Fasting Devotional – Day Eighteen Text: II Kings 16:1-20 Written by: Steve Christopherson
Thoughts
It is believed by tradition that Jeremiah wrote II Kings. This chapter deals with young 20-year-old Ahaz becoming King of Jerusalem. He knew what God wanted but chose to follow the crowd and took silver and gold from the temple of the Lord and made idols and offered it as a gift to the King of Assyria. He started having his people worship idols and other gods like his counterparts and he strayed away from true worship of the Lord. He offered incense in high places and sacrifices. He even offered his son as a burnt sacrifice. God never called for child sacrifices. He wanted to be accepted and respected by his counterparts, so he turned his back on God and built altars to other gods. So, what good came out of Ahaz? It’s interesting how God can take evil and turn it into good. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah! So, keep reading in II Kings!
Challenge
How can we use the story of Ahaz? I think we can look at how we try to fit in with the world. Do you strive to achieve the things of this world, or the things that please God? Remember, money is not the root of all evil. It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. It’s okay to have great things but don’t turn your back on God’s desires for your life in order to have them. Just like in Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be added unto you.
Prayer
Father, help us to seek the things that you want for us. Open our eyes to how we can so easily be led astray by things of the world and help us refocus on your will and desire for our lives. Let us show our appreciation for everything you’ve done for us through our words, actions, thoughts, and deeds. We thank you so much for the lessons that we learn from your Word and the guidance we receive. Let this be a time of not just fasting from food but fasting from our unhealthy habits and thought lives to gain insight into the trap of chasing success. We want to chase after you, and not anything else. We thank you for your grace, mercy, and compassion. In Jesus' name, Amen!