Tag Archives: 2 Kings

2 Kings 10, 2 Corinthians 5-7

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God had anointed Jehu to be king, and Jehu proceeds with destroying Ahab’s descendants and the prophets of Baal in 2 Kings 10. Yet Jehu failed to improve Israel’s spiritual health, “he did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.” Jehu had zealously done God’s work in one aspect of his life, but ignored another aspect. As a result, his dynasty would last only 4 generations.

We can examine our life and motives in light of Jehu’s actions. Do we zealously destroy and fail to build up? Or do we instead take the advice of Paul to the Corinthians, living as the temple of the living God, working together, guided by the love of Christ, persuading others of the hope of the gospel.

2 Kings 6

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In 2 Kings 6 we read one of the most encouraging stories in the Bible. The king of Syria is determined to capture Elisha after learning that Elisha revealed his military movements to the king of Israel.

The king of Syria learned that Elisha and his servant were in Dothan, and “sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city”. When Elisha’s servant rose in the morning and saw the army he was afraid. Elisha was not worried, “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.”

These angels had been there all along, watching over Elisha and his servant. God watches over us as well, as we are frequently reminded in the Psalms. “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righeous and his ears toward their cry… when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Like Elisha, we have no need to be afraid. Let us open our eyes and through faith see the love and care God has for us.

2 Kings 5, 1 Corinthians 14

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In 2 Kings 5, we read of Naaman’s cleansing from leprosy, an event with many parallels to our own cleansing. Rather than some mighty act, Naaman had to humble himself and submit to the simple instructions from Elisha. Naaman’s pride almost cost him the chance to be healed, but the faith of a little girl taken captive from Israel convinced him to do as instructed.

Similarly, we have not been called to perform some mighty work in order to be saved from the effects of sin. Instead, we’ve been called to humble ourselves and submit to God. The cleansing we have been offered is free, just as Naaman’s healing was free. We are also reminded of the impact out faith can have on others, and the need to encourage each other as we walk towards God’s kingdom.

Paul also considers the idea of the needs of others in 1 Corinthians 14, in the context of holy spirit gifts. Paul “would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” While both gifts are useful in the right context, anything that will build up and encourage others is far more important, “For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up”. This should be our focus in the body of Christ, building each other up in our spiritual journey.

2 Kings 19, Luke 5

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Jesus said “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance”. He demonstrated his authority to forgive sins by healing the paralysed man.

Like Levi, we’ve been called to leave everything this life has to offer behind us, to repent and heal our relationship with God. Like Hezekiah, we’ll experience challenges to our faith, but we should follow his example and take those challenges to God in prayer. “So now, O Lord our God, save us, please”

2 Kings 17

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In 2 Kings 17 we read about Samaria being taken into captivity by the Assyrians, and the reason God allowed that to happen. “the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God…  did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God”.

Israel had built high places, images and groves, and burnt incense in their worship of idols. They’d done this secretly, hoping to hide their actions from God. God sent prophets to tell Israel to return to serving the true God, but they wouldn’t hear.

Events like this remind us how easy it is to deceive ourselves, to make other things in our life a priority over God, and try to hide it. Like Israel, God has given us an opportunity to repent and turn again to Him.

2 Kings 7, Lamentations 3

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Elisha described to the king an impossible sounding scenario. During a siege so severe that women resorted to eating their children, Elisha says that the very next day fine flour and barley would be so abundant it would be sold cheaper than dove’s dung. Of course Elisha’s prophecy is accurate, and the siege ended the next day, although the disbelieving captain did not live to enjoy it. This story is great for reminding us that, no matter how impossible God’s word may sound, it will certainly come to pass. Today we are besieged by the effects of sin, with all the sorrow that it brings. But one day that will be over, and ‘tomorrow’ will bring the kingdom.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord”