2Ki 9:22
Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, "Is it peace, Jehu?" So he answered, "What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?"
In this chapter, we saw how the word of God came to pass.
Remember the words of the LORD to Elijah?
"It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. (1Ki 19:17)
In this chapter, we saw how Joram, son of Ahab, was wounded by Hazael in battle, but later killed by Jehu.
And also remember the word of the LORD which came to Ahab through prophet Elijah?
"And concerning Jezebel the LORD also spoke, saying, 'The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.' (1Ki 21:23)
In this chapter, Jezebel died in the exact manner.
What are our thoughts then? Although these prophecies are actually judgement of God on the people, and aren't exactly pleasant to hear about, I think we can look at this from another angle. The words of God never go unfulfilled. It's like the Chinese saying,
‘君子一言， 驷马难追。’
Can we, then, have faith in His word?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
2 Kings 8
2Ki 8:3
It came to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to make an appeal to the king for her house and for her land.
Do we remember too, that we are sojourners on earth? Though the woman went and live among the Philistines for seven years during the famine, when the time has come for her to return home, she remembered. She came back for what was rightfully hers, and the king restored all that back to her, including all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now.
From the day Adam sinned against God and was cast out of the garden of Eden until now, all men have lost the status as sons of God. But today, if we accept Christ as our mediator and return to God, He will restore back to us that which was rightfully ours (before the fall of man) - the status of sonship.
2Ki 8:18
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife; and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.
2Ki 8:27
And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, like the house of Ahab, for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab.
Verse 18 is talking about Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, whereas verse 27 is talking about Ahaziah, son of Jehoram. Both served as the king of Judah, Ahaziah after Jehoram. I found it interesting that in both verses, the reference was made to the house of Ahab, stating the relation with Ahab.
"for the daughter of Ahab was his wife"
"for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab"
So what if they are related to Ahab?
It contributed to their sins. Whoever we mix with daily or whoever we have close ties with has a very significant role to play in moulding each of our characters and personalities. Peer influence. More or less. I think God understood this clearly and know the impact it can cause, steering us away from the truth to sins. That is why it encouraged in the Bible not to be yoked with unbelievers.
I think the underlying message is to have nothing to do with evil. None. Not at all. Not even a teeny-weeny bit.
It came to pass, at the end of seven years, that the woman returned from the land of the Philistines; and she went to make an appeal to the king for her house and for her land.
Do we remember too, that we are sojourners on earth? Though the woman went and live among the Philistines for seven years during the famine, when the time has come for her to return home, she remembered. She came back for what was rightfully hers, and the king restored all that back to her, including all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now.
From the day Adam sinned against God and was cast out of the garden of Eden until now, all men have lost the status as sons of God. But today, if we accept Christ as our mediator and return to God, He will restore back to us that which was rightfully ours (before the fall of man) - the status of sonship.
2Ki 8:18
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife; and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.
2Ki 8:27
And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, like the house of Ahab, for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab.
Verse 18 is talking about Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, whereas verse 27 is talking about Ahaziah, son of Jehoram. Both served as the king of Judah, Ahaziah after Jehoram. I found it interesting that in both verses, the reference was made to the house of Ahab, stating the relation with Ahab.
"for the daughter of Ahab was his wife"
"for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab"
So what if they are related to Ahab?
It contributed to their sins. Whoever we mix with daily or whoever we have close ties with has a very significant role to play in moulding each of our characters and personalities. Peer influence. More or less. I think God understood this clearly and know the impact it can cause, steering us away from the truth to sins. That is why it encouraged in the Bible not to be yoked with unbelievers.
I think the underlying message is to have nothing to do with evil. None. Not at all. Not even a teeny-weeny bit.
Friday, August 10, 2007
2 Kings 7
2Ki 7:9
Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household."
Kind of reminded me of the gospel that we Christians are entrusted with to preach to the whole world, especially to those around us. What have we done with it?
Especially for converts, can you recall the day when you were called by the Lord to believe in Him? The day when your heart was drawn to the truth and your eyes opened to the light? Haven't you exclaimed, "This is a day of good news!"? At that moment in time, I am sure many of us had the burning desire to spread this good news to people around us. Because freely we had received, and therefore freely we should give.
But as the days passed by, we gradually slackened. And we might eventually keep silent.
I feel that this verse in the Bible may be used to remind us not to slacken in our preaching work. Just as the lepers realised that it wasn't right for them to remain silent about such a great news, we must also realise that the great gospel of Jesus Christ and the cross is meant to be shared and spread. Let's quicken our pace in our labour before the morning light, lest we receive reprimands from Jesus when we meet Him that day.
Also, let us not be like the officer who doubted, whose end was to see it with his eyes, but not eat of it (2Ki 7:2). We who have already touched and seen God, in some ways or another in our lives, let us be careful not to fall, like the officer did. Let us put away all doubts now that we have put our faith in Him.
Imagine yourself on that day, when the kingdom of God has come, yet you can only watch it from afar, not being able to be a part of it. What a scary thought!
Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household."
Kind of reminded me of the gospel that we Christians are entrusted with to preach to the whole world, especially to those around us. What have we done with it?
Especially for converts, can you recall the day when you were called by the Lord to believe in Him? The day when your heart was drawn to the truth and your eyes opened to the light? Haven't you exclaimed, "This is a day of good news!"? At that moment in time, I am sure many of us had the burning desire to spread this good news to people around us. Because freely we had received, and therefore freely we should give.
But as the days passed by, we gradually slackened. And we might eventually keep silent.
I feel that this verse in the Bible may be used to remind us not to slacken in our preaching work. Just as the lepers realised that it wasn't right for them to remain silent about such a great news, we must also realise that the great gospel of Jesus Christ and the cross is meant to be shared and spread. Let's quicken our pace in our labour before the morning light, lest we receive reprimands from Jesus when we meet Him that day.
Also, let us not be like the officer who doubted, whose end was to see it with his eyes, but not eat of it (2Ki 7:2). We who have already touched and seen God, in some ways or another in our lives, let us be careful not to fall, like the officer did. Let us put away all doubts now that we have put our faith in Him.
Imagine yourself on that day, when the kingdom of God has come, yet you can only watch it from afar, not being able to be a part of it. What a scary thought!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
2 Kings 6
2Ki 6:16
So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
How comforting to know this! Although sometimes we need the LORD to open our eyes before we can see this.
Elisha's servant was worried when he saw the great army of the Syrians, but Elisha knew that God's heavenly army was even greater and was there for him. He prayed that his servant's eyes be opened and God opened his eyes to see the horses and chariots of fire. Later, Elisha also prayed that the Syrians' eyes be opened after God blinded them, and God again opened their eyes and they saw.Only God can open one's eyes to see the things of God. Only God has the ability to open the eyes of one's heart to see and accept God.
Today, rather than praying for our physical eyes to be opened, let us pray for our spiritual eyes to be opened such that we can see the abiding presence of God and His army; so that we can be reassured that those who are with us are more than those who are with them.
Also, pray not that people's physical eyes be opened to see signs and miracles so as to believe; rather, pray that God open their spiritual eyes to see God in the truth and to know Him personally.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
2 Kings 5 - On obedience and treasures
2Ki 5:26
Then he said to him, "Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?
In this chapter, we saw how Naaman was raised up through his obedience whereas Gehazi fell due to his disobedience. Indeed, we know that God seeks after obedience more than sacrifices.
"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams. (1Sa 15:22)"
All that was required of Naaman for his leprosy to be healed was to be washed in the Jordan seven times. Initially, he was furious with the absurdity of the instructions as it had appeared to him. Why couldn't Elisha simply call on the name of the LORD and wave his hand a little so as to heal me?
He was hoping for a short cut.
But in our faith, there is no short cut. Yes, of course God has the power to heal him using that method as well, but that was not the way that God has set for him. Perhaps He was testing Naaman's faith, to see if He would obey and believe. Perhaps, by making him go down Jordan seven times, it was to impress deeper on him that God was indeed the one who had healed him.
Similarly, the salvation path that God has set for us is clearly written in the Bible. Do we have faith to obey and believe? Or do we come up with our own methods?
And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (2Ki 5:13)
It was a simple thing to do, although some may find it a little troublesome. And, after his servants' encouragement, he went down the Jordan and was indeed healed. That was the turning point in his life of faith, when he turned back to God in faith and reverence. From an unbelieving gentile, through simple obedience, he developed his simple faith in God. Our faith is simple - it simply requires us to trust and obey.
In the latter part of the chapter, however, we witnessed the fall of Gehazi. He was coveting that which Naaman had brought, but which Elisha had rejected. That caused him to lie to Naaman, as well as to Elisha. Finally, he attempted to hide those things in the house (2Ki 5:24).
No matter how we try to cover up our sins, can they be hidden from the eyes of the LORD?
Elisha answered Gehazi, "Did not my heart go with you...?" Elisha knew. God knew.
But what was even more interesting was the latter portion of what Elisha said. He questioned Gehazi, "Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?"
It was a rhetorical question, with the answer no.
Which led me to ask myself, then when is the time to have all that?
I think this is also applicable to us today. Like Elisha and Gehazi, who were appointed to serve the LORD, we too are here today to offer up our all to God. The time on earth is a time to work, not to receive the luxuries of life. Unlike Gehazi who stored those things in his house, we should rather store up our treasures in heaven (Mat 6:19-20). Those are the true treasures that shall never perish.
Also, Elisha listed out all those luxuries that are seen by one's eyes. Gehazi has led himself to pursue after that which is seen. But Paul teaches us to turn our eyes upon the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2Cr 4:18).
Let us remember Gehazi's downfall and set our eyes on the things above. God will have His blessings bestowed on us in His time, but I think, the time when we shall enjoy the luxuries and blessings is when our work is done, and when we spend our eternity with our LORD God. (:
Then he said to him, "Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?
In this chapter, we saw how Naaman was raised up through his obedience whereas Gehazi fell due to his disobedience. Indeed, we know that God seeks after obedience more than sacrifices.
"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams. (1Sa 15:22)"
All that was required of Naaman for his leprosy to be healed was to be washed in the Jordan seven times. Initially, he was furious with the absurdity of the instructions as it had appeared to him. Why couldn't Elisha simply call on the name of the LORD and wave his hand a little so as to heal me?
He was hoping for a short cut.
But in our faith, there is no short cut. Yes, of course God has the power to heal him using that method as well, but that was not the way that God has set for him. Perhaps He was testing Naaman's faith, to see if He would obey and believe. Perhaps, by making him go down Jordan seven times, it was to impress deeper on him that God was indeed the one who had healed him.
Similarly, the salvation path that God has set for us is clearly written in the Bible. Do we have faith to obey and believe? Or do we come up with our own methods?
And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (2Ki 5:13)
It was a simple thing to do, although some may find it a little troublesome. And, after his servants' encouragement, he went down the Jordan and was indeed healed. That was the turning point in his life of faith, when he turned back to God in faith and reverence. From an unbelieving gentile, through simple obedience, he developed his simple faith in God. Our faith is simple - it simply requires us to trust and obey.
In the latter part of the chapter, however, we witnessed the fall of Gehazi. He was coveting that which Naaman had brought, but which Elisha had rejected. That caused him to lie to Naaman, as well as to Elisha. Finally, he attempted to hide those things in the house (2Ki 5:24).
No matter how we try to cover up our sins, can they be hidden from the eyes of the LORD?
Elisha answered Gehazi, "Did not my heart go with you...?" Elisha knew. God knew.
But what was even more interesting was the latter portion of what Elisha said. He questioned Gehazi, "Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?"
It was a rhetorical question, with the answer no.
Which led me to ask myself, then when is the time to have all that?
I think this is also applicable to us today. Like Elisha and Gehazi, who were appointed to serve the LORD, we too are here today to offer up our all to God. The time on earth is a time to work, not to receive the luxuries of life. Unlike Gehazi who stored those things in his house, we should rather store up our treasures in heaven (Mat 6:19-20). Those are the true treasures that shall never perish.
Also, Elisha listed out all those luxuries that are seen by one's eyes. Gehazi has led himself to pursue after that which is seen. But Paul teaches us to turn our eyes upon the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2Cr 4:18).
Let us remember Gehazi's downfall and set our eyes on the things above. God will have His blessings bestowed on us in His time, but I think, the time when we shall enjoy the luxuries and blessings is when our work is done, and when we spend our eternity with our LORD God. (:
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
2 Kings 4 - Shalom
2Ki 4:23
So he said, "Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath." And she said, "It is well."
2Ki 4:26
"Please run now to meet her, and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" And she answered, "It is well."
Shalom. That's all she said in response to people's questions, after the death of her son.
It is really very interesting to see how this mother responded right after the death of her son. The Bible only records that she laid him on the Elisha's bed, requested for transportation from her husband, and went forth to find Elisha (2 Ki 4:21-22). There are no records of her mourning or sorrow. Which mother would not weep at the loss of her child?
She did not even want to share this sorrow with her husband! To whomever greeted her, she responded with one word: "Shalom".
She was not being aloof. Rather, I saw her great faith being manifested in her deeds.
The first thing that she did after her son's death was to look for Elisha, the man of God. She had the unwavering faith that he can do something about it. At that point in time, there was only one goal in her mind: To look for Elisha as soon as possible, telling her servant not to slacken the pace (2Ki 4:24).
When we meet with problems in our lives, do we quicken our pace in search for God? Do we also have the unwavering faith that God can definitely help us?
Also, she responded with "Shalom" to whoever greeted her. I believe that she did not say it to dismiss them; rather, she meant it from her heart.
It will be "shalom" when I find Elisha, the man of God. He can do something about it.
I marvel at her great faith. How can one remain so calm at the loss of one's child and still say "shalom"? Any other woman might have already lost her mind in weeping and wailing.
What about us? In times of adversity, can we still greet people from our heart with "shalom"? Can we still keep our peace while we look for God, whom we know can save us?
And when we have found God, do we catch Him and cling on to Him, the way the woman caught Elisha by the feet and clung on to him (2Ki 4:27, 30)?
I pray that we may manifest faith like that of this Shunammite woman, having peace in our hearts in times of trouble and turning to God for help.
So he said, "Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath." And she said, "It is well."
2Ki 4:26
"Please run now to meet her, and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" And she answered, "It is well."
Shalom. That's all she said in response to people's questions, after the death of her son.
It is really very interesting to see how this mother responded right after the death of her son. The Bible only records that she laid him on the Elisha's bed, requested for transportation from her husband, and went forth to find Elisha (2 Ki 4:21-22). There are no records of her mourning or sorrow. Which mother would not weep at the loss of her child?
She did not even want to share this sorrow with her husband! To whomever greeted her, she responded with one word: "Shalom".
She was not being aloof. Rather, I saw her great faith being manifested in her deeds.
The first thing that she did after her son's death was to look for Elisha, the man of God. She had the unwavering faith that he can do something about it. At that point in time, there was only one goal in her mind: To look for Elisha as soon as possible, telling her servant not to slacken the pace (2Ki 4:24).
When we meet with problems in our lives, do we quicken our pace in search for God? Do we also have the unwavering faith that God can definitely help us?
Also, she responded with "Shalom" to whoever greeted her. I believe that she did not say it to dismiss them; rather, she meant it from her heart.
It will be "shalom" when I find Elisha, the man of God. He can do something about it.
I marvel at her great faith. How can one remain so calm at the loss of one's child and still say "shalom"? Any other woman might have already lost her mind in weeping and wailing.
What about us? In times of adversity, can we still greet people from our heart with "shalom"? Can we still keep our peace while we look for God, whom we know can save us?
And when we have found God, do we catch Him and cling on to Him, the way the woman caught Elisha by the feet and clung on to him (2Ki 4:27, 30)?
I pray that we may manifest faith like that of this Shunammite woman, having peace in our hearts in times of trouble and turning to God for help.
Monday, August 6, 2007
2 Kings 3
2Ki 3:18
"And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
To our omnipotent God, anything is possible. It is only whether He is willing; whether something is according to His will. Remember how the leper came before Jesus and asked to be healed?
And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." (Mat 8:2)He fully understood that Jesus can heal him, but it all depends on whether He is willing. That is why the phrase "if You are willing" came first.
Do we also have this type of faith towards Jesus? The faith to believe that all things are actually simple matters in the sight of God, but it just depends on whether it is according to His will or not. In our prayers, do we manifest this type of faith and say "Lord, if You are willing, ...."?
He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
(Psa 18:48)
Let us also have faith that He will deliver us from our enemies and therefore have no fear. But most importantly, remember that it is according to His mercies that we are delivered, for on what grounds can we ask of such deliverance from Him? We who have gone against God time and again; we who have delivered ourselves into the hands of the enemies, why should God save us?
In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Your servant. (Psa 143:12)
He saves us, because of His abundant mercies.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
2 Kings 2
2Ki 2:12
And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
Other than it showing great sorrow and loss, I feel that we can learn something more from Elisha's tearing of his clothes. Indeed, he must be very upset that his teacher was taken away from him, but I think at the same time, he realised his commission then - which was to carry on what his teacher had done. It was also something that he desired to do, when he asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit to be upon himself.
After Elijah was taken up to heaven, we saw Elisha tearing his own clothes and then picked up the mantle that Elijah had left behind.
Clothes are what we wear on us and they signify our lives. We can also gauge a person's personality by the clothes that he chooses to wear. Therefore, Elisha's tearing of his clothes, and later taking up Elijah's mantle, can symbolise one's putting off one's own life and taking up the role of another. Elisha was chosen by God to succeed Elijah, and he understood and desired that himself. Have we tore our own clothes and picked up the mantle of Jesus? Have we asked for a double portion from God?
"that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24)"
Also, another interesting point in 2Ki 2:20,
And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.
Why was a new bowl needed? My thoughts are related to the idea of purity and holiness. I think in order for the salt to be useful, it has to be first undefiled and therefore Elisha requested for a new bowl. However, we must remember that God is ultimately the one who healed the water.
The teaching for us is that, in order for us to be useful in God's work, we must first be undefiled and holy. But how can we be made new again? By the blood of Christ. At the time of baptism, our impurities are cleansed away and after baptism, we are continually cleansed by His blood when we come before Him in repentance. By His blood, all sin-stained souls can be washed and cleansed to be made like brand new. And when we are pure, we can be useful vessels for God.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (Mat 5:13)"
Remember also that we are the salt of Christ. Let us not lose our flavour by putting ourselves in unclean bowls lest we become good for nothing.
Friday, August 3, 2007
2 Kings 1
2Ki 1:14
"Look, fire has come down from heaven and burned up the first two captains of fifties with their fifties. But let my life now be precious in your sight."
Why had Elijah then not send fire down to consume the third captain and his fifties? Could it really be that the lives of the first two captains and their fifties were not precious in the sight of God?
Of course not. Our lives are of course precious in the sight of God. Every individual soul is precious to Him.
As for why God decided not to send fire down to consume the third captain, I believe it has to do with his humbled heart. And also a heart that believed.
See how Elijah replied the first two when they called upon him as "man of God":
"If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men." (1:10,12)
Why had Elijah replied with "if I am a man of God"?
My opinion is that the first two captains did not really believe in that, even though they address him as such. Therefore, judgment came upon them. As for the third captain, we saw how he "came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and pleaded with him" (1:13).
I do not know if he really believed in the LORD God as the true God then, maybe he was just fearful for his life? But I believe he recognised that Elijah did come with power and authority from above. When he addressed Elijah as "man of God", he meant it with sincerity, at least he was more sincere than the previous two.
Moreover, he came on his knees and pleaded. He came pleading for his life. I think falling on one's knees is probably one of the best actions to show humility. Being lower (well, literally) than the other party, one is actually submitting to him and his will.
Have we ever humbled ourselves and fallen on our knees before God? Have we ever come before God on our knees, pleading with Him? Such is a manifestation of humility, and God desires a humble spirit.
"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2Ch 7:14)"
"Look, fire has come down from heaven and burned up the first two captains of fifties with their fifties. But let my life now be precious in your sight."
Why had Elijah then not send fire down to consume the third captain and his fifties? Could it really be that the lives of the first two captains and their fifties were not precious in the sight of God?
Of course not. Our lives are of course precious in the sight of God. Every individual soul is precious to Him.
As for why God decided not to send fire down to consume the third captain, I believe it has to do with his humbled heart. And also a heart that believed.
See how Elijah replied the first two when they called upon him as "man of God":
"If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men." (1:10,12)
Why had Elijah replied with "if I am a man of God"?
My opinion is that the first two captains did not really believe in that, even though they address him as such. Therefore, judgment came upon them. As for the third captain, we saw how he "came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and pleaded with him" (1:13).
I do not know if he really believed in the LORD God as the true God then, maybe he was just fearful for his life? But I believe he recognised that Elijah did come with power and authority from above. When he addressed Elijah as "man of God", he meant it with sincerity, at least he was more sincere than the previous two.
Moreover, he came on his knees and pleaded. He came pleading for his life. I think falling on one's knees is probably one of the best actions to show humility. Being lower (well, literally) than the other party, one is actually submitting to him and his will.
Have we ever humbled ourselves and fallen on our knees before God? Have we ever come before God on our knees, pleading with Him? Such is a manifestation of humility, and God desires a humble spirit.
"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2Ch 7:14)"
Thursday, August 2, 2007
1 Kings 22
1Ki 22:8
So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil." And Jehoshaphat said, "Let not the king say such things!"
Such childish comments coming from a king! I can't help but laughed. But aren't we all like this? We desire to hear good things, but avoid the bad news. Similarly, we ask God for good things, but pray that we might not meet with the bad. We say we aren't sure if we can have the strength to handle trials and temptations. But we definitely have the appetite for good blessings.
However, as the verse suggests, as long as the word came from God, regardless whether it is good or bad, we should accept it with gladness. Micaiah was a man "by whom we may inquire of the LORD" and so, regardless of whether he prophesy good or evil, the king should accept it as being from God. Morever, we know that God's plans for us are not of evil, but of hope and a future (Jer 29:11). It is for us to seek Him and find Him. But I guess, to the king then, he could only see the prophesy as evil.
For us today, we should gladly receive both blessings and trials from God. I see both as the grace of God upon us. Blessings allow us to offer up thanksgiving and praises to God, whereas trials allow us to grow into mature christians in the Lord. It is only through trials that we are refined and moulded into the image of God. Like a silversmith, God refines us to get rid of any impurities that might be defiling us. Like a potter, God works on us, the clay, and mould us into His image.
Another verse struck me, and by which caused me to admire Micaiah, the prophet of God.
1Ki 22:13
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, "Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement."
The messenger was trying to use the pressure of the group to impel Micaiah to follow the crowd. This is a situation that all of us must have been in before. We, the sanctified ones of the Lord, will especially face this kind of pressure coming from the outside world, compelling us to be like one of them.
But we are not one of them. Not anymore, after we have been washed by His blood. (cf 1 John 4:4-6)
Micaiah knew exactly his role as a prophet, that is to convey the true word of the LORD, and he carried it out faithfully. He was indeed very brave to speak contrary to the entire group of 400 prophets and even when he was sentenced into prison, he spoke with conviction these words:
"If you ever return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me. Take heed, all you people!" (1Ki 22:28)
Do we have such conviction in the word of our Lord? Do we have such faith to stand by the word of God, in the face of so many opposers of our belief? Do we recognise that we, too, are the prophets of God today, to convey the truth of God to the world? Will we be able to stand up to the pressure, the pressure to be like one of them?
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
1 Kings 21 - God's love and mercy
1Ki 21:20
So Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me, O my enemy?" And he answered, "I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD:
Who had Ahab sold himself to?
Who else, but Satan?
And what did Ahab get in return?
The moment's pleasure or glory.
When we sell ourselves to do evil in the sight of God, we are slaves to sins. Since we have sold ourselves, we are no longer masters of our own bodies, but rather, we listen to another master, whom we have sold ourselves to. Being enchained to sins, we no longer have control over our own selves.
But yet, we know of how Jesus came to set us free. Free from this bondage of sins. Because we have sold ourselves to Satan for the moment's pleasure, God has to offer up something in order to redeem us back. He has to pay Satan for our souls as well.
So, Jesus used His blood to remove our chains. He bought us with His blood. And what was the end result? That we may have eternal lives. He paid, yet we benefited.
Do you see the contrast? In the first situation, we paid for our moment's pleasure with our souls. Yet, in the second situation, God paid for our souls with His blood so that we may have eternal joy.
This reminded me of a verse on footwashing.
Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." (Jhn 13:8)
If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me. It is not about the person doing the washing, but about the person whose feet are being washed. Jesus derived no benefits from washing the disciples' feet, yet He loved them so much that He humbled Himself to do it. So that we may have a part with Christ.
Can you see how footwashing is so intricately linked with salvation? It's the same story. Christ came and did something that He derived no benefits from, but yet, did it because He loves us so much. And the end result is that we are the ones who benefit.
How can love be so strong that one can do such things?
Also, another attribute of God can be seen from the verse below.
1Ki 21:29
"See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house."
See how God is always so quick to show His mercy? As long as Ahab showed repentance and remorse, God softened His heart and relented.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (Psa 86:5)
In fact, God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). He did not come to judge, but to save (John 12:47). It is man's sins which has judged him. God is abounding in mercy and love. As long as we know how to return back to God with humbled spirits, God will be more than willing to receive us back into His arms.
So Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me, O my enemy?" And he answered, "I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD:
Who had Ahab sold himself to?
Who else, but Satan?
And what did Ahab get in return?
The moment's pleasure or glory.
When we sell ourselves to do evil in the sight of God, we are slaves to sins. Since we have sold ourselves, we are no longer masters of our own bodies, but rather, we listen to another master, whom we have sold ourselves to. Being enchained to sins, we no longer have control over our own selves.
But yet, we know of how Jesus came to set us free. Free from this bondage of sins. Because we have sold ourselves to Satan for the moment's pleasure, God has to offer up something in order to redeem us back. He has to pay Satan for our souls as well.
So, Jesus used His blood to remove our chains. He bought us with His blood. And what was the end result? That we may have eternal lives. He paid, yet we benefited.
Do you see the contrast? In the first situation, we paid for our moment's pleasure with our souls. Yet, in the second situation, God paid for our souls with His blood so that we may have eternal joy.
This reminded me of a verse on footwashing.
Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." (Jhn 13:8)
If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me. It is not about the person doing the washing, but about the person whose feet are being washed. Jesus derived no benefits from washing the disciples' feet, yet He loved them so much that He humbled Himself to do it. So that we may have a part with Christ.
Can you see how footwashing is so intricately linked with salvation? It's the same story. Christ came and did something that He derived no benefits from, but yet, did it because He loves us so much. And the end result is that we are the ones who benefit.
How can love be so strong that one can do such things?
Also, another attribute of God can be seen from the verse below.
1Ki 21:29
"See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house."
See how God is always so quick to show His mercy? As long as Ahab showed repentance and remorse, God softened His heart and relented.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (Psa 86:5)
In fact, God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). He did not come to judge, but to save (John 12:47). It is man's sins which has judged him. God is abounding in mercy and love. As long as we know how to return back to God with humbled spirits, God will be more than willing to receive us back into His arms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)