SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites,” he answered. “You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women.” [2 Kings 8:12]
This chapter highlights the brokenness, violence and misery that ruins a world that rejects God.
These were wicked times, and Elisha’s weeping reminds me of Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem, knowing the destruction that was coming.
How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now–and never to be equalled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. [Matthew 24:19-22]
And yet there are moments of glory, as in the story of the woman whose son Elisha raised from the dead.
God-moments and little blessings are scattered throughout the history of our world, small glimpses of both God and good at work behind the scenes.
Yes, our world has a lot of junk and brutality, and it’s a wonder God doesn’t just give up on the whole mess.
But He refuses to let the light of hope go out.
Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. [2 Kings 8:19]
As dark as things get, the Lord will never let His light go out.
The opposite is true, He causes His light to shine bright and clear.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12]
What do you mostly see, light or darkness?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to not get discouraged by the darkness. Help me to seek and to serve the light, the good, the kingdom of God NO MATTER WHAT!
This passage reminded of at least two important elements of daily life.
It is important for the people of God to live with the people of God. The Shunammite returned to the land from Philistia. Our surroundings influence our life style – our faith life. It is good to dwell together in unity – fellowshipping with His people. The second is almost like the first point. The king married into Ahab’s family. This we see influences the lifestyle of the king and his children. Wrong choice. Darkness results. The people of God need need to be a separate people and say as Joshua did – but as for me and my household, we will serve the living God. And that must be evidenced by the choices we make. We must remain faithful.
Yet amid the darkness and devastation also here in Haiti, there are stories of miracles, of light, of hope, of God’s presence, of new beginnings. Our God is a God of new beginnings so that His kingdom may come. It will come! His presence is here and now among His people. Open my eyes Lord this day so that I may see You.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.