PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Kings 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Jehu destroyed Ahab’s family, according to the word of the Lord.” (2 Kings 8:17)
As a Jesus follower, I have a hard time reading verses like these.
It all seems to contrary to the Spirit and teaching of Jesus.
Actually, I think this is the point; Jesus intentionally exposes the way of sin.
The old testament shows how we desperately need God’s grace to fix this mess.
But how can God support all this bloodshed, if it goes against the character of God?
God has no choice but to work within the limits and flaws of human nature.
God doesn’t cause violence, but allows our freedom and sin to work itself out.
Violence begets violence, corruption produces corruption, sin always ends in death!
God warns us what happens when sinful humans take the lead (Romans 8:28-32).
Jesus alone breaks the mold, he refuses to play the sinful power game.
He is the first king to resist Satan’s ways, and fully follow God’s ways.
What we see in these chapters is what will happen in our world, without God’s help.
What we see in Jesus is what will happen in our world, if we surrender to God.
I don’t know about you, but for me: I choose Jesus and the way of Jesus!!!
PRAYER
Lord, this world will continue to devolve into violence and despair. Thank you for giving us a vision of a better world, and for making that world possible! Lord save us from ourselves!
God needed to intervene – and he did: the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. The kings of Judah, Israel, Aram, Edom – all were all the same – not one was any better – they were all godless – yet God saves a remnant for the sake of His promises. Even the kings of other nations seek out Elisha – who prophecies among them. Yet there are glimmers of hope – starvation is averted, the Shunamite’s home is restored . God intervened especially with Jesus – and he continues to intervene today – He reminds us who we are. Unlike the king’s guard – we need to believe – God cares and he intervenes – He listens to our needs and responds in wisdom – according to His promises and for the long-term – forever. It is why Jesus came and is coming again.
There is a refrain – did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. The leaders of the people did not walk with God but did what was right in their own eyes. They wanted all their way, their selfish way, their own glory. They thought they were the king of the castle but their fall was great. Today we celebrate that Christ was born to deliver His people. He is the Ruler. Emmanuel. God with us and He is King. He reigns forevermore. Not my will but Your be done. Lead me and guide me, Lord throughout this year and throughout 2021.
Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul;
Not what my toiling body works can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or what I do can give me peace with God;
Not all my prayers nor cries nor tears can bear this heavy load.
Thy work alone, O precious Christ, can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.
Thy love alone, O Father God, is what my spirit needs
Now rid me of this dark unrest, and set this captive free
Your voice alone, O Lord, can speak to me of grace;
Your power alone, O Lord, does all my sin erase.
No other work but Yours, no other blood will do;
No other strength but Your great power can bear me safely through.