Read 2 Kings 11.
When the king in the southern kingdom of Judah died, Athaliah, his wicked mother, seized the throne. It is hard to imagine someone being so power hungry that they would kill every family member. But thanks to the merciful act of Jehosheba, Athaliah's grandson was hidden from the slaughter.
After more than six years, God raised up Jehoida, the priest, to implement a plan to overthrow Athaliah and to once again spiritually cleanse the nation. Joash, though just a boy, was crowned king of Judah with his spiritual mentor making the decisions.
"And Jehoida made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people, that they should be the LORD's people..." (v.17)
What does it mean to be the LORD's people?
It meant that they would live to please and obey God. It meant that they would get rid of anything that displeased the LORD. This was a new beginning for the nation.
As we embark on this new year, it is an appropriate time for some self-evaluation before the LORD. In what ways are we pleasing Him now? What needs to be added to our daily disciplines? What needs to be deleted from our lives in order to wholly obey Him? What commitments do we need to make now in order to be a growing believer in Jesus?
I am glad to be counted among the LORD's people.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
God Keeps His Promises
Read 2 Kings 8-10.
Time and again the scriptures record how God keeps His promises.
To the Shunammite widow we met in chapter 4, God protected her by letting her know in advance that there would be a famine for seven years. She left the country for that time and the LORD took care of her. When she returned God gave her favor with the king to restore her house and land. Even more, he ordered that she be given seven years of produce from the land.
Next, in Syria, God revealed to Elisha that King Ben-hadad would die and Hazael would reign in his place. It happened, just as He said.
Then, the LORD had to deal with Jehoram, king of Judah. He was an evil king. "Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever." (8:19)
Elisha instructed a nameless prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. His charge was to rid the country of the wickedness and sorceries of Ahab and Jezebel. God used Jehu to fulfill the promises that were made in 1 Kings 21 by Elijah. Finally, the murder of the innocent man, Naboth, had been avenged.
Further, Jehu obeyed the LORD in executing all of Ahab's descendants and all the false prophets in Israel. In the process of spiritually cleansing the nation he stated, "Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the LORD." (10:10a)
The wheels of God's justice may turn slowly (to us) but they do turn. God works His justice through kings and nations. Government overthrows and powers are in His hand. What God promises He will fulfill. His word is without error and totally reliable.
Time and again the scriptures record how God keeps His promises.
To the Shunammite widow we met in chapter 4, God protected her by letting her know in advance that there would be a famine for seven years. She left the country for that time and the LORD took care of her. When she returned God gave her favor with the king to restore her house and land. Even more, he ordered that she be given seven years of produce from the land.
Next, in Syria, God revealed to Elisha that King Ben-hadad would die and Hazael would reign in his place. It happened, just as He said.
Then, the LORD had to deal with Jehoram, king of Judah. He was an evil king. "Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever." (8:19)
Elisha instructed a nameless prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. His charge was to rid the country of the wickedness and sorceries of Ahab and Jezebel. God used Jehu to fulfill the promises that were made in 1 Kings 21 by Elijah. Finally, the murder of the innocent man, Naboth, had been avenged.
Further, Jehu obeyed the LORD in executing all of Ahab's descendants and all the false prophets in Israel. In the process of spiritually cleansing the nation he stated, "Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the LORD." (10:10a)
The wheels of God's justice may turn slowly (to us) but they do turn. God works His justice through kings and nations. Government overthrows and powers are in His hand. What God promises He will fulfill. His word is without error and totally reliable.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Prepare for the windows of heaven to Open
Read 2 Kings 7.
Syria took military action again. This time they laid siege to Samaria. Their tactic was simply to starve the city to death. The plan was working until the king of Israel had had enough and blamed Elisha. When the captain arrived, whom the king sent to arrest Elisha, Elisha prophesied that all would be well. There would be plenty of food and provisions for the city within twenty-four hours.
The captain did not believe this word from the LORD. He scoffed that even if God made "windows in heaven" it would not happen. Without any assistance from Israel, God confused the Syrian army so that they fled in panic. They left behind all their food, clothing, valuables and animals. The city of Samaria had more than they could use. But unbelief cost the captain his life.
How does God open the windows of heaven? The LORD is not limited in His ability to meet our needs. He does not drop money out of the sky. The resources He wants to give to His people are already here and nearer than we could imagine. If we can earn it all without dependence on Him or if we feel we deserve it, then we could claim it as our own. But when we know we did not deserve it and He surprises us with His grace, then He alone gets the credit and the glory.
First, we are to honor God with what He has already provided. "Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." (Malachi 3:10)
Syria took military action again. This time they laid siege to Samaria. Their tactic was simply to starve the city to death. The plan was working until the king of Israel had had enough and blamed Elisha. When the captain arrived, whom the king sent to arrest Elisha, Elisha prophesied that all would be well. There would be plenty of food and provisions for the city within twenty-four hours.
The captain did not believe this word from the LORD. He scoffed that even if God made "windows in heaven" it would not happen. Without any assistance from Israel, God confused the Syrian army so that they fled in panic. They left behind all their food, clothing, valuables and animals. The city of Samaria had more than they could use. But unbelief cost the captain his life.
How does God open the windows of heaven? The LORD is not limited in His ability to meet our needs. He does not drop money out of the sky. The resources He wants to give to His people are already here and nearer than we could imagine. If we can earn it all without dependence on Him or if we feel we deserve it, then we could claim it as our own. But when we know we did not deserve it and He surprises us with His grace, then He alone gets the credit and the glory.
First, we are to honor God with what He has already provided. "Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." (Malachi 3:10)
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Do you see God's chariots of fire?
Read 2 Kings 6.
The Syrian king, Ben-hadad, repeatedly sought to attack Israel. But each time God revealed the plans to Elisha who in turn informed the king of Israel. Israel could not have had a better source of military intelligence. It was God's way of protecting the northern kingdom.
Once Ben-hadad discovered the source of the "intelligence leak", he sent his troops to capture Elisha. They surrounded the city with their chariots, ready to advance. Surely, Elisha's servant was not the only one to be scared. But Elisha could see what no one else did. He saw what God was doing to protect all of them. He prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see" (v.17). God had encircled Elisha with horses and chariots of fire. Then, the LORD struck the enemy with blindness so they were unable to move. Humorously, Elisha led the Syrian army into the capital city of Israel. Instead of killing them, a feast was provided and the king of Israel sent them back home safely. Only God.
In times of fear-
1. Pray to see the problem from a spiritual perspective. What is God doing? It was not Syria against Elisha but Syria against God. (v.16)
2. Pray that others will see the problem from God's perspective. (v.17)
3. Pray directly for God's power to be displayed. (v.18)
4. Exercise wisdom that will result in peace. (v.23)
The Syrian king, Ben-hadad, repeatedly sought to attack Israel. But each time God revealed the plans to Elisha who in turn informed the king of Israel. Israel could not have had a better source of military intelligence. It was God's way of protecting the northern kingdom.
Once Ben-hadad discovered the source of the "intelligence leak", he sent his troops to capture Elisha. They surrounded the city with their chariots, ready to advance. Surely, Elisha's servant was not the only one to be scared. But Elisha could see what no one else did. He saw what God was doing to protect all of them. He prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see" (v.17). God had encircled Elisha with horses and chariots of fire. Then, the LORD struck the enemy with blindness so they were unable to move. Humorously, Elisha led the Syrian army into the capital city of Israel. Instead of killing them, a feast was provided and the king of Israel sent them back home safely. Only God.
In times of fear-
1. Pray to see the problem from a spiritual perspective. What is God doing? It was not Syria against Elisha but Syria against God. (v.16)
2. Pray that others will see the problem from God's perspective. (v.17)
3. Pray directly for God's power to be displayed. (v.18)
4. Exercise wisdom that will result in peace. (v.23)
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Testing: what are the Results?
Read 2 Kings 5.
Naaman is described as "a great man", "in high favor", and "a mighty man". He served the king of Syria as an army general. Further, it was because of Naaman "the LORD had given victory to Syria." That would seem to indicate that he was a just man, trying to do right, even though he did not know the LORD. Now the tests begin to unfold in his life.
Test #1. He had leprosy. This meant he would live the rest of his life as an outcast and unable to be close to people. This had to be humiliating for such a national leader. How would he respond?
Test #2. In one of his conquests, he had captured a young Jewish girl and given her to his wife as a slave. The girl remembered that there was a prophet in Israel who could help with this leprosy. Would this great man listen to the advice of a foreign slave girl?
Test #3. With papers of passage, he left Syria and rode to the king of Israel in Samaria. His purpose was totally misunderstood. King Joram took it as a personal threat and became greatly upset at the prospect of war with Syria. How would Naaman feel at this point? Would his hopes be dashed? Would he have to stand there and be embarrassed before this king? Would his life be threatened? As a general, would he begin a battle plan?
Test #4. God had Elisha intervene. The mighty general rode up to "the door" with his entourage and thought he would receive some memorable display of prophetic power from Elisha. But Elisha never even came to the door. Naaman was immediately offended. Would he let pride get in the way of what he really needed and wanted?
It is through the tests of life that God endeavors to gain our attention to draw us to Himself. His first purpose is for us to come to know Him personally. The tests from then on are directed for our spiritual growth and trust in Him.
Naaman had a physical problem and looked to Elisha for a show of miraculous power. Instead, what God wanted from Naaman was a demonstration of humble obedience. When he became willing to obey, then the miracle happened. The physical results were temporal. The more important miracle is what took place inside Naaman. He became spiritually awakened and worshipped the true and living God.
Naaman is described as "a great man", "in high favor", and "a mighty man". He served the king of Syria as an army general. Further, it was because of Naaman "the LORD had given victory to Syria." That would seem to indicate that he was a just man, trying to do right, even though he did not know the LORD. Now the tests begin to unfold in his life.
Test #1. He had leprosy. This meant he would live the rest of his life as an outcast and unable to be close to people. This had to be humiliating for such a national leader. How would he respond?
Test #2. In one of his conquests, he had captured a young Jewish girl and given her to his wife as a slave. The girl remembered that there was a prophet in Israel who could help with this leprosy. Would this great man listen to the advice of a foreign slave girl?
Test #3. With papers of passage, he left Syria and rode to the king of Israel in Samaria. His purpose was totally misunderstood. King Joram took it as a personal threat and became greatly upset at the prospect of war with Syria. How would Naaman feel at this point? Would his hopes be dashed? Would he have to stand there and be embarrassed before this king? Would his life be threatened? As a general, would he begin a battle plan?
Test #4. God had Elisha intervene. The mighty general rode up to "the door" with his entourage and thought he would receive some memorable display of prophetic power from Elisha. But Elisha never even came to the door. Naaman was immediately offended. Would he let pride get in the way of what he really needed and wanted?
It is through the tests of life that God endeavors to gain our attention to draw us to Himself. His first purpose is for us to come to know Him personally. The tests from then on are directed for our spiritual growth and trust in Him.
Naaman had a physical problem and looked to Elisha for a show of miraculous power. Instead, what God wanted from Naaman was a demonstration of humble obedience. When he became willing to obey, then the miracle happened. The physical results were temporal. The more important miracle is what took place inside Naaman. He became spiritually awakened and worshipped the true and living God.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Preparing to be Blessed
Read 2 Kings 4.
Elisha's double portion of Elijah's spirit continues to be on display in this chapter. It contains three more miracles.
The first opportunity came from a widow of one of the prophets. With her husband gone and no means of support, she was being foreclosed upon by creditors. Evidently, she had no property as collateral, so her two sons would be taken as debtor slaves. Elisha used a tactic often employed by Jesus. The need appeared obvious but there was more than one way to resolve the issue. He asked her thoughtful questions.
Some transferable insights for us:
1. Throughout the Old and New Testament, God has ordered special attention and care for widows and orphans.
2. Giving money to the needy is not always the best way to resolve the problem.
3. When there is a desperate need, it is good and right to ask ourselves and others some clarifying questions.
4. The key question is-"What do you already have"? Often, the answer is not money but what is readily available to use for a solution beyond the immediate crisis. It may not seem like much, but with God's blessing it can be enough.
5. Get ready to receive. This requires an act of faith. God will not waste His resources. Why would He bless those who have no capacity to receive it. The widow prepared to receive the blessing by expanding her capacity. It was only a bunch of empty pots. Note: God only gave her what she had prepared to receive. Once all the pots were full, the blessing stopped.
6. In two of the miracles in this chapter Elisha gave instructions to "shut the door". These miracles were not done as a side-show to draw a crowd. Many times God works in private in order to reward openly.
I want to do the things today that will expand my capacity for God to bless and use me in the future.
Elisha's double portion of Elijah's spirit continues to be on display in this chapter. It contains three more miracles.
The first opportunity came from a widow of one of the prophets. With her husband gone and no means of support, she was being foreclosed upon by creditors. Evidently, she had no property as collateral, so her two sons would be taken as debtor slaves. Elisha used a tactic often employed by Jesus. The need appeared obvious but there was more than one way to resolve the issue. He asked her thoughtful questions.
Some transferable insights for us:
1. Throughout the Old and New Testament, God has ordered special attention and care for widows and orphans.
2. Giving money to the needy is not always the best way to resolve the problem.
3. When there is a desperate need, it is good and right to ask ourselves and others some clarifying questions.
4. The key question is-"What do you already have"? Often, the answer is not money but what is readily available to use for a solution beyond the immediate crisis. It may not seem like much, but with God's blessing it can be enough.
5. Get ready to receive. This requires an act of faith. God will not waste His resources. Why would He bless those who have no capacity to receive it. The widow prepared to receive the blessing by expanding her capacity. It was only a bunch of empty pots. Note: God only gave her what she had prepared to receive. Once all the pots were full, the blessing stopped.
6. In two of the miracles in this chapter Elisha gave instructions to "shut the door". These miracles were not done as a side-show to draw a crowd. Many times God works in private in order to reward openly.
I want to do the things today that will expand my capacity for God to bless and use me in the future.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Whom do you turn to?
Read 2 Kings 3.
The king of Moab grew tired of providing enormous amounts of taxation in the form of food and clothing to Israel. This rebellion demanded a military response. The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom formed a quick alliance and set out for battle.
Their strategy caused them to march in areas where there was no water. Only now do they want to inquire of God. So, they sent for Elisha. Before Elisha did anything, he pointed out to Jehoshaphat that with all the false prophets in Israel, none of them could help when he needed it. Meeting even the vast needs of armies and animals with that much water was no problem for God. "This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD" (verse 18a). Besides that, the LORD guaranteed their victory.
When the king of Moab realized he could not win, he resorted to a desperate act for help according to his pagan worship. He sacrificed his own son as an offering to a made-up god. This was so repulsive that everyone returned home disgusted.
1. God is a person with whom we are to have a personal, intimate relationship.
2. God is not an insurance policy that is only used when there is a disaster.
3. There is only One in heaven who can truly help us. All other sources of help will eventually prove to be poor substitutes at best and evil at worst.
As Edward Mote penned, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand."
The king of Moab grew tired of providing enormous amounts of taxation in the form of food and clothing to Israel. This rebellion demanded a military response. The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom formed a quick alliance and set out for battle.
Their strategy caused them to march in areas where there was no water. Only now do they want to inquire of God. So, they sent for Elisha. Before Elisha did anything, he pointed out to Jehoshaphat that with all the false prophets in Israel, none of them could help when he needed it. Meeting even the vast needs of armies and animals with that much water was no problem for God. "This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD" (verse 18a). Besides that, the LORD guaranteed their victory.
When the king of Moab realized he could not win, he resorted to a desperate act for help according to his pagan worship. He sacrificed his own son as an offering to a made-up god. This was so repulsive that everyone returned home disgusted.
1. God is a person with whom we are to have a personal, intimate relationship.
2. God is not an insurance policy that is only used when there is a disaster.
3. There is only One in heaven who can truly help us. All other sources of help will eventually prove to be poor substitutes at best and evil at worst.
As Edward Mote penned, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand."
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