As a human race we get way off track. We twist values of decency and respect into creative ways to harm others for our perceived benefit. This took the form of Nazi aggressions, their attempted eradication of the Jewish race, and the current invasion of Ukraine by a neighbor. Although not as tragic, we daily experience twisting on a personal scale as well.

In ancient times, in a search for power and success people turned to gods other than the Lord. These gods demanded heinous sacrifices and promised lavish benefits. King Ahaz jumped in. We’re told that he followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.

In his lust for power, Ahaz burned his son alive. What drives a father to such a decision? What gods twist the mind so completely as to sacrifice a child?

While shocking, human sacrifice repeated itself throughout the world. The Aztecs killed thousands annually to appease the gods. But more than appeasement, those who performed these ceremonies hoped to gain new and deeper powers from their worship.

Such a lust flourishes today. How many lives are sacrificed for convenience? How many innocent children die in wars in Africa we hear little about, or suffer in the sex trade, or twist under the onslaught of gender confusion?

Isaiah wrote: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

From the first interactions in the garden, men and women have twisted evil to look good. It takes years, even generations, to undo the damage. Stay vigilant. Look to the Scriptures for understanding. A society who sacrifices their children is never far away from disaster.

May the Lord move us a different direction.

Isaiah 5 & 2 Kings 16 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Kier in Sight Archives