A Thrill of HopeSample

Is it wrong to ask for a sign from God?

This is the question King Ahaz wrestles with in today’s Scripture.

For some context, King Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king of Judah, and did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord. Harry Bultema in his "Commentary on Isaiah" describes him as hypocritical, superstitious and cowardly, even sacrificing his own son to other gods (2 Kings 16:1-4).

God now speaks to King Ahaz, through the prophet Isaiah, telling him to “ask a sign of the Lord” (Isaiah 7:11, ESV). But Ahaz disobeys God, and insists he will not put God to the test. While this may sound ‘godly’—even an echo of the Old Testament command in Deuteronomy 6:16—the scriptures reveal something different.

Ahaz’s refusal to put God to the test is not true humility. It’s about fear, distrust, and self-interest. He chooses to rely on his own understanding rather than God’s promise. Yet God, in His mercy and faithfulness, doesn’t leave Ahaz - or Judah - without hope. He gives a sign anyway: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV).

Immanuel - “God with us” - is a promise that God’s presence and provision will never fail, even when we doubt, delay, or disobey.

At Christmas, we celebrate the ultimate sign of God’s faithfulness to human-kind. Jesus entering into our world as a baby is God saying, “I am with you. I have not forgotten you. My plans for you are good.” In a season that can feel busy, pressured, or even lonely, we can anchor ourselves in the truth that God is present with us. He has come in the flesh - in Jesus.

Today, ponder this: Where in your life are you currently hesitant to trust God fully? What are you afraid to ask for; lacking courage to step out in; or resisting surrendering to God? Like Ahaz, we might think we are protecting ourselves, but God invites us to trust Him with every aspect of our lives. Will you bless His heart by entrusting yours to Him this Christmas?