Who would be given a blank cheque and refuse it? The biblical king Ahaz was given such rare opportunity but he refused. He was given the opportunity to ask for a sign from God at a time when the religious convention considered asking God for a sign as ‘putting God to the test’. People who trusted God should not do so. But this law was relaxed, yet he refused. To suit himself, he quoted Deut 6:16: ‘you shall not put the LORD your God to the test’.
Hmm. What was he thinking? What was his mindset or motivation? Could there be some ‘conditions’ attached that made him not accept God’s invitation to ask freely. I know you’re curious to know this, but I ask again: If you were in his shoes, what sign would you ask from God? Or would you prefer to know if there were conditions before asking? If you want to know this, continue reading slowly…
Cf. Isaiah 7:1-14
When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it. Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz… Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood…: Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah’s son have plotted your ruin, saying, “Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “It will not take place, it will not happen.”Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Child of God, the conditions Ahaz considered unacceptable that made him reject God’s invitation are: believing and trusting God for the safety of Israel! He didn’t want to submit his trust and worship to God but to follow the wiles of his heart. If this was simply the condition, why did he find it difficult to accept it? Is it too difficult? What was he thinking? You need to know who Ahaz was otherwise you’ll not understand his mindset.
The book of Chronicles describes Ahaz as one of the sinful Kings who prostituted himself to false gods and led the people astray. To make matters worse, unlike his predecessors that would repent when faced with difficulties “…Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord” (2Chron 28:22). He was known for idolatry and offered human sacrifices: he sacrificed even his children (2 Chron 28:3), closed the temple and sets up more idols (vv. 24-25). He copies a pagan altar and had it set up in the temple in Jerusalem and then uses one of the altars Solomon built “for seeking guidance” -occultic divination. And so, believing and trusting God would mean casting aside these fetish things which he didn’t want to let go. That was his mindset!
2. How many times have we acted like Ahaz: refusing God’s invitation because of some mindset, especially evil ones? And we even go ahead quoting the bible to support it? Whenever we cite God’s Word in isolation, we make mistakes, hence there are other biblical references to keep us in check.
3. What mindset have you?
Your perspective of yourself and your beliefs and abilities is important in both your physical and spiritual life. If you want to go far in life it is important to evaluate your mindset or your attitudes, values and beliefs. Generally, there’s the fixed and growth mindsets.
Fixed Mindset
This is a perspective where people perceive their abilities and beliefs as static or unchangeable. One with fixed mindset believe their level of intelligence, skill and belief is inborn. As a result, they may not seek opportunities for professional or personal development. In religious matters they are closed. They belief they have some special ‘calling’ or gifts from God and are closed to learning, improvement or development. If they are in the wrong, they prove difficult to compromise and embrace truth. They are not open to innovation or changes.
Growth Mindset
This is a perspective where people perceive their abilities as constantly changing and evolving through their experiences. People with this type of mindset usually believe they can improve their skills by engaging other ideas and opinions. In religious matters, they are not closed but open to dialogue. They are not indifferent in matters of faith, but are open to the religious fact that God can use anyone and anything for His purpose. This mindset is biblical and is encouraged in Christian spirituality.
4. How to overcome a Fixed Mindset
Evangelise your mindset
The best way to overcome a fixed mindset is to evangelise it- be open to the Word of God and obey it. To do this, St Joseph comes to mind. He is a man that is open to the Word of God, even when it contradicts his own desires, thoughts and spirituality! Read what the scripture says about him:
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’
You may wish to know why St Joseph follows his dreams. Read my article on Dream Interpretations.
Stop quoting the bible for convenience
In order to suit some personal cravings and justify some extremes like drinking much alcohol, syncretism, religious indifference, spiritism, polygamy, etc many quote some passages of the bible out of context to suit their argument. This is wrong and leads many astray.
TASK
Every 4th Sunday of Advent, the church calls us to evaluate our hearts- our mindsets and our motives- making it ready to receive the Incarnate Word of God- Jesus, in obedience. Like St Joseph, search your heart give up your negative thoughts and mindset that wouldn’t help you or others. They could lead you to sin or evil acts. Pray Psalm 139:23-24 now:
Search me, O God and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting life.
I pray for you
1 Corinthians 15:33 says: “Be not deceived; evil communication corrupt good manners”.
And so I declare: may the Lord block channels of evil thoughts and negative mindsets from you, in Jesus name. Amen.
