Tag: Christianity

Reflections on II Kings 8-13

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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?

II Kings 8-13 & II Chronicles 22-24: God’s Control & Godly Counsel

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(2K8-13) Summarize each of the following passages without any reference to what God is doing:

2 Kings 8 –

2 Kings 9-10 –

2 Kings 11-12 –

2 Kings 13 –

What descriptive words would you use to describe these stories?  What similarities do you see with our world today?

(2K8-13) Now notice what God is doing in these stories:

2 Kings 8 (v13, 19) –

2 Kings 9-10 (9:6-10, 26, 36; 10:17; 2 Chr 22:7) –

2 Kings 11-12 (11:2-3; 2 Chr 24:24) –

2 Kings 13 (v23) –

What application is there for us as we see what is happening in our world today?

How might 13:23 apply to us today?  Point to Jesus?

(2C22-24) Whose counsel did Ahaziah follow, and what did he do as a result (22:2-4)?

Whose counsel did Joash follow, and what did he do as a result (24:2, see also 2 Kings 12:2)?  Whose counsel did he follow later, and what did he do as a result (24:17-19)?

How do these stories highlight the importance of godly counsel?

Where can you and your family find godly counsel?  Is receiving and following godly counsel a priority in your life?

New Year’s Resolutions

On By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections

Here are some good posts on making resolutions for 2018:

Ten Questions To Ask at the Start of a New Year (pdf) – Don Whitney

Nine Questions to Ask Yourself to Prepare for 2018 – Scott Slayton

4 Christian Principles for Making New Year’s Resolutions – Burk Parsons (Ligonier)

A New Approach to New Year’s Resolutions – Zach Nielsen (TGC)

Reflections on II Kings 5-7

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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?

II Kings 1-7: Elisha

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) How does Ahaziah dishonor God in this chapter?  What is the result?  How might we dishonor God in the same way?

How do the first two captains dishonor God?  What are the results?

How does the third captain humble himself before the Lord, and what is the result?  What lesson is there for us?

(2) Elijah goes up to heaven, and Elisha becomes his successor.  How do the boys dishonor God, and what are the results (v23-25)?  What application is there for us?

(2-4, 6) Make a list of all the ways God uses Elisha to provide for other people.  Is any of this hard for God to do (see 3:18)?

How might these examples help us trust God today and strengthen our hope for the future?

(5) How does the young girl point Naaman to the Lord?  How might we point others to the Lord?  Do we look for these opportunities?

How does Naaman initially respond to Elisha’s instructions?  When are we tempted to act this way?

What happens when Naaman humbly obeys?  To what conclusion does Naaman come regarding the Lord (v15)?

How does Gehazi dishonor the Lord?  How might we dishonor the Lord in a similar way?

(6) A Syrian army encamps around the city where Elisha is staying. What does Elisha want his servant to know (v16) and see (v17)?

How can this knowing and seeing help us in our trials?

(6-7) Another Syrian army encamps around Samaria.  What word from the Lord does Elisha give (7:1)?  How does the captain dishonor God, and how does Elisha respond (7:2)?

How does God bring about his word?  What happens to the captain?  What do we learn about the importance of faith as it relates to receiving God’s provision?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your long Christmas weekend:

Into the Darkness He Came – Jon Bloom (DG)

3 Things Mary Knew About Her Baby Boy – Jonathan Toutley (TGC)

Mary, Did You Know? What the Catholic Church Teaches About the Mother of Jesus – Thomas Schreine (DG)

Singing ‘Peace on Earth’ When Your Heart Is Heavy – Trevin Wax

How to Share Your Story This Christmas: Counsel from Charles Spurgeon – Tony Reinke

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day and a merry Christmas!

Reflections on II Chronicles 20-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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?

Reflections on II Chronicles 17-19

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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?

II Chronicles 17-21: Jehoshaphat

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(17) How would you describe Jehoshaphat’s spiritual character in v3-6?

Why is courage necessary to follow the ways of the Lord (v6)?

(17, 19-20) What did Jehoshaphat do to encourage his people to follow the Lord (17:7-9, 19:3-4)?

Jehoshaphat also appointed judges throughout the land.  How were they to judge (19:5-11)?  Why (v7)?

What blessing did God grant Judah because of Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness (17:10)?

How does Jehoshaphat and his kingdom point forward to Jesus (Isaiah 9:6-7)?

How might we seek these same things for our own nation?

Despite all that Jehoshaphat did for his people, what sad verdict do we find in 20:33?  What lessons might we draw from this?

(18, 20-21) Despite his heart for God, Jehoshaphat was not perfect.  What serious mistakes did he make?

18:1, 21:1-20 –

18:2-19:2 –

20:35-37 –

What lessons can we learn from his mistakes (II Corinthians 6:14-18)?

(20) A large army comes against Judah.  How does Jehoshaphat respond (v3-12)?  Why is this a good response (v6)?

What word from God is given to Jehoshaphat and the people (v13-17)?  How do they respond (v18-19)?

In what unusual way does Judah’s army go out (v20-21)?  What does God do? (v22-30)?

What lessons can we learn from this incredible chapter?