Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God"
Text: Isaiah 7:11
A GRACIOUS GESTURE
The LORD spoke to Ahaz through His prophet Isaiah. Ahaz may ask for a sign from God and that would be granted to him.
“Moreover the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying,
‘Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God;
ask it either in the depth or in the height above.’
But Ahaz said, ‘I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!'”
Isaiah 7:10-12
1. The LORD speaking to Ahaz.
a) This was done through the prophet Isaiah.
b) The prophets of old represented the LORD:
i) In the giving of knowledge.
ii) A great deal of authority was entrusted to them.
2. The gracious word given to Ahaz.
a) God knew that Ahaz was idolatrous.
b) He was a wicked king too.
c) Out of His graciousness He made an offer to Ahaz.
i) Ahaz may request for a sign gift.
ii) Whatever that sign may be, God would grant it.
3. Remembering Gideon the Judge.
a) The LORD met him and called him to deliver Israel from oppressive Midian.
b) Gideon asked for signs to confirm things.
c) God gave to Gideon the signs he requested to see.
d) Would Ahaz do the same thing?
4. The reply of Ahaz.
a) “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!”
b) At first glance, it may appear that Ahaz had a very high regard for God.
c) But looking at his life, we understand differently.
i) Ahaz had turned away from God and worshipped idols.
ii) He would not respond to God in any way.
iii) He would not call on God to give a sign.
iv) He was not interested in what God had to say to him.