What Jehovah Deems Evil

Jesus Christ is a stumbling block; whoever falls on it will be broken to pieces. Yet, Jesus Christ is also the rock of salvation; whoever builds on Him will gain life. In 2 Kings 16, it is recorded that Ahaz was a rare evil king among the kings of Judah, and he did what was evil in the sight of Jehovah.

In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz the son of Jotham, king of Judah, began to reign. Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God, as his father David had done, but he walked in the way of the kings of Israel. He even burned his son as an offering, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. And he sacrificed and made offerings on the high places and on the hills and under every green tree. (2 Kings 16:1-4)

When he did these things, he was attacked.

Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem and besieged Ahaz, but could not conquer him. (2 Kings 16:5)

Relying on Man Instead of God

The records in 2 Kings, and Isaiah's writing of the book, deliberately link the evil king with being attacked. Of course, good kings are also attacked at times, and they sometimes win and sometimes lose. But the author uses this bad king's being attacked as a sign that he did what was evil in the sight of Jehovah. Ahaz took a course of action: he sent men to see the king of Assyria, the king who built the Assyrian empire. Ahaz sent him gold and silver treasures, asking the king of Assyria to deal with Pekah, the son of Remaliah, and Rezin, the king of Aram. As a result, the king of Assyria indeed destroyed the king of Aram, helping King Ahaz. After this incident, God spoke to Ahaz Himself, asking him to seek a sign from Jehovah God, but Ahaz did not ask for one.

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:10-14)

We see that when Ahaz was attacked, he was actually very afraid, and the hearts of him and his people trembled. Although he was not a good king, God gave him such comfort.

The Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and the son of Remaliah. (Isaiah 7:2-4)

God wanted him not to use human methods to solve the problem, but he still used human methods, seeking help from the king of Assyria. Isaiah had clearly told him that God would help him. He could have managed without seeking the help of the king of Assyria, but instead, he gave all the gold and silver treasures to the king of Assyria in exchange for the king of Assyria attacking Rezin, the king of Aram, to solve his problem. In fact, God had already told him: it shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass. (See Isaiah 7:7)

The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria. (Isaiah 7:17)

He still sought help from the king of Assyria to solve the problem, but it brought even bigger problems. God caused the king of Assyria to attack Judah, and Ahaz's days were not easy! What does this event proclaim? It proclaims that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, named Immanuel. That is, we will see that in the entire judgment, you will either stumble because of Jehovah God or stand firm.

Worshipping Idols Instead of God

We will see that people often encounter many problems in their lives, but what is their reaction after encountering problems? This King Ahaz was not a good king; as soon as he encountered problems, he was afraid and tried to find ways to solve them, resulting in more problems. Are you in such a situation? If so, you should think carefully about whether you have stumbled on this rock. It is truly miserable for those who stumble on the rock, living in darkness.

So we need to consider one thing: why did King Ahaz have his son worship idols? Because he wanted to solve his problems, and he found this problem difficult to solve. Either the idol is the king of Assyria, some forces; or some people, you need to build relationships with them; or it could be your father, your work, or your wife and children. If you treat these things as your idols, placing them above God, you will live in darkness all your life.

Not Valuing God's Church

There was a brother who experienced God in our midst but still had the same attitude as Ahaz. He said: This is how I prioritize, God is first, my family is second, my work is third, and the church is fourth. I thought to myself: Jesus is the head of the church, and the church is the body of Jesus. This brother separated the head and the body, adding his family and work in between. I was very shocked that the God we believe in is both a rock of salvation and a stumbling block. Have you really done according to God's word? I told him that the entire New Testament of the Bible tells us that building the church, which is building the body of Jesus Christ, is very important!

There are two important books in the Bible, Genesis and Revelation. The Book of Revelation begins by writing to seven churches, not to individuals, not to your family, not to your work. The New Testament of the Bible does not teach praying for your family, praying for your business, praying for your job. Why? Because with the kingdom of God, all these things will be added to you. So these people are not rigorous in the Word of God, do not pursue it, and always listen to hearsay. Later, this brother said that these words came from a certain pastor, and I was very surprised. Did Ahaz believe in God? He did! He also offered sacrifices and burned incense, but do you really rely on your God when you encounter problems? If you rely on people, rely on work, you are despising your God!

Unwilling to Pay the Price

A sister once told me: Pastor, I know you can give your life for God, but I can't do that, I can only do this much. I said: Sister, you don't know what you are saying, Ahaz could only do this much too. I tell everyone that the God we believe in is a jealous God. Either you are crushed on this rock, or you stand on this rock and live out the glory you were meant to have. So, either dedicate everything to God or forget about it. Dedicating half is useless, even dedicating 90% is useless because our God is a stumbling block. People who fall upon it will be utterly broken. King Ahaz's believing up to about 95% was also useless. The remaining 5%, as soon as he encountered a problem, would turn into 95%.

When Rezin, the king of Aram, and Pekah, the son of Remaliah, came to attack King Ahaz, he was not sure if his God could protect him. But in my heart, I want to tell everyone that I am not afraid of death, I don't care about anything. I know my God will definitely protect me. Everyone must understand that without such faith, you cannot serve such a God, because God is also looking for such people. Don't say that I am just an ordinary Christian, is this necessary? In God's eyes, there is no distinction between ordinary Christians and pastors. Do you want to receive the grace of this God? Either believe or don't believe, there are only these two options, there is no such thing as believing 50%! So you should strive to enter into such faith.

God's Salvation Carries Judgment

Perhaps in the beginning, from not believing to believing, God gave you a lot of grace. But you cannot always live at that level. You must constantly know our God. Why do you receive grace when you come into our midst? Not because of what you have done, but because of what we have done. Next, you need to consider whether you believe and whether you will act according to our example. I want to challenge the brothers and sisters among us who have heard testimonies, do you think it is because of you? Where is the foundation of building the church? In the minds of people. If you do not know that Jehovah is a stumbling stone and a saving rock; if you do not know that God is a jealous God, you really cannot go on. Maybe you received grace at the beginning, and you think it is because you did well? Don't be mistaken! It is because you are under the covering of the church.

Serving With a Cost

Many people treat themselves as an independent individual, just God and me. What is the church? It makes me pay the price, I will pay this much, no more. You will be like Ahaz, and the king of Assyria will come and take everything from you. Do you want to wake up at that time? When we read the Bible, we must look at ourselves and see what kind of person we are. God promised a son named Immanuel, which means God is with you, and then brought the king of Assyria to attack Ahaz. What does that mean? It means that God's salvation is for those who can be saved, not for those who cannot be saved, and God's salvation comes with judgment.

That is, God divides people into two types: vessels of wrath prepared for destruction and vessels of mercy, which he prepared for glory. Do you think God loves those vessels of wrath? God doesn't care about such things at all. God even had his own temple torn down, letting the Romans destroy the temple, God doesn't care at all. Do you think God cares about that temple? Heaven and the highest heavens cannot contain our God, all the earth and everything on it belongs to our God. How great do you think that thing is? Our God is not an idol, our God is a jealous God.

Acting According to God's Word

We must be careful. If you know this God, you will completely do according to God's word. Because the Bible says very well: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (See Matthew 4:4) Not some words, not just obeying 50% of God's words, or just obeying 90%. How difficult is it to obey 100%? Actually, it is not difficult at all, it is all in your heart. If you really love this God in your heart, know that He is your salvation, your rock, your everything you hope for, you will never treat it casually, and you will never feel that it is difficult to dedicate your life.

The Root of Solving Problems: Standing on the Rock of Salvation

Later you will find that God saves on the one hand and manifests His wrath on the other. Are you a vessel of God's salvation, or a vessel of God's wrath? Think about it carefully. So, in the scripture, there are several in that day, in that day of verse 18, in that day of verse 20, in that day of verse 21.

In that day the Lord will whistle for the fly that is at the sources of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. And they will all come and settle in the steep ravines, and in the clefts of the rocks, and on all the thornbushes, and on all the pastures. In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired beyond the River—with the king of Assyria—the head and the hair of the feet, and it will sweep away the beard also. In that day a person will keep alive a young cow and two sheep, and because of the abundance of milk given, he will eat curds, for everyone who is left in the land will eat curds and honey. ( Isaiah 7:18-22）

Here it is actually talking about two kinds of people, one kind of people eating honey and cream, and another kind of people eating thorns and weeds, so what kind of person do you want to be? Sometimes it is very hard to be a pastor, watching people choose to eat thorns and weeds, and they won't listen no matter what you say. In this world, not being a Christian to know, those who are not Christians should also know, what is it like for those who are not Christians to live in this world? It will be clearer if you work as a nurse in a hospital, it's really miserable! So I made up my mind, I don't want to be that kind of person! Lying in the hospital with tubes all over my body, lying in bed for months unable to move, my back is rotten, that is a very difficult situation. They did not believe, would you want to live that kind of life? Actually, they don't want to either, so how can you prevent it? It is to stand on this rock of salvation.

Be Sharp

Do not be muddle-headed; be sharp. Recently, I have been wanting to train everyone to be very discerning, with eyes that can see through the essence of things at a glance, instead of solving one problem and then bringing more problems. Perhaps you find a job, seemingly solving a problem, but it brings more problems because issues among colleagues arise. We always feel that it is the answer to my problems, but I tell you, there is only one fundamental solution to problems: standing on the rock that saves people.

In Chapter 8, God tells Isaiah to take a large tablet and write on it, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, which means plunder speeds, looting hastens. The name is very tongue-twisting, and he named his son this name to make a proclamation to that era. So brothers and sisters, know that this is the God of Immanuel. When God's presence comes, plunder speeds and looting hastens. That is to say, in the place where God's great power comes, many people will stumble on this rock, and then many will be saved. People do not like God much, so God speaks through Isaiah, Because these people have rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoice over Rezin and Remaliah’s son, therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates River. As I speak these words now, many places are experiencing severe flooding, with the floodwaters almost like an army besieging a city.

Restore Mingding Destiny, Full of Passion

We must understand one thing: in the era we are in today, do not expect peace. Do not say, Pastor, I do not want to think too much, I just want to live a peaceful life, do not bother me, building the church is not my business, it has nothing to do with me, I just want to make some money and live a peaceful life. Brothers and sisters, wake up. If you want to live well, I will tell you a few key points: First, have a vision and Mingding Destiny in your heart. If a person does not have a vision and Mingding Destiny inside, they are living blindly. Second, start living out your Mingding Destiny with passion, achieving your vision. These are the two most important things for a person.

Recently, I was deeply moved while reading a book called CEO Cho Yonggi. It says that Korea has three greatest figures: the first great figure is Park Chung-hee, the second is Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung Group, and the third is Cho Yonggi. These people have several characteristics: first, these people have visions and dreams in their hearts; second, they are full of passion in their lives. If you do not have a dream, you will say, Pastor, do not disturb me! Then who will disturb you? The king of Assyria will disturb you, but the king of Assyria will not disturb me because I have God, I stand on the rock of Jesus.

People Without Mingding Destiny Live in Darkness

Therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates River— the king of Assyria in all his pomp. It will overflow all its channels, run over all its banks and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck. Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land, Immanuel. (Isaiah 8:8)

Can you understand it? When I read this sentence, I knew that we are with God among such a group of people. When those floods wash away, there is still a group of people protected by God. Many people say that the church is most prosperous during economic crises, but the church business is most difficult during economic prosperity. When the world is full of floods, famines, and disasters, the church is most prosperous because people need God most at this time.

Belief and Unbelief Are Personal Choices

Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must know that human plans cannot stand before God. If you use your wisdom and your ideas, then you cannot stand before God. Brothers and sisters, do you want to live in darkness in the future?

Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into utter darkness. (Isaiah 8:21-22)

Have you ever thought about such days? Or are you already in such days? If you are a Christian today, but still living in such days, I will tell you what happened: you are that Ahaz, who fell on this rock. The Gospel of Luke records that when Mary, holding the baby Jesus, entered the temple, she saw the prophet, who was over eighty years old, and God did not allow him to die, but must let his eyes see God's salvation. When he saw Jesus coming in, he took the child and said, Because of this child, many will rise and many will fall.

God's grace is not what you think it is. When you read the New Testament, God made some vessels to show His glory, and God also made some vessels to show His wrath. Whether to be a vessel that shows God's wrath is your choice; whether to be a vessel that shows God's glory is also your choice. If you observe carefully, you will know that those who firmly believe in the Lord all live out God's glory.

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, and he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured.” (Isaiah 8:11-15)

Laying Down for the Lord Will Live Out a Glorious Life

What people fear determines whether your life is glorious. Do you fear God, or do you fear your difficulties and problems? In fact, difficulties are nothing great. Living is a very simple thing. You can live with a job, and you can live without a job, but without God, there is no way to live; without God, you live in darkness. So I want to tell everyone that what I am saying are all words from the Bible. I have not invented my own set of theories. We have all read the words of the Bible. What choice will you and I make? I have made a choice with determination. I also encourage everyone to make a choice with determination: stand on this rock, let Him be your salvation, your refuge, your God of Immanuel.

God wants to make a small group of us a miracle of God, a group of Christians who stand strong and are uncompromising. Brothers and sisters, have a determination: be an uncompromising Christian! If you do not fear God, you will fear your difficulties. Either you fear God, or you fear your difficulties. If you fear God, your suffering is not to be feared, because God will save you, God will make you a miracle of this era.

God Is Our Salvation and Refuge

I dare to say boldly: God will surely make us prosper. Although our church still looks desolate now, it has a booming momentum. In my heart, there is a dream: I believe that we will become a church that creates miracles in this generation! In my faith, these are visible things, and God will accomplish what I believe! Five years ago, how desolate the church was. Except for me, no one was willing to pay the price for God, but today God has raised up a group of people willing to pay the price for God. This era needs this kind of uncompromising church, not separating the head and body of Jesus and then stuffing your family and work into it, but putting our entire lives, everything in our lives, on the altar to live out a glorious life!

Ignite the Fire of Life

Brothers and sisters, if you have a dream inside, are a person with dreams, visions, willing to give for God, striving to run, and full of passion, then you are definitely not in this desolate state today. In the past three weeks, I have ministered to many people with ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, cancer, and various other diseases, and I know that it is impossible for people to not have a vision. I have lit a fire in your hearts, and I also hope that the leaders of our church will all become fire-starters, igniting the flame in your life. You will no longer toil for money, but money will toil for you. You will become the manager of this generation, and God will raise you up to become a person who lives out the glory of God's life.

God Will Surely Make Us Prosper

Cho Yonggi has several secrets: first, have a vision; second, passionately achieve your vision; third, manage your time, money, and resources well. If you have these three in this life, it is X multiplied by Y multiplied by Z. X is your vision. The greater your vision, the greater the things you will accomplish; Y is your passion. If passion is zero, multiplying it still results in zero. You cannot do without enthusiasm; Z is your management ability. You must be practical, your feet must be on the ground, and your hands must be on the throne of God. How can such a person not prosper? This is the root of solving problems! It is definitely not like King Ahaz, who solved a problem but brought more serious problems. If we want to solve problems, we must solve them thoroughly, which is to stand on the rock of Jesus Christ, no longer fearing anything, and there is nothing to fear!