As we gather to worship on this first Sunday of 2010, I remind you that we all face new choices. Each of us will have new decisions to make in the coming year. May we seek Immanuel, God with us, as we make these major and minor choices.

For a few moments this morning I would like to have us consider an Old Testament character named Ahaz and some choices he made. The Lord offered Ahaz a sign to confirm the previous predictions - to bolster his faith. What a gracious offer from the Lord. Ahaz turned down this offer made through the prophet Isaiah with the pretext of a pious reason that he would not tempt the Lord. From the narrative of this account in II Kings 16 however, we discover the reason why Ahaz rudely refused and rejected God's offer. Actually Ahaz had already made his choice and he did not place his faith in the Lord God. Instead he trusted the Assyrians, their forces, and their gods. Soon afterwards he found out what a poor choice he had made.

Isaiah reproved Ahaz and the Jewish people fro trying God's patience - and then in the Lord's name told them that God will give them a sign anyway, even though they don't want it and they certainly do not deserve it. This is the sign from the prophet Isaiah, "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she shall call His name Immanuel."

This prophesy seems to find immediate fulfillment in Isaiah's own lifetime referring to a young woman who would soon become Isaiah's wife. At the time of the prophesy she was a young unmarried virgin. This prophetic fulfillment would also be the sign of the Messiah who would later be born of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. In spite of the fact that Israel had a wicked king, God would ultimately bring deliverance through the Jewish people. How ironic that while King Ahaz is calling on a foreign army to help, God tells of the birth of a child to become the Savior of His people. As we make our choices, we are called to demonstrate a child like faith in God.

Before the child, soon to be born as the immediate fulfillment of the prophesy, was old enough to make decisions for himself, the land would be devastated. Ahaz made one poor choice after another. How about you and me? What kind of choices will we make in this new year. Two types of good choices are mentioned in verse 16 and I want to suggest a third that goes along with the first two.

I. Refuse Evil

Refuse Evil is very strong language. Obviously Ahaz did not pay much attention to this strong language. Ahaz did not refuse evil. Instead he chose evil, again, and again, and again. Ultimately judgement came and Ahaz paid for his mistakes.

Sometimes good people, even some Christians do not think very seriously about their need to choose to refuse evil. To refuse evil does not seem to come naturally, only supernaturally. We really need the Holy Spirit's help in doing so, but first it must be a choice of our own will.

II. Repeatedly Choose Good

Notice that I said, "Repeatedly choose Good", not just choose good. Most people choose good sometimes. Even though Ahaz frequently chose evil, I think even this wicked king made a few good choices.

Unless we sincerely seek God's help we will not repeatedly choose good. One problem that we face is that the Devil tries to make things that are not good at all, appear to be good.

III. Resolve to Grow in Christ

Resolve to grow in Christ. How does this sound for a New Year's resolution? Good. I thought so too. I hope that each of you resolve to Grow in Christ in 2010. However, I think it is too general. I believe we should prayerfully determine how we should make this resolution more specific.

We read in the book of Daniel, "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." That was a specific goal. Before we face the temptation is a good time to set a goal of not polluting our body and our mind with things that may take our focus off of Christ.

"if you aim at nothing, you're sure to hit it." There's a lot of truth in this old saying - especially when applied to Christian growth. If we do not establish specific spiritual goals for ourselves, we will make little if any real progress. We'll wander aimlessly from one experience to another.

Christians without goals are a little like Alice in the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland. In a conversation between her and the Cheshire Cat, Alice asked.

'Cheshire Puss,' she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. 'Come, it's pleased so far,' thought Alice, and she went on. 'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'

'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.

'I don't much care where--' said Alice.

'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.

'--so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation.

'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.'

When we know where we want to get to then it does in fact make a difference in the direction we face. Setting some specific goals can be helpful. For example: I resolve to: worship with my church family every week, read the Bible every day, spend time in prayer each day, be involved in a Bible study group, attend a Sunday School class, volunteer to serve in my local church, give my tithe to my church, serve God in our community, help those less fortunate, teach a class, use my musical talent, go on a mission trip, develop my spiritual gifts, etc.

Conclusion

What choices will you make for this new year? Will you choose to Refuse Evil, Repeatedly Choose Good, Resolve to Grow in Christ?

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