READING: 2 Kings 14-16
The contrast is almost jarring. Amaziah generally did what was right as king of Judah, as did his son, Azariah, when he became king. Jotham, the son of Azariah, likewise followed suit.
Then came Ahaz . . . and things changed. Indeed, it is written of Ahaz, “He did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God like his ancestor David. . . . He even sacrificed his son in the fire, imitating the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had dispossessed before the Israelites.He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kgs 16:2-4). Ahaz acted more like the wicked kings of Israel than like his forefathers—and he descended deeper and deeper into idolatry. It appears that he worshiped whatever god he could in whatever location he deemed necessary.
Ahaz’s son Hezekiah followed his father as king, but Hezekiah again did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Thus, Ahaz’s father did what was right, and his son did what was right—but in between was the story of his own rebellion. Ahaz was only one leader, but he nevertheless left his evil mark on the nation.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you pray regularly for those who lead this country?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, give us leaders who follow You.”
TOMORROW‘S READING: 2 Kings 17-19
