#soap # 2 Kings 16 ## Title: Make a Fresh Start ## Scripture: (2 Kings 16:20) “Ahaz passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. His son Hezekiah replaced him as king.” (NET) ## Observation: This chapter is so sad. King Ahaz was an evil king who did terrible things. His idol worship caused him to even kill his own son. He also adopted the occultism of other places that also required him to desecrate the Temple of God. However, the end of the chapter says that at his death, his son Hezekiah became the next king. Hezekiah would have grown up watching all the things his father had done. He was also likely taught this was right and good by his father. However, Hezekiah turns out to be a great king who turns back to the Lord. He makes things right and God delivers him from many things. You cannot help what others do, but you CAN help what you do. You can also make a fresh start and choose to follow the Lord. This can also include your own life. If you have been far from God, you can make a fresh start in your own life. From this day forward, I will worship the LORD of Heaven and Earth. ## Application: Decide to follow the Lord with all your heart, no matter what anyone else does. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being so easy to follow. You are the God of miracles.