This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:6.

This chapter is a difficult one to read. 2 Chronicles 28 is about Ahaz, king of Judah who reigned 16 years and led his people further into the darkness of not knowing God. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals. He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire…he offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. v. 2-3, 4.

There was conquest by other nations and even Israel plundered and took captive people of Judah until a prophet of God came to them and told them to let them go. And then a remarkable thing happened. So the soldiers gave up the prisoners and plunder in the presence of the officials and all the assembly. The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys. So they took them back to their fellow Israelites at Jericho, the City of Palms, and returned to Samaria. v. 14-15. Sounds like the parable Jesus gave about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. How do we love our neighbor? We listen to God. Can you imagine the impact that had on the captives and their captors?

Instead of turning to God this king of Judah turned further away into darkness. In his time of trouble, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, “Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.” But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel. v. 22-23.

Can you imagine living in such darkness?

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5. Only God can light the way forward with Him. He will lead us out of the darkness we can’t even see. Imagine coming out of darkness, looking up and seeing God – Father, Son, Spirit – loving us, healing us, restoring us to life that is real and good for all of us. God speed that day!