One True God

Ahaziah was born into a family that set a poor example. His father, Ahab, had been an evil king. His mother, Jezebel, fostered the worship of Baal. Following the example of his parents, Ahaziah embraced idolatry. His priorities became clear when he became ill. Instead of seeking God, he sought help from a false god.

Then God sent the prophet Elijah to interrupt Ahaziah’s messengers. He told them to ask the king why he was looking to the god of Ekron: “Is it because there is no God in Israel?” God warned that, instead of being healed, Ahaziah would die from this illness.

After the messengers returned, Ahaziah sent 50 soldiers to seek Elijah. When they found him, Elijah merely spoke a word and fire consumed the soldiers. Learning nothing, Ahaziah sent more soldiers, but they, too, were consumed by fire.

Undaunted, Ahaziah sent more soldiers, but their captain was different. He humbled himself before Elijah and begged him to spare his life (and the lives of his soldiers). At the command of an angel, Elijah went with this captain.

When Elijah faced Ahaziah, he repeated the message he had given earlier. Why had Ahaziah sought the god of Ekron instead of God Almighty? His efforts would not succeed. He would not recover from his illness.

Many people are like Ahaziah! They’re determined to reject the Gospel and ignore God, yet willing to follow false religions or deceitful ideas. For a season, such people might seem to succeed. But, eventually, God always triumphs.

Today, don’t be seduced by clever words or tempted by false doctrines. Remember: “There is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).