Reflections on II Kings 5-7

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?

Reflections on II King 1-4

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?

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?

Rehoboam becomes king, and Israel divides. Note:

Heart for God – The Northern Kingdom strayed from God, so those who set their hearts to seek the Lord left their homes and came to Judah so they might offer sacrifices to God at the temple (11:16-17). Have you set your heart to seek the Lord? Would you be willing to leave your home behind?
Evil heart – Once Rehoboam’s reign was secure, he abandoned the law of God and led Israel to do the same. He did not set his heart to seek God. Does your heart stray when your situation seems secure? Is there someone whose influence is leading you astray?

Here are some good posts for Thanksgiving:

The kingdom splits into two, and both parts walk away from God. Observe:

Folly – Rehoboam has the opportunity to reign as king over all of Israel, but he accepts bad advice and loses most of the people. Compare the advice from his two sets of counselors. Why is one set of advice good and the other bad? How can you know good advice from bad? Where do you seek advice? Where should you seek advice? Why might you seek advice from older godly people?
Idolatry – God gives Jeroboam an opportunity to lead the northern kingdom, but Jeroboam leads the kingdom into idolatry. Judah, the southern kingdom, also enters into idolatry. Is someone leading you to live for or trust in something other than God? Are you wandering from God into idolatry? What idols are calling your name?

The temple is finished and dedicated. Note:

Praise for God’s Love – As the ark was placed in the temple, the Levitical musicians were praising and thanking God for his steadfast love (5:5). The people bowed down and worshipped God “for his steadfast love endures forever” (7:3). The priests offered sacrifices and the Levites offered praises to God – “for his steadfast love endures forever” (7:6). How has God shown his love to you? Take some time now to praise him!
Heart – God knows your heart. You should walk before him with all of your heart. When you sin, you are to turn your heart back to God. Does this describe you? What does God know about your heart?
Humble Prayer – When the people strayed, God instructed them to humbly pray to him, seeking his face, and turning from their wicked ways, and God would hear them and forgive them (7:14). How have you strayed? Will you humble yourself? Will you seek his face?