OTC – Page 17 – Dave R Phillips

Ahaz follows Jotham, but as with his fellow Israelites in the northern kingdom, he is lured into the ways of wicked and evil people:

…and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. 2 Kings 16:3-4

This is so sad. It’s bad enough that Jeroboam led the northern kingdom into such idolatry, now the southern kingdom joins the party. These are God’s chosen people living in The Promised Land! Hard to tell from their actions.

When the Arameans attacked Jerusalem, Ahaz used the silver and gold from the temple of the Lord to hire the Assyrians. No respect for the Lord, no hint of seeking a word from Isaiah, Ahaz makes a deal with the Assyrians…then it gets worse. King Ahaz:

saw an altar in Damascus and sent to Uriah the priest a sketch of the altar, with detailed plans for its construction. 2 Kings 16:10

Ahaz formally worshiped the gods of Assyria alongside of the Lord, as if that were even possible. He took it upon himself to rearrange the items in the temple of the Lord to please himself. For 16 years Ahaz led the people of Judah astray. King Hezekiah is next (for tomorrow’s discussion).

Hoshea, the Last King of Israel

Years of idol worship and bowing to the gods of neighboring kingdoms have led the northern kingdom, the people of God, to this closing chapter. Hoshea becomes king and “did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him” (2 Kings 17:2). Hoshea reneged on the previous deals made with the Assyrians, so Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, attacked Hoshea, put him in prison, then deported the people of Israel to Assyria. God’s people were forcibly exiled, no longer to be called Israelites.

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. 2 Kings 17:7-8

The rest of chapter 17 provides details into the things the Israelites did to arouse God’s anger. Like their ancestors before them, they were stiff-necked people who simply would not listen.

So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. 2 Kings 17:18-19

Samaria, where the kings of Israel used to rule, is populated with people from Babylon, etc., to replace the Israelites. They are given priests to worship gods of their creation along with the Lord. Basically, they accepted everyone’s religion. It’s no wonder Samaria is referred to in the New Testament with disdain. This also explains the background for “the woman at the well” in John 4 and her knowledge of God and the coming Messiah (along with other gods, etc.).

Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did. 2 Kings 17:41

To this day…I wonder. What idols do we serve alongside of the Lord? What have we become so accustomed to, so comfortable with, that we simply put them on an equal footing with the God of the universe? If we read the narrative of the people of Israel in the Old Testament and say to ourselves, “those stupid people,” we are perhaps missing the point.

Lord help us to follow your ways and your ways only. Reveal to us those idols in our lives that we have placed before you. Remove these Lord, help us to serve you alone!

February 15, 2017

Kings of Israel and Judah

2 Kings 14-15 and Psalm 67

Amaziah begins at age 25 and rules for 29 years. He did well in the beginning, but didn’t remove the “high places” and the “people continue to offer sacrifices and burn incense” in such places (2 Kings 14:3-4). The narrative of the rise and fall of Amaziah has no reference to prophets or seeking God’s will. For the record, neither does any discussion about the northern kingdom. At this time Elijah and Elisha are gone, but there are other prophets, major and minor prophets, who will speak into the lives of God’s chosen people. They definitely need to be listening to the prophets!

Amaziah establishes himself and executes those who conspired to assassinate his father, Joash. He didn’t kill their entire family, just those who were responsible. The power of the throne must have strengthened him because he is notorious for attacking the Edomites against 10,000 soldiers. He was so impressed with himself that he provoked King Jehoash, northern kingdom, to come and fight. Jehoash’s response is classic:

“A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle underfoot.” 2 Kings 14:9

Just to be sure the message is clear, Jehoash continues:

“You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home! 2 Kings 14:10

Amaziah is indeed arrogant and foolish. He continues to provoke the “wild beast” and the civil war picks up the pace. Israel routs Judah, breaks down the walls, takes hostages and returns to Samaria. Amaziah escapes, but is tracked down and killed in Lachish.

Azariah is next in line as King of Judah. He begins at age 16 and reigns for 52 years. Once again, he does well, but doesn’t remove the “high places” and people keep up their habit of burning incense there. Eventually, the Lord afflicted him with leprosy and he died in a separated house leaving Jotham, his son, in charge until he succeeded him. Not much else to say about Azariah.

Jotham was 25 years old when he started and he reigned for 16 years. He did the same as his fathers (meaning he did well, but didn’t destroy the “high places”). He also “rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the Lord” (2 Kings 15:35). In his time, the Lord sent “Rezin king of Aram and Pekah [king of Israel] against him” (2 Kings 15:37). Ahaz is next.

Isaiah speaks during the reign of Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manasseh. Michah overlaps a bit with Hezekiah and Manesseh. It’s good to remember the prophets do exist, they’re just not given the presence of the king during these declining dynasties.

Northern Kingdom – Israel

A new Jeroboam begins in the southern kingdom. As his namesake implies, he continue to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. As bad as Jeroboam was, the Lord had mercy on the people and saved them from his hands.

Zechariah followed Jeroboam II as king of Israel for a mere 6 months. Assassinated quickly, he was followed by Shallum for one month. Shallum was assassinate and Menahem took over for 10 years. The evil continues to grow in Israel.

Under Menahem’s reign, the king of Assyria (Pul) invaded. Menahem forced everyone to contribute and he paid Pul off, so the Assyrians left (for now).

Pekahiah, son of Menahem, became king next. He continued the evil practices and lasted 2 years. He was assassinated by Pekah and now Pekah is king of Israel. He managed to stay alive for 20 years, continued the evil practices and was himself assassinated by Hoshea. Not much to say about Pekah except that the king of Assyria came and taken people seemingly at will.

Amos and Hosea, two of the minor prophets, speak into the northern kingdom during the timeframe of Jeroboam II to Hoshea (the last king of Israel) before they are taken into Assyrian captivity and vanquished from the planet. Incredibly sad. God’s people completely forgot the incredible gift given to them.

February 13, 2017

Joash; Elisha’s Last Days

2 Kings 11-13 and Psalm 66

Chapter 11 begins with the story of Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah (Judah) hiding Joash (his son must have been really young) for 6 years while the queen mother (my term) Athaliah ruled Judah. She’s not the least bit righteous! Her ascension to the throne we the result of killing off the rest of the royal family, so no one was left.

The priest Jehoiada revealed Joash in the 7th year by having round-the-clock guards protecting him…he knew Athaliah would not be pleased!

When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the Lord. She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, “Treason! Treason!” 2 Kings 11:13-14

Johoiada takes charge to defend the king, but insists she is not to be put to death in the temple of the Lord.

So they seized here as she reached the place where the horses enter the palace grounds, and there she was put to death. 2 Kings 11:16

Joash was just 7 years old when he was installed as the King of Judah. Imagine that! Under the watchful and wise eyes of Jehoiada he rules Judah for 40 years.

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. 2 Kings 12:2-3

Chapter 12 provides some interesting insight into the temple repair project. Joash, probably under the direction of Jehoiada, tells the priest to collect money for repairing the temple. After 22 years, the project is obviously stalled–nothing was done. At this point, Joash is nearly 30 years old and he gets it–the priests are hoarding the money or at least completely ineffective at repairing the temple, so he has a new plan. The repairs are made by skilled workers, but obviously not everyone was happy with the arrangements.

His officials conspired against him and assassinated him at Beth Millo, on the road down to Silla. 2 Kings 12:20

Amaziah, Joash’s son, succeeded him as king of Judah.

Chapter 13 switches back to Israel, the northern kingdom, where Jehu’s son Jehoahaz is king. No surprise, “he did evil in the eyes of the Lord by following the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 13:2), so the Lord allowed the Arameans to oppress them.

Jehoahaz begged for relief and the Lord “listened to him” by providing a deliverer for Israel (eventually).

But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit; the continued in them. 2 Kings 13:6

The Arameans reduced the army of Israel to 50 horsemen, 10 chariots and 10,000 foot soldiers. Jehoahaz died and was succeeded by Jehoash.

Jehoash “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (surprise!), did some stuff, then died. That’s about it!

Jehoash and Elisha

Jehoash heard about Elisha’s illness that will eventually take his life. Jehoash can see that this is bad and declares, “My father! My father!…The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” (2 Kings 13:14). Elisha prophesies about the Lord’s victory over the king of Aram, “you will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek” (2 Kings 13:17). Elisha then told Jehoash to take the arrows and strike the ground. Apparently Jehoash’s half-hearted striking of the ground was offensive:

The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeated it only three times.” 2 Kings 13:19

Those were the last words of Elisha, but not the last comment.

Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet. 2 Kings 13:21

The legacy of Elisha lived on, but we don’t get a lot of insight into the things he did.

Jeroboam (obviously not the original) followed Jehoash as King of Israel.

February 12, 2017

Jehu

2 Kings 9-10 and Psalm 65

It’s been a long time since anyone was anointed as king, but here we read about Elisha sends one of his young prophets to anoint Jehu as king of Israel.

“The take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, ‘This is what the Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run; don’t delay!” 2 Kings 9:3

The young prophet anoints Jehu with a mission: destroy the entire house of Ahab, including a horrible death for Jezebel, for all their treachery.

When Jehu went out to his fellow officers, one of them asked him, “Is everything all right? Why did this maniac come to you?” 2 Kings 9:11

It’s interesting to note that Jehu is one of the officers, not “the” officer. Also, the disdain they have for the company of prophets is evident by referring to the “maniac” that bolted in and bolted out. It had to look kinda crazy!

The message was clear and the officers fell in line behind Jehu to prosecute the words of the prophet. So, even though they mocked the maniac, they took his words seriously–in a big way.

First task, kill Joram and Ahaziah, king of Israel and Judah. Both were following the ways of Ahab reaching back for decades into the past, all very far from serving the Lord. Jehu is certainly inspired by the Holy Spirit.

When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?”
“How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel around?” 2 Kings 9:22

Joram and Ahaziah got the message! The ran like crazy, but Jehu’s arrow was precise and Joram was shot between the shoulders, piercing this heart–dead. Ahaziah must have been quicker, because the chase took a while, but he was wounded in the flight and died in Megiddo.

Next on the todo list: Jezebel. I have to think by this time Jezebel is pretty old. She hears about Jehu, so she fixes her hair and puts on eye makeup to appeal to him, but Jehu has nothing to do with her, he didn’t come for a conversation.

“Throw her down!” Jehu said. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot. 2 Kings 9:33

There Jezebel was devoured by animals, nothing left but her skull and hands.

Chapter 10 provides a summary of the demise of Ahab’s family. First the 70 royal princes are killed, their heads delivered in baskets the set in “two piles at the entrance of the city gate until morning” (2 Kings 10:8). Jehu killed all of the house of Ahab–left no survivor.

Jehu came upon Jehonadab and added him to his ranks to “see my zeal for the Lord” (2 Kings 10:16). Their task: destroy the prophets of Baal. Their method: pretend to have a huge Baal Worship event at the temple–everyone must come! After hearing what Jehu has done, I’m sure they were eager to do whatever he had to tell them, so yes, they all came.

Then he sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one stayed away. They crowded into the temple of Baal until is was full from one end to the other. 2 Kings 10:21

Jehu made quite a spectacle of the entire affair, making sacrifices and probably leading the worship team! They were all oblivious to the plot that was about to unfold.

So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit–the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. 2 Kings 10:28-29

The Lord blessed Jehu by assuring him his “descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation” (2 Kings 10:30). But Jehu didn’t keep the law of the Lord, he did not turn away from the idols of Jeroboam. For 28 years he ruled as king of Israel.

We’re still only in the first half of 2 Kings and the wayward ways of Israel and Judah are so far from the plan that the Lord set in motion with Moses. This is God’s chosen people. No longer slaves in Egypt or lost in the desert. They are in the Promised Land, free to choose, and choose they did.

I can’t help but wonder about the choices we make from our place of comfort and freedom. How will our history be written? These we read about were not stupid people. I imagine they were charismatic and intelligent leaders of their time, yet when we look back, all that’s recorded is failure after failure. Lord help us to keep you the center of our lives!

February 11, 2017

Siege Ends; Ben-Hadad Murdered

2 Kings 6:24-8:29

“Some time later…” we pick up the story where the Arameans continue their annoying military coop attempts. The siege in Samara (i.e., against Joram, king of Israel) has reached the point where people are starving. Joram is convinced this is all at the Lord’s calling, but shows little sign of repentance:

The king said, “This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” 2 Kings 6:33

Elisha’s response is calm an deliberate, for he knows the siege is about to break. The officer there with the king scoffs at Elisha’s reply–not a good plan. The following day, just as Elisha foretold, the Arameans bolt for the hills because the Lord caused them to hear a huge advancing army, so their camp was left empty. Four lepers made the discover, then went back and reported to the king. Of course the king didn’t believe them, but when his scouts discovered the truth, the people trounced on the camp and looted the place. In the ensuing stampede the officer that mocked Elisha was trampled to death.

The Shunammite’s Land Restored

Chapter 8 begins with a side-story, a continuation of the Shunammite’s story in chapter 4. Elisha told her there was going to be famine and they should leave for a while. When she returns (seven years later), she goes to the king to get her home and possessions back. He “happens” to be listening to Gehazi, Elisha’s former right-hand man, and hears the story of how Elisha (the Lord) revived the boy, so he grants her appeal with a bonus, “including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now” (2 Kings 8:6).

Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, gets sick and feels like he’s about to die, so he sends Hazael to ask Elisha if he will recover. (Apparently, Hazael is more than a mere messenger.) He asks Elisha and he tells him Ben-Hadad would recover, but will die nonetheless. He doesn’t say how he will die, but begins to weep as he looks into Hazael’s eyes. Elisha sees the future of Hazael, how many will be killed at his hand. Hazael returns to Ben-Hadad and tells him he will recover,

But the next day he took a thick cloth, soaked it in water and spread it over the king’s face, so that he died. Then Hazael succeeded him as king. 2 Kings 8:15

Back in Judah

Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, becomes king of Judah next, but he chooses to follow the path of the kings of Israel, “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 8:18). Not many details in this chapter, just eight years of bad leadership.

Ahaziah, son of Jehoram, took over next. “He followed the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 8:27).

February 10, 2017

Naaman Healed and More Stories of Elisha

2 Kings 5:1-6:23 and Psalm 64

The story of Naaman is truly amazing. When we step back and look at the context within which the narrative takes place, it’s even more amazing. Naaman is the commander of the Aramean army. When I read that this morning, my brain froze: the Aramean army? How have I missed this in the past. The Arameans are the proverbial thorn in the side of Israel. The were the subject of 1 Kings 20 where 127,000 of their men died in fighting the king of Israel (even though Ahab was horrible, God chose to defeat the Arameans).

Simple put, these were not allies or friends of Israel, yet God listens to those who would honor him.

In their skirmishes, Naaman has gained a servant girl from Israel–she serves Naaman’s wife. Naaman has leprosy and the young girls knows about Elisha and presumably the Lord of all, but that might be stretching it a bit. Elisha’s fame had no doubt spread.

“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3

Naaman goes to the king of Aram and asks permission to go find this prophet. The king writes a letter and sends him with gifts to find the prophet and be healed. King Joram (not a good king, but not as bad as his father) read the letter and tore his robes, afraid that the king of Aram is picking a fight by asking him to do the impossible.

Elisha heard about the request and intervened, “Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:8) So Naaman goes to see Elisha and is given a task from a messenger,

Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” 2 Kings 5:10

Naaman is ticked! It’s already humiliating enough that he has to go into the land of Israel and ask for a favor, now he has to wash in their river? What’s so special about “your” river? Argh!!

Here’s an amazing part, perhaps a side story, but don’t miss this:

Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 2 Kings 5:13

Naaman listens to his servants. He listened to his wife who listened to a young girl they captured (probably not for honorable reasons!). Here’s the commander of the army, a man of power and position, yet he listens to those around him and hears their wisdom. The environment he had established must have been one where he was approachable even though he commanded many.

He humbles himself, washes in the Jordan and is cleansed. Naaman is super excited, so he goes back to Elisha with all of his attendants to offer a huge sum of money, but Elisha refuses to accept any contribution. God alone is honored in this story.

Naaman acknowledges that God is the one true Lord of all. He vows to serve only God, but asks for one favor, more grace (now this is a bit odd):

“But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also–when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” 2 Kings 5:18

Elisha’s reply is simply: “Go in peace.” Naaman’s leprosy is cleansed and his heart is changed, but there is a bit of a rub here. He has to return to his pagan land, its rituals and its rulers. He doesn’t resign his position and become a priest, he keeps his position and commits to navigating the difficult path of walking in the presence of the profane while carrying the message of God in his heart. “Go in peace” is a huge burden. I wish I knew more about how Naaman walked along these lines, but perhaps the more important lesson is that God is the God of grace, even to our enemies.

Gehazi Lies

Meanwhile, Elisha’s right-hand man does something foolish. He chases after Naaman and conjures up a story about needing some money after all. Naaman is more than happy to give him even more than he asks for and sends Gehazi on his way. When Gehazi returns, Elisha asks him where he’s been.

“Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered. 2 Kings 5:25

Elisha gave him a chance to confess his sin, but the tongue deceives Gehazi and he lies. One so close to Elisha, it’s hard to understand what motivated him. Surely he was with Elisha when the boy was revived from the dead. No doubt Gehazi heard prophesies and watch them come true. Yet here he is lying to Elisha. Though it’s a bit of a stretch, it reminds me of Judas living a lie as a disciple, all the while fixated on money. The keeper of the purse was offended by the extravagant give of perfume on the feet of Jesus, perhaps his turning point. Gehazi can’t believe Elisha would turn down so much gold and silver and somehow figures he alone could intervene.

The Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous — it had become as white as snow. 2 Kings 5:27

Elisha’s Supernatural Provisions

2 Kings 3-4

Moab Defeated by Joint Armies

Chapter 3 recounts a time when the kings of Israel (Joram), Judah (Jehoshaphat) and Edom (well…governor of Edom) united to confront Moab. Joram was a notch better than his ancestors, but still far from being good in God’s eyes. Still, for some reason, this union was allowed and the unified front assembled and marched through the desert to confront Moab.

After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them. 2 Kings 3:9

This is interesting from a military perspective. Logisticians are notorious for saying, “logistics wins wars,” because armies can’t fight without provisions. Here we see the great plans of these three kings runs aground. Jehoshaphat knows what to do: find a prophet and ask God. My question a this point is simple: why didn’t you ask before you started marching?

Nonetheless, they figure out that Elisha is the prophet to ask, so they find him and pose the question. Elisha only agrees to entertain the question because Jehoshaphat has joined the battle, so he intervenes and asks God for support. The response is favorable. Water will appear miraculously and they will win the battle.

The next day, water appears and the issue of verse 9 is resolved. In addition, the Moabites are fooled by the sun reflecting off of the unexpected pools of water at sunrise and decide to go and grab the plunder:

To the Moabites across the way, the water looked red–like blood. “That’s blood!” they said. “Those kings must have fought and slaughtered each other. Now to the plunder, Moab!” 2 Kings 3:22-23

Fools. Convinced that the Israelites were dead and dying the Moabites pounce in to grab plunder only to find an able and fit army that slaughtered the Moabites. End of chapter 3: “The fury against Israel was great; they withdrew and returned to their own land.” (2 Kings 3:27)

The Widow’s Olive Oil

Here’s an interesting story of God’s provision for a widow who seeks Elisha’s help. One of the company of prophets died and his widow has two sons and apparently some debt that is to be collected by making slaves of her two sons. The plan is simple and secret: collect empty jars from our neighbors and bring them to your house and shut the door, then fill all of the jars from the one jar of oil you have. She doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t question his direction, she simply does what he says. When all the jars were miraculously filled, the oil stopped flowing.

She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” 2 Kings 4:7

The Shunammite’s Son Restored to Life

To set the stage for this story, “a well-to-do” woman lived in Shunem where Elisha often traveled to (or through). She talks to her husband and the add a room to their house for Elisha to stay in when he is traveling through.

“Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” 2 Kings 4:10

How cool is that! Elisha wants to bless her so he asks his servant (Gehazi) what can be done. He tells Elisha that she has no son, so Elisha lets the woman know that within a year she will have a son. She is very humbled by this announcement and scared at the same time.

The boy grows, but apparently has a brain tumor or something that causes him extreme headaches. The boy dies and his body is placed on Elisha’s bed in their house. Elisha sends Gehazi to lay his staff on the boy’s head, but when that doesn’t work, Elisha takes direct action. He closes the door so he and Gehazi can pray. Again, a private miracle happens. The boy is revived and reunited with his family.

Two More Stories of Elisha

The first story labeled, “Death in the Pot” refers to stew in a pot that was made during a famine. Apparently is was really horrible, so Elisha adds some flour and the stew is fixed! Whatever was harmful in the stew was immediately neutralized.

The second story is a precursor to Jesus’ feeding of 4,000 or 5,000. In this story, 20 loaves of fresh bread are used to feed 100 men at the word of Elisha.

“Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: “They will eat and have some left over.” 2 Kings 4:43

They are all fed and indeed, some was left over.

God provides his people. Always. Many times this provision comes in private, one to another, no fanfare, no public display. God is not a magic genie to be summoned upon, but rather the Lord of all, worthy of praise. Our part of the process is to give it all to God and trust completely in his provision. Lord, help me to do my part.

February 8, 2017

Elijah Succeeded by Elisha; Chariots of Fire

2 Kings 1-2 and Psalm 63

“Man of God, the king says, ‘Come Down!'”

Ahaziah managed to survive a year as king of Judah (or as it is referred to here, “king of Samaria”), but his days are about to end. He has a fall and is seriously injured, so he dispatches messengers to call upon Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to determine his fate. God sends an angel to Elijah to intercept the messengers and give Ahaziah a message, essentially, you will die for being an idiot.

When the messengers return with bad news from Elijah, Ahaziah immediately figures out where the message was from so he sends a captain and 50 men to fetch Elijah. The captain finds Elijah and shouts for him to come down!

Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men. 2 Kings 1:10

Not once, but twice! The third band of men was led by a wise captain, “please have respect for my life and the lives of these fifty men, your servants!” (2 Kings 1:13). He begs Elijah to come down, so Elijah agrees. I bet no one even touched their sword!

Elijah is presented to the king and once again hears the message: you are going to die. Ahaziah had no son, so Joram, his younger brother succeeded him. End of chapter 1.

Elijah Taken Up to Heaven

Elisha and the company of prophets know that the day has come for the Lord to take Elijah from them. What they didn’t know was how he was to be taken. Elijah asks Elisha to let him go three times, but Elisha refuses, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you” (verses 2, 4 and 6).

Elijah uses his cloak to divide the waters of the Jordan as he and Elisha continue their journey. They walk across on dry ground as if it were just another day in the park. But this is the day the Lord will take Elijah so he asks Elisha for one last request,

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied 2 Kings 2:9

The NIV Study Bible notes that this isn’t an extravagant request, rather, “Inheritance law assigned a double portion of a father’s possessions to the firstborn son (see Deuteronomy 21:17).”

Elijah called home:

Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. 2 Kings 2:11-12

I can’t help but remember the Rich Mullins song that references this narrative, “and when I go I want to go out like Elijah.” Same here Rich. I don’t want to taste the horrible disease my mother had to deal with. Strap me to a rocket when it’s time or let me vanish, but not a slow decay.

Elisha now takes the place of his master. He did indeed witness his departure and God granted him his desire to serve the kingdom well.

“Get out of here, baldy!”

Did someone really put that in the Bible? No joke! Elisha is walking to Bethel when:

some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” 2 Kings 2:23

Result:

Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 2 Kings 2:24

Can someone say, “not a good plan boys?” The captains of the guard that were consumed by fire started this reading and we end it with bears mauling those who would dare taunt Elisha.

God takes care of his messengers.

February 7, 2017

Psalms 60, 61 and 62

Psalm 60

Twice in this short psalm David includes pointed words of lament for God has “rejected us” for our transgressions. He begs God to remember that there are many who fear the Lord and are worthy of rescue.

Give us aid against the enemy,
for human help is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies.Psalm 60:11-12

When we give God the glory, we can boldly ask for his help.

Psalm 61

It’s funny. I decided to grab my guitar and sing through psalm 61. To God be the glory, this is not music for public consumption, but straight from my heart to the Lord as tears stream down my face.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.Psalm 61:2

I wish I had an ounce of talent that could turn this psalm into a worship song that would elicit the emotion I feel at this moment. So intimate. So real. Holy Spirit you are all over my heart right now. To God be the glory. Teach me how to honor your name above all others.

Why am I still weeping?

Psalm 62

An oddly emotional morning as I sing through these psalms. The Holy Spirit is ministering to me. Somehow I need to share this.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.Psalm 61:5-8

Such a comforting warm embrace. Am I the only one who feels like this? Am I the only one who appreciates the quiet? I guess I’m just so odd that I don’t actually fit in anywhere, but I know that God loves me anyway.

Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath. Psalm 61:9

“If weighed on a balance, they are nothing.”

Nothing.

Even so, the Lord’s love is unfailing.

February 6, 2017

Psalms 58 and 59

Psalm 58

Then people will say,
“Surely the righteous still are rewarded;
surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Psalm 58:11

This psalm appears to be a reaction to horrible leadership, judges who “devise injustice,” who are wicked from birth! The title attributes this to David which is quite interesting since this would precede Jeroboam and his wicked line of successors. Those hanging onto the faith for decades would hold verse 11 close, trusting that God will impose judgment…one day.

“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! Psalm 58:6

Words of anger, perhaps even hatred, but all centered in faith that God will take care of the problem. Notice the psalm doesn’t say, “Let me break the teeth of their mouths…” Though it certainly seems like it’s one step closer than mere civil disobedience. Tense times for David. Worse times were yet to come.

Psalm 59

Sub-title: “When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.”

I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight! Psalm 59:4

David knows that they are prowling around looking for him, hoping to gain honor from Saul by killing David because they have no idea what is really going on. David knows Saul is God’s anointed, yet out of his mind. He is incredibly patient in hiding and avoiding the hunters.

You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 58:9

Words of assurance when we all face trials to be sure. David shows great wisdom in these words:

But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget.
In your might uproot them and bring them down. Psalm 59:11

At a time when battles were fought and won by strength over weakness, David knows he can’t be the one that attacks. If God can provide a refuge and let time tick away, their own foolishness will expose themselves and Israel wins–not just a king over king–all the people win.

Category: OTC

Samaria/Northern Israel Falls