Suggested Date: December 5th
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet of the same name, and throughout the book we see
messages that God wants His people in Judah to know. In this chapter, Isaiah is bringing a message to
King Ahaz who not only did not obey God, but in fact worshiped other idols to the point of sacrificing even some of his own children to them. He is now being attacked by two powerful kingdoms and feels sure he’ll lose. He and the people of Judah are terrified.
Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether
in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”
12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”
13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the
patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
digging deeper
1. What does the name Immanuel mean? And why is it important?
2. In what ways do you find comfort in the name Immanuel?
3. What does God tell Ahaz to do? How does Ahaz respond?
4. Though Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, God gives one. What is it, and why is that important?
5. What does this passage tell you about the character of God?
wrap-up
In the midst of the terror King Ahaz and the people of Judah were facing, God tells them that they will
not be ultimately overcome by these enemies. More unbelievably, He would send a sign to make Ahaz see that nothing is impossible for God. Even a child being born to a virgin. Even God Himself coming to walk.
among us.
respond in worship
“O come, Thou Dayspring, come and
cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to
flight...”
respond in prayer
Take some time today to pray for your focus during the Advent season; that God will help you keep
your focus on Him and that you will not be distracted by less important things.