Bible Chapter: II Kings 9 & 10
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.
When God tells someone that they will be judged, then it will happen. Much earlier Elijah had prophesied that Ahab’s descendants would all be destroyed. God judged this stubborn and rebellious family that continued to follow false gods. Their influence corrupted the nation of Israel. So, God’s judgement was righteous. This warns all people that God will judge sin. God will reward or punish every person according to what they do.
When Ahab and Jezebel had previously deceived and stolen a field from Naboth, they influenced their children against God. One of the consequences was when their dead son was dumped in that field. This is a warning to parents that their actions will impact future generations.
Jehu became the king. God used him to drive out Baal worship. This was a good thing to do and he was obedient. Sadly, his heart was not fully towards God and he allowed some ungodly things to remain. The Bible says here that he was not careful to keep the law. His zeal didn’t overcome his political reasons to allow some idol worship to continue. He hindered the spiritual reform that God was desiring.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When God gives a responsibility, it is important to fulfill it. Jehu did some of what God wanted, and that was good. Unfortunately, he didn’t complete the task or have a heart to keep all of God’s law. This was a failure. God isn’t looking for people to play some of the game and then quit at halftime. The Bible says that God will reward those who persevere to the end. Stick with whatever God has given you to do.
3. How can I help someone?
Press on. Keep going. Obey God completely. Get close to God and learn what He wants. Then do what God wants.
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.
Bible Chapter: II Kings 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
Who is God willing to help? Anyone who is open to Him. Here we find the story of Naaman. He was a captain to the King of Syria. Even though the Syrians were enemies of God, when he reached out to God through the prophet Elisha, God miraculously healed him of leprosy. We learn another important lesson here, this one about lying and greed. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, ran after Naaman after God healed him and asked for some of the rewards he had offered Elisha. He took them, thinking that he could hide them from God and get away with it. I often think as I rea1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.d stories like this how blinded they were to the things of God. After God supernaturally healed Naaman, didn’t Gehazi think God would know what he did? Some people learn the hard way.
One of my favorite verses is 6:16. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (NIV) When the enemy surrounded them, Elisha gave the assurance to his servant that God was around them protecting them. Then the servant realized that a large number of God’s heavenly host was protecting them. This is a powerful word of encouragement. God’s power is greater.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God used Elisha in many amazing ways. After protecting them from an army that had been sent to kill him, Elisha spoke through the power of the Spirit and the whole army became blind. Then they obediently followed him to Samaria. When the king thought God had brought his enemy there so he could kill them all, Elisha responded that he should feed them and then let them go. God was merciful to them. While the enemy is all around, it is not God’s desire that we only wish evil or destruction on them. God will judge when He knows it is right. It was God’s plan to show His power and mercy to these troops. We need God’s direction on how to face and deal with the enemy.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn from the sad fate of Gehazi. He was greedy and used deception to get what he thought would make him happy. He spent the rest of his life living the ostracized life of a leper. If you have to lie and cheat to get stuff, it is never worth it.
Bible Chapter: II Kings 3 & 4
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.
Is anything too hard for God? Is there anything that is a genuine need of a person that God’s power can’t supply? We see God’s amazing ability here. The army needed water. It was no problem for God to supply it. And, in God’s creativity, He used that same water to provide victory over the enemy.
We also see the spiritual battle that continues even to this day. After a human sacrifice, the forces of evil were unleashed in the battle against Israel. God’s power is always greater. However, we can see that the forces of evil do have power. We must always remember to put our trust in God.
We also see here another example of how God’s power was shown through the prophet, Elisha. There was a destitute widow and God miraculously provided as she used the one small container of oil to pour oil in to many other containers. She sold the oil and had money to live on. Again, we see God’s miraculous power and His creativity.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is very easy to let fear take over and wonder how we will make it. There are many people who have lots of money and living a luxurious life. They live a lifestyle that I could never afford. Then, as I read stories like these I am reminded that God, who made everything out of nothing, can still take nothing and make it enough. God provided for a widow, water for the thirsty, a son for a childless couple, poisonous food made safe and food for many people. What is too hard for God? Nothing. This is encouraging.
3. How can I help someone?
Trust God. Let Him be the source of life, hope and provision. God is more powerful than the devourer. God is the provider.
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.
Bible Chapter: I Kings 21 & 22
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.
There are two verses that are amazing. They have to rate as some of the saddest words that can be said about anyone. And, as some of the saddest words in the Bible. 21:25 - 26: “25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)” Here we have a succinct description of two evil people who had positions of great influence and completely abused their influence. They did all they could to pull God’s people away from serving Him. They thought they could do anything they wanted and that nothing would happen to them. They both ended up with an ignoble demise. Jezebel’s name is synonymous with wickedness, treachery and spiritual seduction. What a sad way to be remembered. It is no complement to call someone a Jezebel.
Ahab had gathered around him “prophets” who would tell him whatever he wanted. There was also a true prophet of God who told Ahab the truth. Ahab said that he hated him because he never prophesied anything good about him. It is obvious that this wicked king was missing the point.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
All the details of this wicked royal couple reveal how wickedness can take over. People in power can become so jaded to truth and righteousness that they think they are the ones in control. They think that God’s standards don’t apply to them. This can happen in political and spiritual leaders. The deceiver convinces them they are above the rest and can do anything they want. The long term results are disastrous. The Bible tells us to seek God’s righteousness. That is the only way to the best in life. There are no exceptions.
3. How can I help someone?
I am observing that our culture is saturated with people who think they can declare anything as acceptable and that no one had better try to stop them. The mentality has become that the majority rules and is always right. That is not so. God is right, even if everyone else disagrees with Him. So, learn what God has revealed and apply it.
Bible Chapter: I Kings 19 & 20
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.
After an amazing victory, Elijah ran when Jezebel said she would see that he was killed. It was overwhelming for Elijah. He reached the point where he asked God to kill him. He was discouraged. After great victories, the enemy will often attack and try to get a godly person to give up. God send an angel to feed and encourage Elijah. Later God appeared to him and gave him directions of what to do.
One of the things Elijah was instructed to do was to anoint Elisha as a prophet. When he went to Elisha, he left the plowing of the field and sacrificed his oxen. Elisha made a full commitment to serve and follow God wherever He would lead.
In spite of King Ahab’s evil doings, God used him to bring a victory for Israel and defeat of of their enemies. Samaria had been taken over by the Aramean army. Following God’s directions they won the battle and delivered the people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Serving God can include both wonderful highs and difficult lows. Elijah went from an amazing victory over the prophets of Baal to feeling extremely discouraged because of Jezebel’s threat. We love the victories and wish the hard times would never come. God cared for His prophet and helped him through the valley. I have seen people walk away from God when things got tough. The lesson is that we must never give up. We don’t see the whole picture. We only see the bad news of today. God sees eternity. We feel weak. God has all power. So, we must stick with God no matter what things look like.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see God’s perspective. God will empower. God will enable us to do what He wants us to do. It is always worth it to stick with God all the way. You can’t beat God’s “retirement” plan.
