It’s amazing the lengths we will go to in order to do things our own way. Sometimes we rebel against authority figures from our past for the wrongs they committed against us. Sometimes we are convinced we are right in spite of mounds of evidence to the contrary. Sometimes we are just plain stoopid.
Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28) was one of those kings who just wouldn’t learn. He tried over and over to make things work out in his favor but never looked to the one source of true security. “Hey Ahaz! Giving gifts to the idols didn’t work for you. How about giving some of God’s stuff to the other king.” When that didn’t work, he tried giving gifts to the idols again.
Maybe if Stephen had been around to convince him, he would have changed his ways. Or maybe not. Those that heard Stephen’s impassioned retelling of the history of Israel (Acts 7) didn’t react appropriately. Just as the Israelites in the wilderness witnessed the wonders of God firsthand yet capriciously turned from Him toward a golden calf, the Jews rejected Stephen’s message and stoned him in the end (oops! hope I didn’t spoil anyone for tomorrow’s reading). So he probably wouldn’t have been able to convince Ahaz to repent either.
The question is, would he be able to convince you?
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Through the mystery of a miracle, perhaps he could have affected Ahab into repentance. Although, like many people who are blind to the truth, Ahab’s eyes would have to see the inner reality and personal truth of a life transformed through belief… He would have to experience his own desire for repentance.
Your words remind me that we can’t change other people, only live lives of example, share the good news, and pray with diligence. Even this will transform the world.
–Stephen
Good post. I think Stephen W. is right about trying to change other people. The Gospel calls us to act and respond. Matt, you made me think of how I am like Ahaz. There are some things that I just can’t seem to learn and I realize I am “stoopid.” However, the continued repetition and hearing of the Gospel story and how it has evolved in history reminds me I can change, and the transformation process continues in Christ. A blessing I have, that Ahaz did not.
Ahaz commits acts more vile than many kings of Judah, AND he closes the temple! What insult upon insult could this man have done more! Too much of the time humans do the same, live vile lives of rejection of God, and then try to lock the door so others cannot go to Him, Matt. 23:13. We need to pray that our lives reflect faith in Jesus such that others see us as a road sign pointing to him.