, I have been amazed at the timing and the message and how it all seems to fit in with events in our country over the last month.

I took particular interest in the events of Isaiah 7 where Isaiah the prophet goes to see King Ahaz about the impending attack camped at his doorstep. Isaiah goes on to tell him that the Lord God has sent him to let King Ahaz know that God himself will not let it come to pass. Then Isaiah further tells Ahaz in verse 9, “If you will not believe, you surely shall not last.” (NASB). Then the Lord told Ahaz to ask for a sign – any sign as high as the heavens or as deep as Sheol. What does Ahaz do? In his pride he refuses to ask for a sign. We learn from the accounts in 2 Kings that not only does Ahaz refuse the word God has given him but he goes to the King of Assyria for help! Ahaz did not believe, he would not ask for a sign and he goes to another King (a man) for help.

Is this applicable to us? Absolutely! Perhaps even with our own country. Our economy is failing quickly and it is easy to see where many in government are seeking help probably where they should not be. How about personally? Have there been times when you or I have been afflicted with great pain or impending attacks? I know there certainly has for me. Who do you run to for help? I think initially it is easy to run to the phone or email for support from a friend. Admittedly, my two girlfriends I am working through this incredible study with are normally my first sounding boards.

God wants us to come to him with our pain and to seek him for comfort. Yes, the future is uncertain. Many, including myself, are a bit fearful of what lies ahead. But through it all, I know God is still in total control. While friendships are very important and God certainly in His word tells us to sharpen one another – He should be our first source of comfort. God should be who we run to first.
King Ahaz got his sign, whether he wanted it or not. Do you know what it was? Verse 14 tells us:

Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

The sign is our promised Messiah who will bear the government on His shoulder. Praise God! The prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of Christ. Christ did redeeming work on the cross to save us from eternal separation from the Lord.

Whatever your struggles or trials are, know that God is with you. The name Immanuel means, God is with us. God does what he says He will do. God keeps His word and He keeps His promises. As I continued on with my study, I am learning about prophecies which are yet to be filled. They give me immeasurable hope. No matter what comes our way….there will be a day of reckoning, a day of judgment when God takes away the wicked and the righteous, a remnant, in Him will be glorified. Hold tight to the promises of God.

Dear Lord, thank you for your Word and how it is alive and full of meaning! Lord, I know that times are uncertain right now…many are in economic turmoil – job losses, homes being foreclosed on, lack of medical insurance. No matter what the problem, God, You are still in control. We ask for your comfort today and for your hand to guide our lives that what we do would be pleasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

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