The number one block to Hope

 Read 2 Kings 1. 

When the need is great enough people search for spiritual help. 

Ahaziah was an evil king over Israel.  But as he lay dying from an accident he wanted spiritual intervention.  He turned to the pagan, made-up god called Baal-zebub.  In response, God sent Elijah.

The majority of the Jews lived in the northern kingdom of Israel.  They separated from Judah.  The problem was that Jerusalem with the Temple was in the south.  Spiritually, the north had cut themselves off from their true center of worship.  Elijah's message from God, in the form of question, underscored the issue. 

King Ahaziah thought he would display his royal power and authority by sending troops to order Elijah to appear before him.  Underneath the surface of this action was the spiritual battle.  It was not the king against Elijah.  It was the hubris of Ahaziah and his rebellion against the God of heaven.  Unfortunately, the king's pride cost the lives of many soldiers.  Finally, the third captain understood.  With great humility, he pleaded with Elijah for his life and that of his men. 

There was no repentance of sin on the part of Ahaziah.  In his hurt, he just wanted help from any spiritual source.  The only true spiritual help and the only hope for eternity was right in front of him.  Why would a dying man continue to hold fast to his false beliefs?  "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."  Proverbs 16:18 

"...'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'  Submit yourselves therefore to God." James 4:6b-7a