Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Kings 1-3
Devotional Thought:
There is only one living and true God, only one Creator of the world. He is the LORD God Almighty, who alone possesses supreme knowledge (omniscience) and supreme power (omnipotence) and is present everywhere (omnipresent). Because He is God of the universe, He is able to help us as we walk day by day throughout life. No matter what difficult circumstance, problem, trial, or temptation we may face, the LORD loves us and wants to help us. And He will help us if we will simply do what the songwriter proposed: “Trust and Obey!” This, in a nutshell, is the teaching of 2 Kings 1. How sad it is when people turn from God to try idolatrous means to solve their problem. The question begs to be asked, “Is it because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of some substitute.” Why do we not fall on our knees and cry out to God first? How come God is often a person’s last resort rather than their first choice? I will tell you, because we are natural humanist that think we can handle life on our own. It isn’t until we are in the position of facing death, facing unemployment, losing our house, losing our marriage, or losing our kids that we realize we cannot solve our problem. Usually we have tried everything man has to offer: doctors, medicines, counselors, loans, etc., but we still haven’t humbled ourselves and asked God for help. Often the underlying reason is because we know He knows our heart and He knows how we got into the situation. We also are aware of the changes He will require if our problem is going to get fixed. Ahaziah followed in the wicked practices of his father Ahab, and therefore he had no respect for the God of the universe. He desired to live life according to his own desires and not submit to the authority of God Almighty. What are you facing in your life that is out of your control? The answer is everything, but we do not always acknowledge this. Can you make your heart beat? Can you send the necessary oxygen throughout your body on your own? Your health, your job, your marriage, your home, and everything in your life are a testimony of God’s grace. The other reason we do not like to run to God is because He may say “no.” As was the case with Ahaziah, he did not like the answer of God’s authority. You will die because you ran to false gods rather than turning to the God of the universe. People often get mad at the messenger when they do not like the message. Teenagers get mad at their parents when their parents tell them they are wrong, even if they are wrong. Employees get mad at their employers when they are told no for the good of the company, even when “no” is best for the company. Church members get mad at the pastor when he counsels contrary to what they wanted him to say, even when what he says is biblical, and kings got mad at prophets who told them what God wanted them to know and hear. How sad it is when we think all we have to do is get rid of the messenger in order to change the message. Truth is timeless and when the message is based upon truth, the message will never change. The only variable for change is our attitude and actions toward the message. Ahaziah sent army personnel to kill Elijah, but God protected him. Finally, the last garrison captain falls on his knees before Elijah, calling him a man of God and recognizing the power of God. God shows mercy on this humble captain and pronounces final judgment upon Ahaziah. Oh that we would learn to run to Christ first and see our ultimate dependence upon Him. May we live in humble adoration of His purposes, power, and His presence. As for God, His way is perfect!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to never get self sufficient or self seeking in my approach to life. Please help me to live in submission to truth and what you deem is best for me.
• Lord, thank you for giving me truth in the word of God. Please help me to read, study, memorize and ultimately submit to the truth it presents. Thank you for the security of your control according to your truth.
• Lord, please help me submit to your messengers to deliver your truth to me. Even when I do not like how truth may violate my agenda, please help me to always elevate truth and submit to it.