Archives for April 2012

TODAY’S READING: II KINGS 21-25

 

OVERVIEW: 

Wicked Manasseh and Amon; Last good King Josiah; Four evil kings; Babylonian captivity

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The righteous leadership of Hezekiah was quickly replaced by the overwhelming evil of his son Manasseh.  Though we read of his later repentance in II Chronicles 33, Jeremiah 15:4 says that the kingdom will be removed because of the deeds of Manasseh inJerusalem.  The deeds of a leader (husband, father, teacher, pastor) have a far reaching effect for good or bad.

 

One of the things that is over looked in these chapters is the sparing of Hezekiah. The Lord was going to remove his life, but Hezekiah prayed for mercy and God gave him 15 more years. During this 15 years is when the birth of Manasseh occurred. Had the Lord not showed mercy to Hezekiah by giving him 15 more years, then Manasseh would of not been born, therefore Judah would have avoided the evil that was produced by this man.

 

Josiah, the last good king, did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.  He had chosen to do right and restore the temple before the book of the law was found.  The knowledge from the Word of God would not have been uncovered, if Josiah had not already chosen to do right!  II Peter 1: 4-7 shows us that virtue (choosing to do right) is added to our life before knowledge.  If we have not decided to follow what the Lord says, what need is there to accumulate any more knowledge?

 

With the new knowledge from the books of the Law, Josiah humbles himself before the Lord, makes a covenant to the Lord in presence of all the people and begins to cleanse the temple and the land.  He removes the idols and the high places of worship inJerusalem.  Interestingly, he carries the items of sin across the brook Kidron, destroys them and scatters the ashes on old graves.  The Lord Jesus Christ crossed the very same brook Kidron (Cedron) on the way to the cross and the grave (John 18:1).

 

Josiah continues the cleansing and goes toBethelto destroy the golden calf set up by Jeroboam.  The idol worship that plagued the children ofIsraelthroughout the entire time of the kingdom is finally destroyed by the one who was prophesied by name.   II Kings18:25tells us that there was no king like Josiah that turned to the Lord with all of his heart.  Not until Josiah, did any king go up and destroy that one idol. 

 

None of the final four kings follow in the footsteps of Josiah; all are weak evil kings, controlled by other foreign kings.  Because of the evil of Manasseh, the Lord will not spareJudah.  The leaders, the people and the treasures that should have been dedicated to the Lord, are carried away to serve in captivity. 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As PROCLAIMER OF THE WORD – II Kings 26:2 (Luke4:16)

As ONE PROMISED BY NAME – I Kings 13:2 & II Kings 22:1 (Matthew1:21-23; Luke2:21) As THE PASSOVER – II Kings23:21(I Corinthians 5:7; John1:29; I Peter1:19) As INNOCENT BLOOD OFJERUSALEM– II Kings 24:4 (Matthew 27:4; Acts13:28)

TODAY’S READING: II KINGS 17-20

 

OVERVIEW: 

Israelcarried away; Reign of Hezekiah

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The judgment of Jeroboam’s sin inIsraelcomes today.  God has warned through his prophets; God has disciplined through other nations.  Now judgment comes.  Twenty kings through 200 years have had opportunities to repent and obey the word of the Lord.  Psalm 86:5 reminds us: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”  The Lord sent prophets and was ready to forgive, but II Kings17:14gives the heart of the matter: “They would not hear.” The next few verses say that they rejected his statutes and his commandments.  Judgment comes because of our will.  Proverbs 29:1 says: “He, that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” 

 

Chapters 18 through 20 reveal the life of a king unlike any others in thelandofJudahbecause “he trusted in the Lord God.”  Hezekiah accomplished great things inJudah:  he destroyed the idolatry; conquered the Philistines; resisted the Assyrians; fortified his city and built great water works.  But his real legacy is in chapter 18: he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord; he trusted in the Lord God; he departed not from following the Lord; the Lord was with him and he prospered wherever he went. 

 

Hezekiah’s life was not without troubles though.  His faith and dependence on the Lord was tested severely.  His trust in the Lord was specifically challenged and ridiculed publicly by the messengers fromAssyria.  The messengers spoke scornfully in detail of his religious reforms.  Hezekiah’s immediate response to trouble was prayer and seeking God’s word.  The answer returns: “Be not afraid. . .I will cause him to fall” in II Kings 19:6, 7.  When a threatening letter came from the king ofAssyria, Hezekiah again was immediately in prayer to the Lord.  God’s answer was: “I have heard your prayer. . . the king ofAssyria, he shall not come into this city.”  The Lord miraculously delivers Hezekiah and thelandofJudah.

 

In chapter 20, Hezekiah’s faith is tested through his health.  Verse 6 reveals that this time of trial comes during the conflicts with the king ofAssyria.  The public challenges were compounded with private health issues.  Hezekiah’s response is consistent; he prayed!

 

 

 

Through the trials and life of Hezekiah we learn about “trusting the Lord.”  Some of the Psalms that could have encouraged Hezekiah are:

 

Psalm 18:3 – As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psalm 20:7 – Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 25:2 – O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Psalm 32:10 – Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 33:21 – For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

Psalm 44:6 – For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Psalm 56:11 – In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

Psalm 118:8 – It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 143:8 – Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As TEACHER – II Kings17:27(Mark 4:1; John 3:2)

As CLEANSER OF THETEMPLE– II Kings 18:4 (Matthew21:12; Mark11:15; John2:15) As A MAN OF PRAYER – II Kings19:15(John 17; Matthew 26:39; Luke5:16;22:32)

 

TODAY’S READING: II KINGS 13-16

 

OVERVIEW: 

Israeldelivered into hand ofSyria; Death of Elisha; Three good kings inJudah; Final kings ofIsrael

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

During this period of time, it is tricky to keep the kings ofJudahandIsraelstraight.  Both kingdoms have a king named Ahaziah.  And, both kingdoms have a king named Joash, whose name is sometimes spelled Jehoash.  They can be identified by carefully reading the name of their kingdom or their father.  King Joash of Judah, the son of Ahaziah, began his reign in chapter 12 and did right in the sight of the Lord.  King Joash ofIsrael, the son of Jehoahaz, began his reign in II Kings 13:9 – 11 and did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.  Another awkward aspect to our mind is that the stories of two kingdoms are being told in parallel.  Everything cannot be recorded in chronological order.  The history of one king may overlap one or more kings in the other kingdom.  The death of Joash, king ofIsraelis told in both II Kings13:13and II Kings14:16, because chapter 13 is telling the story inIsraeland chapter 14 is telling the story inJudah.  Careful reading of the context is required.

 

At the end of chapter 13, we have an example of the enduring faithfulness of the Lord.  ThoughIsraelhas worshipped Baal repeatedly and the golden calves continually, the Lord is gracious and has compassion on them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

 

The beginning of chapter 14 gives an interesting insight into the effect of a father on his son.  Joash had started his reign as a good king, through the influence of the priest Jehoiada.  Evidently, the teaching of Jehoiada not only affected Joash, but was also given to his son Amaziah.  Verse 3 says he did as his father did and in verse 6, he followed the commandment of the Lord from the book of Deuteronomy. 

 

Chapter 15 continues with two more good kings ofJudah: Azariah, also called Uzziah and Jotham.  Both did right in the sight of the Lord as his father had done.  II Chronicles 26 tells us that as long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God made him to prosper, but warns that after much success, Uzziah’s heart was lifted up to his destruction.

 

ThoughJudahhas a series of good kings,Israelis spiraling downward.  Though Jeroboam has outward success, he did that which was evil and never departed from idol worship.  Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah and Pekah continue in the evil and bringIsraelnear captivity.  Most of these kings are murdered, one after only one month on the throne.  Menahem is a ruthless and cruel leader.  Pekah and his army kill 120,000 men in one day of battle.  Yet, in such a dark time, Isaiah prophesies that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, Immanuel (Isaiah7:14).  Isaiah 9 is written at this time to a people in darkness that have seen a great light.  “A son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As SAVIOUR – II Kings 13:5 (Luke2:11; Acts5:31;13:23)

As THE RESURRECTION – II Kings13:21(John11:25)

As THE BRASEN ALTAR – II Kings16:14(Hebrews9:14)

TODAY’S READING: II KINGS 9-12

 

OVERVIEW:

Jehu executes judgment; Joash is spared and becomes king; Joash repairs the temple.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Two chapters of today’s reading deal with Jehu and two deal with Joash.  Both men will do God’s work, but neither with a pure heart for God.  The results will be short-lived and self-promoting; the Lord won’t get the glory and praise.

 

Jehu was prophesied by name years earlier by Elijah (I Kings19:16) to completely remove the lineage of the wicked Ahab.  The promised avenger could have given great glory to God to show the trustworthiness of God’s promises, but did not because of extreme cruelty and pride.  In chapter 9, Jehu executes judgment on Joram, the king ofIsrael, Ahaziah, the king of Judah and Jezebel, the wife of Ahab.  In chapter 10, Jehu continues with all of the descendants of Ahab and all of the Baal worshippers inIsrael.  He accomplishes the tasks with intimidation (II Kings 10:3, 4), ruthlessness (II Kings10:14), pride (II Kings10:16) and trickery (II Kings10:18, 19).  Jehu is rewarded for removing Baal and the house of Ahab, but because he continued with the worship of the golden calves and disregarded the law of the Lord,Israelmoves closer to captivity (II Kings10:32).

 

Chapters 11 and 12 take us to the other kingdom,Judah.  When Ahaziah is killed by Jehu, his mother, Athaliah, kills all of her grandsons, in order to take the throne.  The Lord hides one baby boy, Joash, from the slaughter.  A faithful priest, Jehoiada, raises the boy for six years and then orchestrates his coronation as the king ofJudahat the age of seven.  Athaliah is removed and Joash (also called Jehoash) is a good king all of the days of Jehoiada.  But the demise of Joash is explained in II Chronicles 24:17.  Joash followed the Lord while Jehoiada lived, but after his death, Joash listened to the wrong counsel.  His spiritual discernment and commitment to the Lord, came from another man.  Sadly, Joash didn’t have that personally and it led to the severe judgment of God, not just in Joash’s life, but in the entirelandofJudah. 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE AVENGER – II Kings 9:7 (Revelation 6:9).

As THE INTERCESSOR – II Kings11:17(I Timothy 2:5; Romans8:34).

TODAY’S READING: II KINGS 5-8

 

OVERVIEW:

Healing of Naaman; miracles of Elisha; a great famine and deliverance; further decline ofIsraelandJudah.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The healing of a leprous Gentile is one of the best known stories of the Old Testament. All of the great things about Naaman in verse one mean nothing after reading the last phrase of the verse: “but he was a leper.” None of these things could overcome or heal leprosy, the picture of sin. None of our accomplishments or greatness can overcome sin, either. The cure is a gift from God, revealed by a servant of God.

 

After Naaman is told of healing inIsrael, he packed up his great possessions, assembled his entourage and departed for the places of power and influence. But there was no remedy there. If Elisha had not called Naaman to his house, Naaman would have had no hope. Though Naaman’s pride initially rejected the remedy offered to him, his obedience brought healing. Naaman went home in peace. Romans 5:1 tells us: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

The rest of the story reveals the heart of the servant Gehazi. Compare two words in chapter 5 and verse 20: “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.” His heart is revealed when he says he will take it from him.

 

After the deception and lies of Gehazi, the judgment of God came on him. The Word and Work of the Lord are still today tarnished by greed, deception and lies of some “servants” of the Lord.  II Corinthians4:18reminds us that if you can see something, it is temporary. Eternal things are seen through spiritual eyes. Though we often only think in terms of the things we see, we are in the middle of a real, eternal spiritual battle. Spiritual beings live and work on this earth. Job chapter one tells how they can cause physical effects and influence people. But I John 4:4 assures us: “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” The Lord Jesus Christ has conquered all. Now in II Kings chapter 6, Elisha and a young servant are in a city surrounded by bands of Syrians. Elisha had previously warned King Jehoram of the locations of the Syrians multiple times. The Syrians had now compassed the city, terrifying the young man. Without fear, Elisha tells him, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them.” With his eyes opened, the young man saw the reality of the battle that Elisha had already seen. The attackers are drawn into the city, blinded, and led to the middle ofSamaria.

 

The Syrian bands are surrounded byIsrael, given provisions, and sent back toSyria.  A famine comes to thekingdomofIsraeland is blamed on Elisha. King Jehoram blamed Elisha, just as his father Ahab blamed Elijah for the troubles inIsrael. But in chapter 7, the Lord will cause the Syrians to hear noises of a great army and flee, leaving a surplus of food and provisions. God provides plenty for all the people of a nation, but judges the one man who rejects Elisha’s prophecy in unbelief. Note that the Lord can deal with groups and individuals simultaneously.

 

Chapter 8 continues with the decline of bothIsraelandJudah. Benhadad, the king ofSyria, is murdered by Hazael. Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, begins a short, evil reign. The chapter ends with Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram, over Judah; and Joram, the son of Ahab, overIsrael. As promised in I Kings 19:15-17, judgment is coming! The wicked house of Ahab will soon be destroyed. God’s judgment is sure.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As ONE SENT TO THE GENTILES – II Kings 5:1-14 (Luke4:27).

As HEALER OF LEPROSY – II Kings5:10(Matthew 8:2, 3; Mark1:40, 41).

As POWERFUL PROTECTOR – II Kings6:16(Luke 12:7; I John 4:4).

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S READING: II KINGS 1-4

 

OVERVIEW:

Ahaziah sends 102 men to their death; Elijah is taken up; Elisha established as prophet;Moabrevolts; the miracles of Elisha.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The stubbornness and rebellion of man has no better example thanIsrael’s King Ahaziah.  He has seen and heard Elijah and the condemnation of Baal.  He knows of the fire falling from heaven in judgment of Baal.  And now, when he has a need in his life, he turns to Baal, the god of Ekron.  Even when confronted by Elijah, he sends two captains and their 50 men to their death, pursuing “wisdom” from Baal.  How could a man be so blind?  Could we ever be so blind?

 

An interesting insight into the mind of Elijah is shown in verse 15.  After calling down fire from heaven, the Lord tells Elijah “Don’t be afraid of this man.”   Elijah, the Prophet of Fire that confronted kings and religious leaders with the Word of the Lord, was a man with thoughts and passions like us.  James 5:16-18 reveals that his greatness wasn’t the confrontation and the fire; it was the effective prayer of a righteous man.

 

In Chapter 2, Elisha follows and serves his leader to the end.  Elisha had seen the fire, but he wanted the spirit!  He wanted what was inside!  Zechariah 4:6 proclaims: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.”  The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the promise of the Holy Spirit living and abiding in us in John, chapters 14, 15 and 16. Paul writes that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians1:22, Ephesians1:13,4:30), we have the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians5:22, 23), we are led by the Spirit (Romans8:14), taught by the Spirit (I Cor.2:10) and strengthened by the Spirit (Ephesians3:16).  We have already been promised what Elisha asked to receive. 

 

Elijah is taken into heaven.  Elijah’s mantle is left to Elisha and the Spirit of the Lord works through Elisha now.  The miracles and the work of the Lord will continue, because Elisha will be doing the work of God, not the work of Elijah.  God’s work continues as He brings another man into His place of service.  In the last part of chapter 2, Elisha is confirmed by God in the sight of other men.  Interestingly, Elisha asks for a double portion, and the number of his recorded miracles is double that of Elijah!

 

Chapter 3 details the deliverance of a good king (King Jehoshaphat ofJudah) that gets involved with other evil kings.  After the death of Ahaziah in chapter 1, his brother Jehoram begins to reign overIsrael.  He put away the image of Baal, but kept the golden calf of Jeroboam (I Kings12:28). Moabrevolts from the rule ofIsraeland Jehoram calls on Jehoshaphat and the king ofEdomto help.  Soon, the three kings are in a desert with no water and no hope.  Jehoshaphat is in the wrong place with the wrong people.  Only then, does Jehoshaphat ask for counsel from the Lord.  Elisha comes in and the Lord brings deliverance with the reflection of the sun on water.  In a place of no water, the Lord brings victory through water.

 

Elisha miraculously helps individuals in chapter 4.  After Elisha gives a widow instruction, the Lord multiplies her only possession (a pot of oil) to pay her debts and meet her future needs.   A woman, who takes care of Elisha, is given a son.  When the son later dies in the field, the Lord brings him back to life through Elisha.  A poisonous meal is purified and given to hungry men.  First fruit offerings are multiplied to meet the needs of many people.  In the Old Testament and New Testament, the Spirit of God abiding in and controlling a person, brings blessing, joy and hope to men and glory to God!

God abiding in and controlling a person, brings blessing, joy and hope to men and glory to God!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As JUDGE OF THE UNBELIEVERS – II Kings 1 (Revelation19:11-20:15). As GIVER OF THE SPIRIT – II Kings 2:9 (John14:16-17). As THE ASCENDED SAVIOR – II Kings2:11(Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). As THE GIVER OF LIVE – II Kings4:17(John6:33,10:28; I John5:11). As THE MULTIPLIER OF FOOD – II Kings 4:42-44 (Matthew14:16-21;15:32-38).

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 20-22

 

OVERVIEW: 

SyriaattacksIsraeltwice; Ahab spares the Syrian king; Ahab’s “purchase” of Naboth’s vineyard;IsraelandJudahunite againstSyria; the death of Ahab.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The Syrians, led by Ben-hadad, come againstIsraelduring Ahab’s reign.  Ahab agrees toSyria’s demands, but thenSyriasimply requests more.  Ahab cannot accept the second request and war follows.  Sometimes it seems easier to give in to little things because “it’s not that big of a deal.”  However, as we’ve seen before, the world, sin, and the flesh always want more.  Sooner or later we realize the price is too high and we must fight.  God reveals He will deliver the victory toIsrael.  It is amazing that even when we’re walking in the flesh, like Ahab, God is still willing to work in our life to bring us back to Himself. Syriais defeated, but comes against Ahab andIsraela second time.  God once again enablesIsraelto gain the victory.  However, despite God proving Himself and givingIsraelthe victory, Ahab still rebels against God and does not kill Ben-hadad, the Syrian king.  This will cost Ahab his life.  We see the same thing today in believers and unbelievers al! ike.  God proves Himself in their life, but they’re still not willing to obey God.  Ultimately, it will result in death as well.

 

Ahab is a confusing character.  He is king, and as we have seen, he is a very wicked king.  However, when his offer for Naboth’s vineyard is rejected, he doesn’t do anything other than sulk about it.  It is his wife Jezebel that schemes Naboth’s death, and then gives the vineyard to her husband.  He’s excited about the vineyard until Elijah meets him and pronounces God’s judgment upon him for his deeds.  Ahab then humbles himself before God, though he never truly repents.

 

In Chapter 22, Jehoshaphat is king ofJudahand makes an ally of Ahab so they can join in battle againstSyria.  Ahab’s prophets prophesy great victory, but Jehoshaphat can see these are not prophets of God.  Ahab doesn’t want to hear from the true prophet of God because he never likes what the prophet says – because it’s never good things concerning him.  We, too, live in a time where most people (saved and unsaved) do not want to hear the truth, especially about themselves.  They would rather hear a positive, uplifting message.  They want it to be spiritual, just not negative (II Timothy 4:1-5).  That’s why God says we live in a time of famine of hearing the Word of God (Amos8:11). Sadly, like the false prophets Ahab liked, most of God’s prophets today would rather be liked by the people, than obey God and preach His Word.  Ahab is killed in this battle and the prophecies against him in chapters 21 & 22 are fulfilled.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As MICAIAH, the prophet of the Lord, speaking whatever the Lord (Father) wants him to speak. I Kings22:14(John3:34;14:10).

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 16-19

 

OVERVIEW:  The corruption of the early kings of Israel; Elijah prophecies the drought; Elijah is fed miraculously; The widow obeys God’s Word; The widow’s son is raised from the dead; Elijah confronts Ahab; Elijah takes on the prophets of Baal; The Lord reveals Himself as the Lord; Elijah flees Jezebel; Elijah hears the still small voice of God; Elijah puts his mantle on Elisha.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The pattern for the kings ofIsraelwas one of apostasy.  Each one turned from God’s way and the Lord brought judgment on each.  Although it was a steady line of sinful kings, the crescendo was reached with Ahab.  Ahab takes as his wife the infamous Jezebel and begins a reign that somehow is more wicked than all the kings before him (16:33).  That is an amazing statement considering the statements made about the other kings in 16:7,13,19,25-26!  In the midst of Ahab’s wicked reign God raises up a prophet named Elijah.  Elijah prophecies to Ahab that it will not rain until Elijah calls for it.  God then provides food and drink for His prophet in two ways.  First, by using ravens to bring bread and flesh to Elijah while he drank from the brook Cherith.  Second, from a poor widow and her son. 

 

The story of the widow preparing Elijah’s food before she prepared, her own is one of the favorite stories pulled out of context by money-hungry televangelist.  They say, you, too, must give to God’s man first (i.e. them), and then God will bless you.  They twist the scripture and abuse it for their own profit.  The key is not what she did, but why she did it.  Notice in their conversation in17:10-16, the key is verse 14 when Elijah states this is the Word of God – “for thus saith the Lord God ofIsrael”.  The lesson is she obeyed God’s word despite her circumstances.  What we often do is disobey God’s Word and use our circumstances as an excuse.  We may not treat our spouse the way in which God tells us, but that is somehow our spouses fault (their actions) rather than ours.  We can justify murmuring because we don’t like or agree with something that is happening at the church.  We walk in the flesh because we’re just so busy!  The widow obeyed despite her circumstances, and so should we!  Then things get worse – her son dies!  God reveals she is not a super-saint – she questions God’s prophet – but in her honesty with God, He meets her need.  What we many times fail to do is get honest with God.  We want to take our frustrations to people who have no business hearing them.  God says, “Bring them to Me and I will meet your need!”

 

In the third year of the drought Elijah goes to confront Ahab.  The meeting is set up by one of Ahab’s governors, Obadiah.  God’s testimony about Obadiah is he fears the Lord greatly.  We would probably assume it impossible to fear God and be one of Ahab’s governors but that is what God said.  As Ahab and Elijah meet, Ahab tries to lay the blame on Elijah.  Isn’t it amazing how the world, and believers who are walking in the flesh, want to blame people who are simply obeying God for their problems?  It’s not new.  What is about to follow is the classic showdown between Elijah, calling upon the name of the Lord, and the prophets of Baal.  Most of us know the story of how God honors Elijah’s offering and reveals He is the Lord and Baal is nothing.  However, before that great victory and revival could take place Elijah had to confront Ahab.  We must be ready to deal with the things God wants us to deal with before He will move with revival in our lives.

 

From the mountain top experience to fleeing for his life, Elijah is being put through a myriad of emotions.  Jezebel wants to kill him for killing her prophets.  Elijah flees and starts to feel a little sorry for himself (19:4).  The good news is, he’s talking to God about it.  God reveals He still has a plan for Elijah and shows him the key is not the “big stuff” –19:11– but rather in hearing God’s voice and obeying -19:12.  God also reminds Elijah that there are 7,000 inIsraelthat are true to Him.  Isn’t that just like us?  We get thinking we’re the only ones doing right and obeying God and God has to remind just like us?  We get thinking we’re the only ones doing right and obeying God, and God has to remind us, we’re not alone!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE FIRE OF GOD consuming the sacrifice. – I Kings18:38(Heb.12:29).

 

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 12-15

 

OVERVIEW:

Rehoboam becomes king; the kingdom is divided; Jeroboam is made king of Israel and institutes false worship; the prophet of God rebukes Jeroboam; God judges Jeroboam’s house; the temple looted under Rehoboam’s reign; the reigns of Abijam and Asa in Judah; the reign of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, takes the throne after Solomon’s death. He has the opportunity to unify the people, but instead chooses foolish counsel over wise counsel.  Ten tribes rebel and become known asIsrael.  The tribes of Judah and Benjamin stay loyal to Rehoboam, and they are calledJudah.  Jeroboam is made king ofIsrael(the ten tribes).  In11:38, God promised to bless Jeroboam if he walked after God.  However, instead of trusting God, Jeroboam trusts his own heart.  He establishes a false system of worship and actually brings back the golden calf.

 

God sends a prophet to rebuke Jeroboam for this idolatry.  In one of the more bizarre stories in the Bible, the prophet, on his way home, is deceived by an older prophet and has supper in the old prophets home.  God chastises the young prophet for not obeying His Word, and takes the life of the young prophet.  As we have seen throughout our study, God says what He means, and means what He says!

 

God also judges Jeroboam and takes the life of his child.  Isn’t it interesting though, how he first tries to use God’s prophet in the midst of crisis, but nothing ever really changes in Jeroboam’s heart.  Rehoboam, reigning inJudah, is no better.  He builds the false gods and the false places of worship.  The price is still being paid for Solomon’s departure from the Word of God.  Our sin does not just affect us.  It can have an impact far into the future and to other generations.  This is also seen in the life of Jeroboam and his other son, Nadab.  Nadab is killed by Baasha, so Baasha can become king.  Baasha also killed all the house of Jeroboam.  The price of sin is high.

 

Abijam is Rehoboam’s son and he is evil like his father.  Asa, Abijam’s son, does what is right in the eyes of God.  We must not forget that sin is an individual choice.  In spite of my past, my circumstances, my family – I can choose to follow God.  There is never an excuse.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the PROPHECY OF JOSIAH.  Another child shall come that shall judge the false gods and false worship of this world.  – I Kings 13:2 (II Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 18:1-2, 10, 21).

 

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 9-11

 

OVERVIEW:

God speaks to Solomon; the Queen of Sheba comes to Solomon; Solomon’s kingdom increases in wealth; Solomon’s heart is turned away; God’s judgment upon Solomon.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapter 9 begins with God speaking to Solomon a second time.  It has now been 20 years since God first spoke to Solomon, and God reestablishes the path of blessing and the path of defeat.  God emphasizes in verse 4 walking in integrity of heart and uprightness, and keeping His statutes and judgments.  God does not expect perfection (David certainly wasn’t), but He is always seeking a true heart.  As a believer, we all have the same choice as Solomon.  Galatians 5 describes it as either walking in the Spirit or walking in the flesh.  The Spirit produces true spiritual fruit, while the flesh produces vanity.  If it wasn’t so difficult, it would seem like an easy choice. 

 

Chapter 10 begins with the Queen of Sheba coming to prove Solomon with hard questions.  She has heard of his fame, but can’t believe it can be true.  She quizzes him on the things most important to her heart, and she is blown away by his wisdom and his kingdom.  Doctrinally, this pictures the Lord Jesus Christ reigning inJerusalemas the people of the earth come unto Him.  Devotionally, isn’t it good to know that God is not afraid of hard questions?  Also, in 10:4-5 she is amazed at his wisdom, the house of the Lord, and everything about his kingdom.  We, too, can have the wisdom of God (the Bible) put on display in our life, and as it changes us, it should have an impact on those around us.  Once again, though in the midst of greatness, another crack is shown.  Chapter 10 and verse 14 states the weight of gold to come to Solomon in one year is six hundred threescore and six talents (666)!  Remember Deut.17:17– the kings ofIsraelare not to greatly multiply gold unto themselves.  Deut.17:16commands them not to multiply horses or go toEgyptto get horses.  Chapter 10, verses 26 and 28 shows the slippery slope Solomon was on.

 

We have seen the flaws in Solomon and now they will come full bore.  The three things God specifically mentions in Deut. 17:16-17 are the very things to which Solomon yields.  In the midst of the most blessed time inIsrael’s history and with their most glorious king on the throne, Solomon allows his heart to be turned away.  Remember when it was just horses and gold?  No big deal, right?  Now it’s a thousand women and building altars to false gods.  Proverbs4:23says we must guard our heart, but not just from the “big” stuff, but the little things as well.  This also should remind us that we cannot sit back and rest on our past victories, but everyday engage in the spiritual battle by dying to ourselves.  Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a Nathan that was willing to confront Solomon.  Do you have a Nathan in your life?  Someone that is a friend but will also challenge your life.  Are YOU that kind of friend?

 

Because of Solomon’s disobedience, God raises up men to be his adversaries.  One of these men will eventually lead ten of the tribes in rebellion against Solomon’s son.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through SOLOMON ruling inJerusalemas the leaders of the world seek Him and His wisdom. – I Kings 10:1-6 (Phil. 2:9:11).