Trees Shaking in the Wind

From the Sermon: "The word that comes to Ahaz makes it clear to Ahaz that Israel and Aram are preparing to attack. The nearness of the attack now sends waves of terror throughout the hearts of the people of Judah. How wretched David’s mighty throne has become. Ahaz has destroyed the very faith of God’s people by acting faithlessly as their king. 'House of David' becomes a taunt to the wicked Ahaz. Trust in God has completely disintegrated. All the people are left with is shaking as 'the trees of the forest shake with the wind.' This is what faithlessness in God gets you when the going gets tough. And this is hardly the sort of people who are going to be able to overthrow a mighty army.

There is a cycle here that is only feeding itself. Ahaz (and other kings before him) increasingly rebel against God. In turn, the faith of the people is weakened. In turn, more faithless acts are committed. In turn, the people lose even more trust in God. The point comes when no one is able to trust any longer. And this is all God’s plan for the people."

Overview:
the history of Israel proves that the rebellion of a nation and her leaders feeds the unbelief that exists in the corporate people of God. This in turn weakens the nation further. The warnings of unbelief in the OT are many. Will you today repent and trust in the promises (which are "Amen" in Christ) or will you too shake like a tree in the wind when God comes near?