Ahaz takes the throne around 735 b.c. and immediately steers the nation into its darkest spiritual era yet. The narrative details a catastrophic collapse of national security as the king embraces foreign idols and even sacrifices his own children in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. This account serves as a bleak illustration of leadership that refuses to learn from correction.

Know God. The Lord is revealed as a God who humbles those who throw off restraint. We see that He permits military defeat and captivity as tools to wake a sleeping conscience. God demonstrates His compassion even amidst judgment by sending the prophet Oded to rebuke the victors for their excessive cruelty. Consequently, He shows that His discipline is measured and that He pays attention to the rage of man that reaches toward heaven.

Bridge the Gap. We often assume that tragedy or suffering naturally softens the human heart and leads us back to faith. Ahaz teaches us the terrifying truth that distress can actually harden us if we are resolved to go our own way. It is a common struggle to become bitter or cynical when life falls apart rather than turning to the only One who can help. Because of this truth, we must guard our hearts during seasons of pain lest we double down on the very attitudes that caused our trouble.

Take Action. We can choose to keep the "doors of the temple" open in our lives by maintaining our daily rhythms of prayer and worship even when we feel abandoned.

It is vital to evaluate where we turn for relief when we are under pressure. We should resist the urge to seek help from sources that have no interest in our well-being (just as Ahaz sought Assyria). In light of this, we accept the small corrections of the Lord now so that we do not require the drastic measures of a severe mercy later.