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).