Text:
And the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, either from the deep or from on high.” Ahaz said, “I will not ask. I will not put the LORD to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “House of David!” Hear, I pray you; do you think that it is a small matter that afflicts men, and that you will afflict my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive and will bear a son, and they will call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7 :10-14)
The Lord told King Ahaz to ask for a sign that the combined forces of Aram and Northern Israel would invade Southern Judah but that their plan would not come true, but Ahaz refused, saying he would not test the Lord. However, the Lord Himself will show a sign, saying that the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call his name Immanuel.
1. Ahaz’s refusal
God told King Ahaz to ask for a sign.
But Ahaz refused, saying he would not test God.
Ahaz did not believe the word of God and tried to solve the problem on his own.
2. God’s sign
God gave a sign that the virgin would conceive and give birth to her son.
This was a sign of the Messiah, Jesus.
These were words that could not be understood unless one was waiting for the Messiah.
3. Perspective of the eternal kingdom
God’s Word spoke not from the perspective of the present, but from the perspective of the eternal kingdom.
Because the present world is temporary, the coming kingdom is eternal.
I need to change my perspective. I have to live not right now, not for the rest of my life, but looking towards heaven, where I will soon return.
In conclusion:
It is important to believe and follow the word of God.
God gives us signs and helps us move forward in faith.
We must believe in the word of God and live with an eye toward the eternal world.