II Chronicles 28:16-27

“In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD--this same King Ahaz” (v22). King Ahaz misunderstood the cause of his distress and failure. Not realizing that it was God’s judgment, he missed the opportunity to repent and cast himself on God’s mercy. Instead, Ahaz “sacrificed to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him … they were the ruin of him and all Israel” (v23). Ahaz then destroyed sacred Temple objects and “shut the doors of the house of the Lord” (v24).

“It did not help him” (v21). False gods like materialism, pleasure, work, or self-improvement schemes will always disappoint us. Jesus is our only real hope, salvation, and satisfaction.