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Tell him to stop worrying. Tell him he doesn’t need to fear the fierce anger of those two burned-out embers, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah. —Isaiah 7:4
King Ahaz learned an important lesson in dealing with an attack of the enemy: you cannot run from the battle! When an army far superior to his own threatened Jerusalem, “the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, just as trees shake in a storm” (Isaiah 7:2). But God in His mercy sent the prophet Isaiah to deliver an encouraging message. Through Isaiah God told Ahaz, “This invasion will never happen” (v. 7), and He further instructed the king, saying, “If you want me to protect you, learn to believe what I say” (v. 9). The enemy’s primary weapon is fear. When disaster loomed on the horizon, Ahaz was overcome by fear, but the bold word from the Lord enabled him to remain calm, relaxed, and confident. Paul said, “Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!” (Hebrews 10:35). And that reward is a “faith that assures our salvation” (v. 39). When the battle seems overwhelming, what choice do you have but to stand firm? If you turn and run from the enemy, you will not stand at all. Burn the retreat bridge! Your only option is to stand—and when you do, God will fight for you!
Suggested Reading:
Isaiah 6:1-7:25
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Psalm 54:1-7
Proverbs 23:1-3