Bible Chapter: II Kings 7 & 8

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.
    At the end of chapter six we see that Syria laid siege on Samaria.  This resulted in a great famine and the people were desperate.  Food was scarce and very expensive.  One day Elisha prophesied that within a day there would be lots of food available at reasonable prices.  God used four lepers in an unusual way.  He made the sound of four sick men to sound like an invading army and the army of Syria ran away.  The things Elisha said happened exactly as predicted.  There was a doubting man who said it would be impossible, even for God.  He saw it happen and was trampled to death as the people rushed out to get food and spoils from the fleeing army.
    Chapter eight includes some more sad history of God’s people as kings reigned and did evil.  They continued the journey to sinful practices as their predecessors did.  Continuing to reject God’s ways continued to bring problems.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    History is important.  These historical books show us what God wants us to know.  He wants us to know that He expects obedience.  He wants us to know that when the situation looks impossible, He has unique ways to turn it around.  He can interrupt the normal flow of situations and cause things to change in an instant.  Learn and apply.  We make it more complex than it needs to be.  Yes, there is a battle for our eternal souls.  Yes the battle is hard.  No, we will never win the battle by compromising what God commanded.  To obey is better.

3.  How can I help someone?
    We see another chapter in the life of the Shunammite woman.  God took care of her through a famine and restored her property.  While we have no guarantee that things will always work out like we would desire, we can trust God to take care of us.  Learn to rely on God.