Two evil kings are followed by Josiah – the final righteous king before the exile.  Note:

• Influence and Consequences – Manasseh led the people of Judah astray into much evil, and God’s judgment was coming. Do you influence people towards God or away from him?  To do what is right or wrong?  Toward blessing or judgment?
• Repentance – Josiah reads the Book of the Law and truly repents. He humbles himself, rips his clothes, and weeps over their past sin.  Then he moves in the right direction – he cleanses the temple from all the instruments of idolatry, destroys the high places, rids the land of mediums and idols, and much more.  When confronted with sin – do you seriously repent like this?

Kings and kingdoms come, and kings and kingdoms go.  Note:

• The Summary of Your Life – King after king comes onto the scene, reigns, and dies. And this book summarizes each one by only one standard – did he do right in the eyes of the Lord or evil in God’s sight?  What matters most is your how you live in relation to God.  How will your life be summarized?  Even the kings who did right often had exceptions noted.  Are there exceptions in your life you need to deal with?
• Sin and Consequences – According to chapter 17, God dispersed the nation of Israel because they sinned against the Lord. Sin has consequences.  Are you taking sin in your life seriously?

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?