II Kings 1 Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, fell and was severely injured.  He sent a servant to ask Baal-zebub, the foreign idol, whether he would survive or not.  Elijah stopped the messengers and sent them back to Ahab with these words, "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?" 

The king sent out a squadron of 50 soldiers to take Elijah.  Fire from heaven consumed them. Another 50 came, and again were all consumed. A third group came, but this time the commander knelt down and begged for mercy for himself and his men.  This time Elijah went with them.  Elijah confronted Ahaziah about the fact that he was asking Baal-zebub for help instead of God.  There was no repentance.. and Ahaziah died.  He had no children, so his brother Jehoram became king in his place. 

How could a king.. any king expect a wretched idol, who's very name meant "lord of the flies" to help him?  How is it that men and women today still look to false gods, philosophies, or other sources for help? There is only One God and He is the only source of help, hope, and life.  

There is a God in America.  He is ruler of all the earth and of every nation. Let us make Him known!

David wrote, "But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; in the morning I will sing aloud of Your Grace. For you are my fortress, a refuge in times of trouble. My Strength, I will sing praises to You, for God is my fortress, God, who gives me grace." ( Psalm 59:16-17)

Paul also testified, "Our Lord's grace overflowed to me with trust and love that come through the Messiah Yeshua. So here is a statement you can trust, one that fully deserves to be accepted: the Messiah came into the world to save sinners, and I'm the number one sinner!" 

Had Ahaziah turned to God, he may have lived. He may have changed the destiny of Israel. But, he hardened his heart.  He loved his sin more than God... 

Father in heaven, You are our Strength and our Refuge. We bring every need to Your feet and we give You thanks for every blessing that You pour out to us by Your grace.  Thank You that the Messiah came to save sinners.. every one who will turn to Him and receive the grace He offers.  Open eyes and ears of those who are like Ahaziah.. change those hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, that they might be saved, in the name of Jesus we pray this.. Amen.