Bible Chapter: II Kings 13 & 14

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.
    I have heard a variety of people who think that God is mean and delights in punishing people.  They think God likes to see people suffer.  That’s not true.   We read here that the Lord listened to Jehoahaz as he sought God’s favor because of how much the people were under oppression.  God provided a deliverer for Israel.  I find it interesting that God did that for them, even though He knew they would return to their own homes and not turn away from the sins they had committed.  God gives us the opportunities needed to repent and serve Him.  The fact that so many did not follow God shows the battle and the fact that many we read about didn’t commit to fully serving the Lord.
    We see here the death of Elisha.  He was one of the great prophets of God who impacted the nations and was not afraid to “tell it like it is”.  The power of God was on his life.  And, even in his death God provided a miracle as a dead man was brought back to life when his dead body hit the bones of Elisha.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    A firm resolve to serve God -- that is so needed.  It appears that this firm resolve was missing in so many of the kings we read about in these history books.  We read about Amaziah who started out right in doing the things God desired.  But, he didn’t remove the high places where idol worship took place.  He later fell into idolatry because he wasn’t wholeheartedly committed to the things of God.  That firm and full commitment to God is so necessary.  That is what must be continually applied in our lives.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people really see what is going on.  The deceiver tricks people and they don’t see the impact and consequences of their actions.  People need to see that God expects a full commitment to Him and the we continually live the life of serving God.  God expects that we make Him our Lord.  Lordship means control, we must give Him control of everything.