Today, we turn to 2 Kings. In this book we find the same format as 1 Kings. The book opens with Ahaziah, Ahab’s son in power in Israel. Ahaziah’s reign was short. He fell through the lattice-work in his palace and was injured. Instead of turning to the LORD, he had men go to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he would recover. The LORD told Elijah to go and ask the men if there was no God in Israel, that they needed to inquire of Baal-zebub? He then said, Ahaziah would die. Ahaziah sent men to get Elijah. He sent fifty men with a captain in charge. Elijah called fire down from the sky, and the fifty were consumed. This happened a second time. When the third captain came to Elijah, he bowed down in front of him, and begged for mercy. The LORD told Elijah to go ahead and go with the group. He announced to Ahaziah that he would die, and Ahaziah did die. Jehoram became king in his place. Jehoram was not related to Ahaziah, because Ahaziah didn’t have any sons, so the line of Ahab was broken.
As we turn to 2 Kings 2, we read of Elijah being taken up into heaven. Elisha was with him that morning, and Elijah tells Elisha not to go with him, but Elisha is unwilling to remain behind. The account holds a great deal of intrigue. Everyone knows it is the day the LORD will take Elijah into heaven. All the prophets tell Elisha this is the day Elijah will be taken up, and he keeps telling them not to speak of it. When the two come to the Jordan river, Elijah takes off his cloak and hits the water with it. The river parts and the two walk across on dry ground. As they walk along a chariot of fire comes down and takes Elijah up. Elijah had asked Elisha what he could do for him, before he was taken up. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah said it was a hard thing, but if Elisha saw him being taken up, it would be done. Elisha did see Elijah being taken up, and as he went back to the Jordan, he tapped the water with Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen to him as Elijah was taken up. The water parted again, and Elisha recognized he had received the “mantle” of Elijah. When he went back to the other prophets, they told of the water being bad, so Elisha gave them a bowl of salt to put in the water, and it made it good again. As Elisha traveled on, a group of children mocked him, calling him “baldhead.” After Elisha passed, two she bears came out and mauled forty-two of the boys. This seems quite drastic, but we’re being shown the power and position of Elisha as he starts his ministry in place of Elijah.
In chapter 3, the King of Moab rebels against Israel. When Ahab was the king, the Moabites paid tribute to Israel, but after Ahab died, they rebelled. Jehoram called on King Jehoshaphat to help him. He also called on the King of Edom, who joined the alliance. King Jehoshaphat asked King Jehoram if there was any prophet they could ask about the battle. Elisha came. He told them the LORD was only helping because of Jehoshaphat’s presence in the situation. He also predicted the LORD would provide water supernaturally for the three armies, which He did. When the Moabites saw the pools of water, it looked like blood, so they assumed the three armies had fought against each other and attacked to claim the spoils. Instead, they were defeated and driven back to their own land. In desperation, the King of Moab sacrificed his oldest son, which incensed the Moabites and gave them extra power. In that power they forced the coalition back. As we reflect on this passage, what we see is even when a faithless king, such as Jehoram joined with a faithful king, Jehoshaphat, the LORD provided deliverance. The LORD doesn’t respond to our prayers based on our faithfulness, but He does bless obedience and faithfulness. If He only responded when we are totally obedient and faithful, He would never respond. Thankfully, His grace and mercy bend His heart toward us.
As we turn to Matthew 6, the Sermon on the Mount continues. Jesus talks about the spiritual disciplines of giving, prayer and fasting. In each case, Jesus makes it clear we are not to give, pray, or fast as a religious show to others, but as acts of commitment to God alone. Many other details of these disciplines are included, but the key is to offer ourselves, our lives, and our disciplines to the LORD. As we do, He will reward us. In the second half of Matthew 6, Jesus talks about the importance of serving God and God alone. He tells us the chief rival “god” in our lives, will be money. Remember, these words were spoken 2,000 years ago, and yet they are so apropos for today. Jesus recognized we tend to worry about our daily needs, and to think money will be the solution. He reminds us not to worry about anything, and to remember God provides everything we need. The final point Jesus makes in the chapter is so vital. He tells us “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything you need will be added to you.” I have made this such a focus in my life and ministry, because it really is a principle that makes life so simple. As long as we put God first, we don’t have to worry about anything else. God promises to meet our needs. On the other hand, if we don’t put God first, then we need to worry, because we’re in the position of needing to provide for ourselves. Throughout my life, I have found God to be completely faithful in meeting my needs, and my family’s needs. I’m sure you will, too, as you seek Him first!