Reflections on II Chronicles 22-24

Two wicked kings and one wicked queen rule Judah, before Joash becomes king. Observe:

Advisors – Ahaziah followed wicked counselors, and so Ahaziah ruled as a wicked king (22:3-4). Joash followed the advice of Jehoida the priest, and Joash did what was right in God’s eyes all the days of Jehoida (24:2). But after Jehoida’s death, Joash and the people went after other gods; they would not listen to God’s prophets (24:17-19). Who are your advisors? Who do you listen to? What direction are your counselors leading you?
Revival – After years of apostasy, Jehoida made a covenant with Joash and the people that they should follow the Lord. The house, altar, and images of Baal were broken down. Joash restored the house of the Lord, and sacrifices were again made to the Lord with rejoicing and singing. In what ways do you need to return to the Lord?

Reflections on II Kings 8-13

Jehu becomes king of Israel and Joash becomes king of Judah. Consider:

God’s Sovereignty – God said that Ahab’s family would be destroyed, and it was. God pulls down dynasties (like Ahab’s) and raises up new kings (like Jehu). God is clearly in control. How does this truth help you as you see the events of our world today?
Need of Instruction – Joash did what was right because he had someone to instruct him (12:2). Who is instructing you in the way of the Lord? Do you listen to the instruction you receive? Take time to pray for and thank God for those who instruct you. Who are you instructing?

Elisha continues to do mighty works by God’s power.

Greed – After Elisha heals Naaman from his leprosy, Elisha’s servant Gehazi wants some of Naaman’s wealth, and goes after Naaman to get it. Elisha condemns him for his greed. What are you seeking after? Material things or the things of God?
God’s Sovereignty – The Syrians surround Elisha, but God protects him by blinding the army. Syria surrounds Samaria, but again God saves them. An army is no match for God – God is clearly greater, and in control. Are you trusting in God’s sovereign control? Do you look to him for help when trials come upon you?

Two sons of Ahab take turns as king, and Elisha takes Elijah’s place. Observe:

Inquiry – Ahab’s son Ahaziah hurts himself and sends messengers to inquire of Baal to see if he will recover. Elijah intercepts the messengers and brings word that Ahaziah will not recover because he sought out a false god rather than the Lord. Where to do you turn in your trials? Do you look to the Lord? Do you seek his help?
God’s Provision – After Elijah is taken to heaven, Elisha begins to perform numerous miracles by God’s power. He makes bad water good, provides water for an army (like Moses), multiplies oil (like Elijah), raises the dead (like Elijah and Jesus), purifies bad stew, and multiplies food for 100 men (like Jesus). Again and again, God provides through his servant Elisha. How has he provided for you? Do you look to the Lord to provide?

An army came up against Jehoshaphat and Judah. Observe:

Seek the Lord’ Help – With the army approaching, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and went to the temple to seek the Lord’s help, crying out to God in prayer. What upcoming battles do you see in your future? Are you seeking the Lord’s help? How might 20:6 encourage you?
Joyful Praise – When God answered their prayers, the people responded with joy and praise. How will you respond when he answers your prayers for help?

Jehoshaphat, another good king, reigns in Judah.

Drawing Others to God – Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and walked in his commands (17:3-6). But Jehoshaphat didn’t want to follow God alone; he wanted his people to follow the Lord too. He sent out the Levites to teach the people God’s Word (17:7-9). He went among the people himself to bring them to the Lord (19:4). What might you do to draw your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to the Lord?
Bad Alliance – Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, and is confronted with this question in 19:2: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” Have you made some bad alliances?

Elijah flees to the desert, and God shows his power.

Depression – Elijah is depressed. He has fought hard, and won the battle, but one opponent knocks him down. Now he is weary and ready to give up. How does God restore him? With rest, food, exercise, the presence of God, a renewed purpose, and companionship. How might these things help you when you are depressed?
God over all – The Syrian king thinks God is a God of the hills, but not of the valleys and plains. God shows himself God over all places. He cannot be contained or limited to one place. You can never go outside of his sphere of activity. What struggles are you facing? God is still God even in your place of struggle. Trust in him and wait for him to act.

God raises up Elijah. Observe:

Provision – God provides for Elijah during the drought through a brook and ravens. But then the brook dried up. Are you trusting in God or the brooks that he gives you? God then provided for Elijah through a widow in Sidon, the center of Ball worship. How has God provided for you in unlikely ways?
Battle of the Gods – Baal is the god of rain, but God’s prophet Elijah says it won’t rain, and it doesn’t. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest, and Baal again loses. There is only one true all-powerful God. Are you trusting in him or limping between God and something else?

Two good kings, Abijah and Asa, reign in Judah.

Rely on God – Abijah’s army won the battle because they relied on God (13:18). When another army came against Asa, he relied on the Lord and was victorious (14:11-12). Yet in Asa’s later years, he failed to rely on God (16:7-8). Who are you relying on? Who do you look to?
Revival – Asa rid Judah of idols. He repaired the altar of the Lord and the people made sacrifices to the Lord. They made a covenant to seek God with all their hearts. Are you seeking God this way? What sacrifices do you make for God? What idols do you need to get rid of?

We see here a contrast between several kings in Judah and Israel. Consider:

Heart – Abijam’s heart was not wholly true to the Lord (15:3), but Asa’s heart was (15:14). How would you describe your heart? What other things compete for your heart? What would it look like to have a heart wholly true to God?
Right and Wrong – Asa did what was right in God’s sight (15:11), but Israel’s kings did what was evil in God’s sight (15:26, 34; 16:25, 30). Where do you see this contrast in our world today? In your own life?