Category: 1st and 2nd Kings-BibleTrekToday
Trek through 1st and 2nd Kings
Opening Eyes
Scripture reading for July 31: 2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Today’s story involves the prophet Elisha and his helper Gehazi. They were visiting a city in Israel, Dothan, that was surrounded by the Syrian army bent on taking Elisha. Early in the morning, Gehazi went to the city wall and saw the army with their horses and chariots and was filled with fear and alarm as he went back to tell his master about what was happening. His mind was racing trying to figure out how they would escape or survive.
Elisha’s response was one of calm confidence. He stated by faith that there were more of God’s army for them than the enemy that was visible. He simply prayed to the Lord to open Gehazi’s eyes to spiritual reality. As Gehazi’s eyes were given the ability to see in the spiritual realm, he was amazed at the number and power of the angelic army protecting and fighting for them. There was truly many more for them than against them!
How often do we face situations where we feel like we are outnumbered and powerless against an overwhelming enemy, sickness, or disease? It is the enemy’s design to get us into fear and unbelief. We are reminded by this amazing story of spiritual truth. Why not ask, as a man or woman of God, for spiritual insight through the indwelling Holy Spirit? Why not pray in the Holy Spirit, and build yourself up in your holy faith? Jude 20 states, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Prayer: Father God, open my eyes to see Your amazing army of helpers and defenders. Let faith arise for healing and deliverance! Amen!
Reluctant Obedience
Scripture reading for July 30: 2 Kings 5:10-14 “And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash
in the Jordan River seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the Name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, had leprosy. He was told by a young servant girl he had taken captive about a prophet in Samaria who through God’s help would be able to cure him. The King of Syria heard the story, and sent Naaman to the King of Israel to seek help from their prophet Elisha. When the king read the letter, he was afraid that it was a trap and tore his clothes in grief and unbelief. (2 Kings 5:7)
When Elisha heard the story, he asked the king to send Naaman to him. When he arrived, Elisha sent a messenger with instructions as to how to receive his healing. He must wash seven times in the River Jordan. These instructions offended Naaman. He had his own ideas and he became angry. As he was leaving in a rage, his servants appealed to him to humbly receive the instruction and follow through. At their request, Naaman acted and he received the promised healing.
It is easy to have preconceived ideas about how God or those called by God should do their work. Naaman was a proud man, but he had leprosy. God placed a servant girl in his path to tell him of the man of God. God gave him favor with his king and the king of Israel. The biggest obstacle was his pride and stubbornness. His healing came only through humble obedience. Don’t let pride get the upper hand.
“All is Well”
Scripture reading for July 29: 2 Kings 4:32-36 “When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked back and forth in the house and went again and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said , “Call the Shunammite.””
In today’s story, the Shunammite woman had put up Elisha and fed him. She even had her husband build a small room for him to stay when he came that way. In return, Elisha inquired how he might bless her. His servant Gehazi saw that she was old but had no children. So Elisha called the woman and spoke prophetically of a son being born. (2 Kings 4:14-17) The child was born and grew up.
One day the child became ill with a severe headache. He sat on his mother’s lap and died. She laid him on Elisha’s bed in her home and went quickly to find the man of God. She pleaded with Elisha for help. Elisha sent his servant with his staff and gave instructions to lay the staff on the boy without any delay. Upon arriving, nothing had changed. Elisha and Gehazi, his servant, went into the room and prayed. The next thing Elisha did was stretch his own body out on the boy’s body until he became warm. He paced and prayed again and again stretched his body on the boy’s body. This time the boy sneezed seven time and woke up from death! He was restored to his elderly mother and father!
From this story, we see the importance of seeking elders who know how to pray when there is a great need. (James 5:14-15) Also, we observe that the woman did not confess the child’s death except to the man of God. (2 Kings 4:26) She confessed “All is well” before the healing. The man of God sent the symbol of his authority in his staff with the servant. When he arrived, he and his servant got alone and prayed. From the prayer, the steps of healing came forth and he obeyed. The answer came! All was well as faith brought the victory!
Prayer Adds Years!
Scripture reading for July 28: Isaiah 38:1-5 “In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the Word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”
God sets the boundaries of each life in terms of how long our stay on earth is. (Psalm 139:16) In our reading today, King Hezekiah became sick and was near death. Isaiah the prophet was sent to him to confirm his upcoming death and he was told to get his affairs in order. But for those who believe that nothing is too hard for God or impossible, there is the option of appealing to God. Hezekiah chose to appeal to God based on his years of service to God and faithfulness of his heart. He wept sincerely as he offered his appeal.
God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer and tears by sending Isaiah back to him with the answer to his appeal. God had heard the prayer, saw his tears and decided to add fifteen more years to his life. We know it wasn’t that Hezekiah was so righteous or faithful, but that God was merciful and had promised to hear the prayers of His people and answer them. Solomon had prayed at the temple’s dedication for God’s people’s prayers to be answered. (1 Kings 8:38-39) Jesus now promises His disciples that whatever they ask in faith in His Name He will answer. (John 16:23-24)
So the question for us today is what is the state of our faith in God and Jesus Christ? Do we respond to Jesus’ invitation to ask Him for whatever we have need of? Are we resting in Jesus’ sinless life of perfect obedience and His sacrifice of body and blood to give us and access to God? Why not ask today and trust God’s promises?
Prayer: Father, I ask you for _____________ today. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Day 3–More for Us than Against Us!
Scripture reading for March 4: 2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Sometimes our life seems like we are being overwhelmed by more than we can handle. We go to the doctor for a physical and come home with a list of issues showing us we are in trouble. We set up a budget, but then the sewer backs up and we are faced with a large financial disruption. As a first responder, we respond to a call for help in an accident and suddenly find multiple injuries and fatalities and entrapment with fire potential. Sometimes we respond just like the servant of Elisha, with despair and wondering what to do next.
This short story from Scripture tells us of a time when the prophet Elisha was staying in a walled city and the army was out fighting in another location. In the night, the enemy army surrounded the city with overwhelming forces. When the servant saw what had happened, he returned in despair, asking Elisha what they could do. Elisha simply turned to the Lord in prayer and with the vision of faith he had developed from walking with God. He asked that eyes would be opened to the invisible realm of the Spirit. God graciously granted the request and clearly revealed heaven’s army, armed with glory!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this simple story from long ago showing Your power and ability to protect Your people. Remind me each day of this profound truth: “There is more for us than against us!” Give me grace to pray for open eyes when I feel overwhelmed or overrun. Thank You! Amen.
Rebuked by Jesus
Scripture reading for March 14: Luke 9
“When the days drew near for Him to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem. And He sent messengers ahead of Him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for Him. But the people did not receive Him, because His face was set toward Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.” Luke 9:51-56
Jesus had been consistently revealing to His disciples that He was going to Jerusalem where He would die and be raised on the third day. As the time drew near, He ‘set His face’ towards Jerusalem. He saw His destination and divine purpose clearly. The disciples still did not see as Jesus saw. (Luke 9:44-45) Their minds were still set in the Jewish culture and their religious understanding from the Law and Prophets. Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem through Samaritan territory. His ministry was to all peoples and nations. But the Samaritans were a mixture of Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. There was jealousy and religious hostility in their culture, and they refused hospitality to Jesus and His disciples because they were Jews going to Jerusalem for Passover.
James and John, the messengers sent by Jesus, were indignant over the religious attitude of the Samaritans in refusing hospitality. They went to Jesus with a proposal–calling down fire on these Samaritans and destroying them on the spot! They likely got this idea from the prophet Elijah who called down fire on his enemies. (2 Kings 1:10) The forgot Jesus’ teaching to love your enemies and do good to them or just to leave and shake the dust off as a witness against them. (Luke 9:5) Jesus rebuke them and they went to another village that would receive them. Adopting Jesus’ worldview often takes time and some failures can be teaching points!
Have you ever wanted to get even with someone who has mistreated you or your family? Have you tried to use Scripture to justify your attitude or actions? Are there actions that you need to take in repentance to adopt Jesus’ worldview?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for wanting vengeance on those who have mistreated me. Thank You for rebuking me when I have wrongly used Scripture to justify my attitude or actions. Teach me to love my enemies and do good to those who mistreat me. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Amen.
Don’t look back!
Scripture reading for October 22: Luke 7-9
“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord’ but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62
It looks like a glamorous life to trust God and walk by faith. In reality, it involves some difficult choices in each individual disciple’s life. I made an initial commitment to follow the Lord when I was in my early teens. I went to an altar in a small country Methodist church and prayed to receive Christ as my Lord and Savior. I learned little about what I had done and was not really a committed follower of the Lord until my mid-20’s. By then, I had chosen to follow my father in the family farm business . My wife and I became youth leaders and I studied to become a lay preacher in the Methodist church. We were building our family and farming operation.
Like many young farmers, we raised hogs and built a big complex of buildings where we conducted our business. This required a lot of borrowed money and sweat equity! Then God broke into my busy world and renewed His call on my life to serve Him and preach His Word! We began to seek the Lord as a family and over the next 10 years worked toward a ministerial license through the Berean School of the Bible. We worked hard on the farm to get out of debt and to re-order our priorities according to Scripture. God worked with us and directed us step by step as we had asked Him to.
As I completed my study for license, we were finally debt-free and a door opened for ministry in our local church. We carefully followed as God directed. We spent another five years farming and at the same time serving as a staff pastor in a large city church. After that time, we had clear direction to stop farming and sell all of our equipment. A little later we also tore down our hog buildings and buried the remains. This was like Elisha burning his plow and not looking back! (1st Kings 19:19-21)
It has been exciting to follow Jesus! When we started, we did not know all that it would require. It has been difficult and full of trials, but His yoke is easy and His burden is light! We wouldn’t go back for anything! If God has called you to put your hand to His plow, do it with joy! The journey is worth it. Don’t look back!
Sunday rest and reflection–Immanuel
Greetings friends! God bless your day of rest! God is with us and we are secure in His amazing love!
As we have read through the books of Solomon and now are beginning Isaiah, there are many topics that we could reflect on. We could reflect on the life of Solomon who began so well. He was visited by the Lord and was told that he could ask the Lord for anything. Solomon wisely chose to ask for wisdom to govern the people of God. God gave him wisdom and riches and honor as well. (1st Kings 3:5-12) He had this wisdom and wrote it down for us in the book of Proverbs. He later violated the Word of God and took many wives from many lands. These women corrupted him and led him into idolatry. The book of Ecclesiastes is written later in his life and is a depressing account of his quest to find meaning in life under the sun! The Song of Songs was probably written early in his life when he was close to God.
Even wise men go astray and God knew that man needed something more than a temple and animal sacrifices. Just seeing God in a vision or having a Word from Him failed to prevent a man’s downfall. Isaiah was given the task of telling God’s backslidden people, these descendants of David and Solomon, about God’s plan. About 700 years before Christ, Isaiah spoke a Word from the Lord which was written down for us. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) (Matthew 1:20-23) Matthew quoted this verse in his recounting of the birth of Jesus Christ, saying that Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment of what the Lord had spoken through the prophet Isaiah!
Mankind experienced “God with us” in the physical person of Jesus Christ for 33 years. He lived among His people, the Jews. They saw Him and heard His authoritative teaching and experienced His miraculous works. His bigger goal was to have each of His followers throughout history to be indwelled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would be “God with us” to each individual as well as to His people when they gathered together in His name. For nearly 2000 years this special empowerment has been available to believers everywhere who have asked for it. ‘God with us’ is the mark of the New Testament Christian. ‘God with us’ keeps us fresh and moving towards the goal of seeing the Lord. We are so blessed to live in the wonderful dispensation of “Immanuel”! In His Love, Pastor John
Leadership transitions
Scripture reading for April 19: 1 Chronicles 22-27
As I have attended and worked in different church families, one of the things that is often done poorly is the transition of leadership. Often the pastor resigns or sometimes is forced to leave because of some problem. No preparation or thinking has been done by the deacons or core leadership of the church and a crisis is at hand. People have different ideas and pastors are invited to come share their ministry and it becomes a popularity contest. It sometimes divides the church and there is great turmoil. Many people forget that God is a God of order and He has a plan of succession and a plan for success!
David was old and “full of years”. (1 Chronicles 23:1) He made Solomon king over Israel. In a power grab, David’s son Adonijah had tried to make himself king. Bathsheba and Nathan worked together to redirect the situation according to the will of the Lord. (1 Kings 1:1-5) It is one of the strategies of Satan to bring division and confusion in a family, church, or nation.
After installing Solomon, David wisely tried to help his son succeed in the vision he had from the Lord. A long-term project was the building of the temple of the Lord. David had heard from the Lord and passed on the instructions and materials he had gathered and provided from his own wealth. He was a good example and prayed for God’s wisdom and discretion that his son might have success! A father’s blessing and God’s blessing go a long way toward success! (1 Chronicles 22:11-13)
The last thing David did was to gather the key leaders of Israel together and encourage them to support Solomon. David cited the Lord’s victories and how God had given the people rest. He encouraged the leaders to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul and to begin building. This transition would continue the vision of the Lord through David and insure the accomplishment of God’s will and purposes. (1 Chronicles 22:17-19)
I believe God wants thoughtful and peaceful transition of leadership. Pray for your family, church family and nation for the leaders and those in authority that they would be thoughtful and purposeful in this area. God’s purposes are eternal! We should keep them in focus in choosing leaders!
The Lost Book
Scripture reading for April 15: 2 Kings 22-25
Josiah became king of Judah when he was just eight years old! By the time he was 26, he was ready to begin what was to be the last revival in the land of Judah before God’s Word brought judgment! Josiah was a king who did right in God’s eyes and tried to follow the Lord. He was concerned for the temple, which had fallen into disrepair. As the work was going on, Hilkiah, the high priest found the Book of the Law and gave it to Shapan, the secretary to the king. Shapan read the Book, and then took it in to the king and read it to him. As the king heard the Word of the Book, he was humbled and tore his robes. He realized that God’s anger was against them because of their disobedience!
Josiah sent the leaders to seek the Lord through Huldah the prophetess. She told them of God’s coming judgment and how the Lord was merciful towards King Josiah because he humbled himself and wept before Him. King Josiah called the elders together and they went up to the temple where he had the lost Book read in their presence. They renewed their covenant with the Lord that day by pledging themselves to the Lord again. (2nd Kings 23:1-3)
Where do we end up when we ignore God’s Book? First, the temple of God will be in disrepair! Without God’s life-giving Word, things decay fast! Death and sin do their destructive work among God’s people without continual contact with the Book! Second, idolatry will fill the void. Idols had crept into the temple of the Lord! Josiah’s revival of reading the lost Book brought repentance and destruction of the idols in the land. (2nd Kings 23:4-7) Humbling and response from the heart is what God is looking for.
Have you lost track of God’s Book? Is your temple in disrepair? Now is the right time to make the change! Humility and repentance is the right posture to receive grace from the Lord! He is watching and waiting to restore and heal you!