WRONG STEP

Playing chess heavily relies on strategy. Each move can weaken or strengthen us. Making a wrong move can cause us to lose valuable pieces, even facing the threat of losing the game. Chess teaches us that every move must be made carefully, calculated, and purposeful. It's not about making random moves, even if the decision is made in a short time.

In the real world, wrong steps can also be deadly. Rezin, the king of Aram, and Pekah, the king of Israel, led a large army to fight against Ahaz, the king of Judah. Ahaz and all the people trembled in fear (Isaiah 7:1-2). In the midst of confusion, God sent Prophet Isaiah to assure him of protection, as long as he believed and relied on the Lord. Unfortunately, Ahaz chose a different strategy. He rejected God, then turned to ask for help from the king of Assyria.

The king of Assyria indeed arrived promptly. However, he did not come as an ally to Ahaz, but as a ruthless bandit who ruthlessly plundered all the wealth of Judah. He demanded a very large tribute. Ahaz then plundered valuable items from the house of God, the palace, and the leaders' houses of Judah. He handed them all over to the king of Assyria. However, that action did not benefit him at all. Assyria did not help him. Ahaz truly made a wrong step. He abandoned the God who was ready to help him, only to find himself deceived, drained, and abandoned by Assyria. Therefore, let us lean on God at every step so that our lives are directed correctly and pleasing to Him. --HT/www.renunganharian.net