Opening Prayer
Gracious God, I put myself before you in this moment with waiting heart, expectant desire. Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.
Amen.
Passage
Isaiah 7:10-16
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or inthe 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. He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.
Reflection - Cameron Lucas
It's weird that Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign.
In context, God has come to King Ahaz through Isaiah to let him know that he doesn't have to fear the armies that are about to invade Jerusalem. God promises to protect Jerusalem and tells Ahaz to ask for a sign showing that God's promise will come true.
Ahaz refuses.
He pretends to be spiritual about it by referencing Deuteronomy 6:16 that says "Do not put the LORD your God to the test...", but Jewish commentators pick up on the fact that Ahaz had a different reason for not asking.
He didn't ask for a sign because he didn't believe God would come through on His promise.
What promises has God given you that you're having a hard time trusting? Ask God to clarify His promises and give you a sign so that you might trust Him more today.
Closing Prayer
My Lord, may all that I have seen of you and all that I have heard from your word now enflesh itself in me. Send me from this place as the incarnate promise of life to all whose life I will touch this day.
Amen.