There is a passage in Scripture that we hardly ever talk about. In Isaiah chapter 7, we see that the kings of Syria and Israel want to form an alliance to attack Jerusalem. Meanwhile, King Ahaz, who reigned in Judah at this time, was freaking out. He was not a righteous king by any means. In fact, Ahaz is known for worshipping idols and being someone who refused to repent. While King Ahaz received the news of the potential attack, he chose to respond out of fear instead of faith (Isaiah 7:2). If we jump down a few verses, we see that God’s response to the potential threat on Judah is, “It will not happen, it will not occur.” (Isaiah 7:7)
I have to admit that this is a story I have even skimmed over. But there are two things that really stood out to me this time.
- How many times do we, similar to Ahaz, react out of fear instead of faith?
- We only see what is right in front of us, but God sees what is behind, in front, and in the future. He sees it all, and He isn’t threatened. Rather, God is sitting on His throne and already knows how each thing will play out.
I think about the war waging right in front of our eyes. The enemy has always been after the body of Christ. We know this, and we know that he is persistent. He knows how this story ends. He knows that his end cannot be rewritten and his power is limited, so he is working relentlessly now while he still can. However, over the last year or two, evil has become so blatant, and the attack on God’s Word and people is growing more and more intense every day.
I have been spending so much time researching Jesus’ return and almost daydreaming about the day that He will come back for us. The day that Jesus will make everything new. The day that every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. I am so excited for this day, and yet I am still here in my temporary home watching so many turn away from their Creator and turn towards the ways of the world. It really breaks my heart, and sometimes even frightens me with how far we are getting from God’s original design.
But here is another thought that I have been pondering…God already knew that all these things would happen. Revelation is very clear that this world will become darker and darker until the coming of Christ. God already foresaw everything that is happening right before our eyes. And do you know where He is right now? He is on His throne.
When I think of a throne, I think of power. Authority. Sovereignty. That’s my God.
But He isn’t like any other king that has sat on their throne. No. My God is the ultimate authority. He holds all the power. No one comes even close in comparison to Him. He will have the final say.
God is not intimidated, He is not shaking in His boots like Ahaz. God simply says, “The enemy is already defeated.” Period. Punto. Ya.
If we as disciples of Christ know that the enemy is already defeated, then why do we respond out of fear instead of trusting in the One who holds all authority? This is a question I ask myself often, especially when I am smack dab in the middle of a difficult season.
But this is the hope that we cling to as Christians…
Jesus Christ died for our sins.
He defeated the grave and rose on the third day.
He is coming back for us one day.
And while we wait, His resurrection power and Holy Spirit is living inside of us to share the Good News here on Earth while He is sitting on His throne.
There is a worship song that I really love by Christine D’Clairo. It is called En El Trono Está (He Is On The Throne). The song says, God is faithful, He is able, it is bigger than any giant that I could face. I will be firm forever. God alone is on the throne.
I highly recommend this song! It is in Spanish, but even if you don’t understand every lyric, it is a powerful song!
Our God is on the throne, so let’s not be like Ahaz. Let’s be people that choose to respond out of faith instead of fear because we know that our God has the final say.
Journey to Dominican 