Bible Chapter: II Kings 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    II Kings continues tracing the decline of Judah and Israel.  We see that in chapter one as Ahaziah had fallen and injured himself. He wondered what would happen to him.  He sent messengers to consult a false god, Baal-Zebub.  God sent Elijah to stop the messengers and tell him that since he didn’t trust the true God, he would never leave his bed, but that he would die.  We see here another illustration of God’s judgement of people who refuse to obey and submit to Him.
    The time was coming for Elijah’s life and mission to come to an end.  Elisha had been chosen by God to take his place.  Elijah had an amazing ending to his life as God caught him up in a whirlwind and took him to heaven.  The Spirit of God that rested on Elijah was passed on to Elisha.  God used both of these men in powerful ways.  The Bible records many miracles.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    When there is pressure to go along with the crowd, resist it.  The history of this divided nation is a sad tale of submitting to the temptation of looking for “fun” that can also be translated “breaking God’s commands”.  Time after time we read of people who knew what God expected and yet they did what they wanted.  And time after time it only brought God’s judgement.  I can’t help but think that our modern culture is bring God’s judgement down on itself through the continual mockery of God’s ways.  God sent Elijah to Ahaziah to say: “ Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?”  My question for people today is similar.  Is it because you think God doesn’t exist that you continue to break His commands and change everything He said?  We are seeing God’s judgement.  The lesson is that we all must obey God.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Trust God and don’t try to figure things out on your own.  Live God’s ways, you will never regret this decision.