Dear Friends and Family,

READ 2 KINGS 14:1 THROUGH 16:20

King Ahaz of Judah began ruling when he was twenty, but did not do what was right. Following the example of the Canaanite culture and idolatrous Israel, he sacrificed his own son in fire.

He traveled to Damascus and saw a large idol altar that pleased him. He sent the design to Uriah, the priest, ordering that it be built to displace the bronze altar of God.

So Uriah the priest built an altar in accordance with all the plans that King Ahaz had sent . . . When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it (2 Kings 16:11–12).

Offerings on the proper altar were part of God’s instructions for worship. The priest chose to obey the king instead of God. People often displace the high standard of holiness God commands. Serving the Lord means choosing to do things His way and not to succumb to worldly influences. Obedient worship brings God pleasure.

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, let my worship be obedient and pleasing to You.