Jehovah's Loving Assurances

Will the scheme of Syria and Israel succeed?  No.  Jehovah declares: "It will not stand, neither will it take place."  (Isaiah 7:7)  Through Isaiah, Jehovah says that not only will the siege of Jerusalem fail but "within just sixty-five years, Ephraim will be shattered to pieces so as not to be a people."  ( Isaiah 7:8)  "Yes, within 65 years Israel  will no longer exist as a people.   This assurance, with its specific timetable, should give Ahaz  courage.  In the same way, God's people today are strengthened by knowing that the time left for Satans' world is running out.

Perhaps Ahaz' face registers disbelief, since Jehovah through Isaiah, says: "Unless you people have faith, you will in that case not be of long duration."  Jehovah, in his  patience, went on speaking some more to Ahaz."  (Isaiah 7:9, 10)  What a fine example!  Today, although many do not readily respond to the Kingdom message, we do well to imitate Jehovah by "speaking some more" as we visit again and again. Jehovah next tells  Ahaz:  "Ask for yourself a sign from Jehovah your God, making it as deep as Sheol or making it high as the upper regions."  (Isaiah 7:11)  Ahaz may ask for a sign, and Jehovah will perform it as a guarantee that he will protect the house of David.

Note that Jehovah says:  'Ask a sign from your God.' Jehovah is truly kind. Ahaz is already reportedly worshiping false gods and following disgusting pagan practices.  (2 King 16:3, 4)  Despite that and despite Ahaz' fearful attitude, Jehovah still calls himself the God of Ahaz. this assures us that Jehovah does not reject  humans rashly.  he is willing to reach out to those who err or whose faith has grown weak.  Will this assurance of God's love move Ahaz to take hold of Jehovah's hand?

Next time: From Doubt to Disobedience

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind