2 Kings 16

As I read this chapter, I felt so bad for Ahaz, didn’t you? "Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree." (vs 2-4)

The more I read, the more I got this image of Ahaz running around from place to place, trying to do everything in his power to find satisfaction. Whether it was answers to his questions he wanted or peace for his troubled soul, he was sacrificing to everything and everyone under the sun trying to get it. He even killed his own son in a ritual sacrifice. How sad.

By the end of the chapter, Ahaz had decided to replace the altar in the temple of the Lord with something he had seen in Damascus. He obviously thought he would have better luck if he made sacrifices on this new altar instead—although he did keep the altar of the Lord in the temple. He just moved it over to the side so he could continue to use it "for seeking guidance." (vs 15)

By contrast, Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (vs 28-30)

God doesn’t want us to be running all over the place, looking for rest and peace under every rock, but if we don’t acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior, that’s exactly what we will be doing. Only God can offer the rest that our hearts are craving. Only He can provide the answers to the questions that perplex us in this life. Without Him, we will be like Ahaz, sacrificing parts of ourselves on every hill and under every tree—to no avail.

So, if you’re searching for anything today, look no further than God. Not only does He want to give you rest, but you won’t be able to find the rest He offers anywhere else. It is only His yoke that is easy. It is only His burden that is light.