2 Kings 8:1
"Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years."
Here we see the stark juxtaposition of belief and non belief. In the previous chapter we saw how the lord who did not believe Elisha perished as a result. In this chapter we see the widow, full of faith still, saved from a horrible famine.
We have no record of Elisha warning anyone besides the widow, though he easily could have. He single her out to save because of her faith.
Jesus Himself asked, "...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Faith is a vital key to our daily Christian walk. God seeks faithfulness in His servants, not success. Faithfulness, not wealth. Faithfulness, not grandeur.
At the end, it is the heart's desire of all God's children to hear those blessed words, "Well done, thou good and FAITHFUL servant..." Do my actions today make me think those are the words I will hear?
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Beggars Leading Beggars to Bread
2 Kings 7:9
"Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household."
We often hear the phrase "just one beggar leading another beggar to food". This truly is what we are as we spread the Good News of Christ. There is nothing in us or about us that makes us worthy. We would perish without Christ just as much as the next person. We have merely been blessed to find the Bread of Life, and He truly is a gift we cannot keep to ourselves.
Notice here, the lepers did not say, it would be nice of us to share this information with others. No, instead they said, it would be wicked of us to withhold this vital, life saving news and we would suffer if we did withhold it. These are two very different perspectives on evangelism. The first will never sustain our motivation. The latter however will provide a urgency, and a need to share the Gospel out of love and concern for others.
How do I view myself as a Christian? How am I motivated to share the Gospel?
"Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household."
We often hear the phrase "just one beggar leading another beggar to food". This truly is what we are as we spread the Good News of Christ. There is nothing in us or about us that makes us worthy. We would perish without Christ just as much as the next person. We have merely been blessed to find the Bread of Life, and He truly is a gift we cannot keep to ourselves.
Notice here, the lepers did not say, it would be nice of us to share this information with others. No, instead they said, it would be wicked of us to withhold this vital, life saving news and we would suffer if we did withhold it. These are two very different perspectives on evangelism. The first will never sustain our motivation. The latter however will provide a urgency, and a need to share the Gospel out of love and concern for others.
How do I view myself as a Christian? How am I motivated to share the Gospel?
Thou Shalt See, But Shalt Not Eat Thereof
2 Kings 7:2
"Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof."
Unbelief always robs us of the blessings God would bestow on us. Often it feels right and we feel justified to not believe. After all we are merely using rational thought, right? We know from Scripture and experience, that no thought is rational which does not take into account the superintendent hand of Providence.
God longs to see faith on the earth. Not dead faith, but living faith that moves us to action on His behalf. God longs to bless that kind of faith. However unbelief will steal that blessing every time if we let it.
I want to see God's blessings, but that is not enough for me. I want to partake. It can only be done by faith. What unbelief is lurking in my life today? How can I root that out and replace it with faith?
"Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof."
Unbelief always robs us of the blessings God would bestow on us. Often it feels right and we feel justified to not believe. After all we are merely using rational thought, right? We know from Scripture and experience, that no thought is rational which does not take into account the superintendent hand of Providence.
God longs to see faith on the earth. Not dead faith, but living faith that moves us to action on His behalf. God longs to bless that kind of faith. However unbelief will steal that blessing every time if we let it.
I want to see God's blessings, but that is not enough for me. I want to partake. It can only be done by faith. What unbelief is lurking in my life today? How can I root that out and replace it with faith?
Wouldest Thou Smite Them?
2 Kings 6:22
"And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."
How often are our impulses wrong, or misguided? Heavenly logic is more than likely going to be 180 degrees different than early logic. It shouldn't be surprising though considering the fact that God's thoughts are so much higher than ours - like the heavens are above the earth.
Earthly logic would say, when your enemy is in your power you take him out, destroy him while you have the chance. Heavenly logic says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44. It is difficult to wrap our brains around this concept, however doing things God's way is always the wisest course of action, whether we understand it or not.
What is my attitude toward my enemies? What is my attitude regarding God's way of doing things?
"And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."
How often are our impulses wrong, or misguided? Heavenly logic is more than likely going to be 180 degrees different than early logic. It shouldn't be surprising though considering the fact that God's thoughts are so much higher than ours - like the heavens are above the earth.
Earthly logic would say, when your enemy is in your power you take him out, destroy him while you have the chance. Heavenly logic says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44. It is difficult to wrap our brains around this concept, however doing things God's way is always the wisest course of action, whether we understand it or not.
What is my attitude toward my enemies? What is my attitude regarding God's way of doing things?
More With Us, Than With Them
2 Kings 6:16
"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
The revelation that the hosts of the Most High God were defending Elisha was done for the benefit of Elisha's servant. But not only for him, also for all servants of Elisha's God who would follow and read of God's power on behalf of Elisha.
Imagine this scene. Picture it in your mind and let that picture fill your heart. Imagine the fear and utter terror this young man was feeling, knowing for certain that their death was upon them. Now imagine the mingled awe, fear, and relief upon seeing the hosts of God standing in your defense.
Fear cripples. Faith emboldens and mobilizes
Matthew Henry:
"When we are magnifying the causes of our fear we ought to possess ourselves with clear, and great, and high thoughts of God and the invisible world. If God be for us, we know what follows, Rom. 8:31."
Can I ask God to open my eyes right now? To see Him, to see His power and love right now?
"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
The revelation that the hosts of the Most High God were defending Elisha was done for the benefit of Elisha's servant. But not only for him, also for all servants of Elisha's God who would follow and read of God's power on behalf of Elisha.
Imagine this scene. Picture it in your mind and let that picture fill your heart. Imagine the fear and utter terror this young man was feeling, knowing for certain that their death was upon them. Now imagine the mingled awe, fear, and relief upon seeing the hosts of God standing in your defense.
Fear cripples. Faith emboldens and mobilizes
Matthew Henry:
"When we are magnifying the causes of our fear we ought to possess ourselves with clear, and great, and high thoughts of God and the invisible world. If God be for us, we know what follows, Rom. 8:31."
Can I ask God to open my eyes right now? To see Him, to see His power and love right now?
A Leper, White As Snow
2 Kings 5:27
"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."
Greed and deception very often go hand in hand. The Bible makes it very clear that God will not tolerate either. Ananias and Sapphira's greed for notoriety within the church led them to attempt to lie to Peter. Their foolish actions had disastrous consequences.
Greed strikes at the very heart of who we are you be as believers. We are you be people who live our lives by faith, desiring things to come in heavenly treasures, not earthen rot.
Deception too is the opposite of trusting God. For it is at its core the belief that the Truth is not good enough to "get me what I need".
Another element of this story we should not overlook is the fact that God uses fallen humans. Gehazi had a choice. He was a close fellow of Elisha, he saw the power of God everyday. Imagine how God could have used him! Yet he threw it away for "stuff". God wanted to use him, yet Gehazi chose selfish desire instead.
Can I see any seeds of greed or deception in my life? Do I see serving God as my highest aspiration or am I seeking my own profit?
"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."
Greed and deception very often go hand in hand. The Bible makes it very clear that God will not tolerate either. Ananias and Sapphira's greed for notoriety within the church led them to attempt to lie to Peter. Their foolish actions had disastrous consequences.
Greed strikes at the very heart of who we are you be as believers. We are you be people who live our lives by faith, desiring things to come in heavenly treasures, not earthen rot.
Deception too is the opposite of trusting God. For it is at its core the belief that the Truth is not good enough to "get me what I need".
Another element of this story we should not overlook is the fact that God uses fallen humans. Gehazi had a choice. He was a close fellow of Elisha, he saw the power of God everyday. Imagine how God could have used him! Yet he threw it away for "stuff". God wanted to use him, yet Gehazi chose selfish desire instead.
Can I see any seeds of greed or deception in my life? Do I see serving God as my highest aspiration or am I seeking my own profit?
No Other "gods"
2 Kings 5:17
"And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD."
Worship, in today's culture is often viewed as a confusing subject. We know it can involve singing and praise, but it can also be prayer, but it can also be service and acts of love to others. So what is worship?
In Naaman's mind, worship was encapsulated in sacrifices and burnt offerings. Once he realized that there was only one God and His name was Jehovah, he immediately renounced any affiliation to false gods and proclaimed his dedication to the One True God. He did this by pledging to only offer sacrifices and burnt offerings to the True God. In his mind, that was his worship and he would only give it to God.
I believe we can learn something significant here. Worship, in whatever form it takes, always involves giving. Whether it be our time in acts of service and love for others, our breath in praise and songs, our dedication in prayer and supplication, or our possessions in tithe, worship is lovingly giving back to God. Because He first gave for us.
Do I have a proper view of worship? How am I worshipping God today?
"And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD."
Worship, in today's culture is often viewed as a confusing subject. We know it can involve singing and praise, but it can also be prayer, but it can also be service and acts of love to others. So what is worship?
In Naaman's mind, worship was encapsulated in sacrifices and burnt offerings. Once he realized that there was only one God and His name was Jehovah, he immediately renounced any affiliation to false gods and proclaimed his dedication to the One True God. He did this by pledging to only offer sacrifices and burnt offerings to the True God. In his mind, that was his worship and he would only give it to God.
I believe we can learn something significant here. Worship, in whatever form it takes, always involves giving. Whether it be our time in acts of service and love for others, our breath in praise and songs, our dedication in prayer and supplication, or our possessions in tithe, worship is lovingly giving back to God. Because He first gave for us.
Do I have a proper view of worship? How am I worshipping God today?
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Walking Humbly
1 Kings 5:11 & 13
"But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper....And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"
Naaman was obviously a great, important man. He had but to ask and the king of Syria did as he bid. He was a great leader, had men under his command, and was used to power. Yet he was impotent, completely powerless in comparison to God.
This was obviously not a feeling he was used to, nor was it one he liked. Naaman had allowed his power and authority to go to his head. He had fallen into the snare of pride. And it nearly cost him his life, for then there was no cure for leprosy.
Humility is a fundamental key to being a Christian. It is not merely words to say that the first shall be last, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, these are truths to live our lives by. Everyday, every moment, living in the knowledge of who I am in regards to Who God is.
Am I walking humbly with my God?
"But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper....And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"
Naaman was obviously a great, important man. He had but to ask and the king of Syria did as he bid. He was a great leader, had men under his command, and was used to power. Yet he was impotent, completely powerless in comparison to God.
This was obviously not a feeling he was used to, nor was it one he liked. Naaman had allowed his power and authority to go to his head. He had fallen into the snare of pride. And it nearly cost him his life, for then there was no cure for leprosy.
Humility is a fundamental key to being a Christian. It is not merely words to say that the first shall be last, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, these are truths to live our lives by. Everyday, every moment, living in the knowledge of who I am in regards to Who God is.
Am I walking humbly with my God?
Far, Far Better
We do not run from sin only because it is evil and wrong, we run from sin and toward God because He is better.
Faithful Availability
2 Kings 5:1-2
"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife."
Here we see two very different people used by God in very different ways. God gave deliverance to Syria "by him" (Naaman). God gave deliverance to Naaman through the little maid.
Naaman was in a position of power and influence and was used by God. The little maid was a captive, a servant a nobody. Yet she too was used by God.
Every child of God longs to be of service to their King and Father. The key we find in this passage is simple - availability. If we ask God to use us, then remain so busy with the cares of this world, we may miss our opportunity. The little maid was not distracted by her captivity, her homesickness, or what was probably a hopeless situation. She was focused on others and how she could love them. Naaman, despite his sickness, a disease that would normally be debilitating, was known as a mighty man of valor.
No matter my circumstances, God wants to use me. And He will, if I make myself available to Him and seek His will. Am I doing that today?
"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife."
Here we see two very different people used by God in very different ways. God gave deliverance to Syria "by him" (Naaman). God gave deliverance to Naaman through the little maid.
Naaman was in a position of power and influence and was used by God. The little maid was a captive, a servant a nobody. Yet she too was used by God.
Every child of God longs to be of service to their King and Father. The key we find in this passage is simple - availability. If we ask God to use us, then remain so busy with the cares of this world, we may miss our opportunity. The little maid was not distracted by her captivity, her homesickness, or what was probably a hopeless situation. She was focused on others and how she could love them. Naaman, despite his sickness, a disease that would normally be debilitating, was known as a mighty man of valor.
No matter my circumstances, God wants to use me. And He will, if I make myself available to Him and seek His will. Am I doing that today?
My Abundant Provider
2 Kings 4:44
"So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD."
Throughout this chapter we have seen God demonstrate over and over that He is the abundant provider. The needs and desires of His children and near to His heart. He hears, He listens.
And not only does He meet our needs, He often goes a step beyond. There was no need to provide leftovers. The fact that the food miraculously was enough for all present was enough. Yet He went a step beyond. He provided abundantly.
How have I seen God's abundant provision in my life today? What can I do to thank Him?
"So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD."
Throughout this chapter we have seen God demonstrate over and over that He is the abundant provider. The needs and desires of His children and near to His heart. He hears, He listens.
And not only does He meet our needs, He often goes a step beyond. There was no need to provide leftovers. The fact that the food miraculously was enough for all present was enough. Yet He went a step beyond. He provided abundantly.
How have I seen God's abundant provision in my life today? What can I do to thank Him?
Friday, September 2, 2016
Behold, The Child Was Dead
2 Kings 4:32
"And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
If you desire to grow in faith, you must be prepared to have that faith tested. When a vision dies, hope can soon follow. And faith is the substance of things hoped for. If hope dies, faith is hanging on by a thread.
This woman didn't believe Elisha when he said she would have a child. Her faith was nearly nonexistent. Yet when her son dies, she is able to say "it is well". Her faith had grown and was ready for the test.
This was also a test for Elisha. He appears to find it strange that God had not told him before hand about the child's death. Imagine, walking into the room, seeing the child you had prophesied would bring this family so much joy dead. But like the woman, Elisha knew who his God was. Knew Him deeply. And because of that his faith was firm.
What is my first thought when my vision dies?
"And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
If you desire to grow in faith, you must be prepared to have that faith tested. When a vision dies, hope can soon follow. And faith is the substance of things hoped for. If hope dies, faith is hanging on by a thread.
This woman didn't believe Elisha when he said she would have a child. Her faith was nearly nonexistent. Yet when her son dies, she is able to say "it is well". Her faith had grown and was ready for the test.
This was also a test for Elisha. He appears to find it strange that God had not told him before hand about the child's death. Imagine, walking into the room, seeing the child you had prophesied would bring this family so much joy dead. But like the woman, Elisha knew who his God was. Knew Him deeply. And because of that his faith was firm.
What is my first thought when my vision dies?
Do Not Lie
2 Kings 4:16
"And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid."
When we really stop to carefully consider God's love for us, it truly is unbelievable. As well as we know our own hearts, He knows us deeper. As clearly as we see our own faults and failures, He sees deeper. Yet despite all that, He loves us.
This woman received a blessing from God that was so out of her comprehension that she accused one of the greatest prophets of all time of being a liar. Yet it was true, and God's blessing was poured out on her.
What gift has God given me that seemed completely and utterly impossible? Do I take it for granted instead of appreciating it with marveling wonder?
"And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid."
When we really stop to carefully consider God's love for us, it truly is unbelievable. As well as we know our own hearts, He knows us deeper. As clearly as we see our own faults and failures, He sees deeper. Yet despite all that, He loves us.
This woman received a blessing from God that was so out of her comprehension that she accused one of the greatest prophets of all time of being a liar. Yet it was true, and God's blessing was poured out on her.
What gift has God given me that seemed completely and utterly impossible? Do I take it for granted instead of appreciating it with marveling wonder?
Empty Vessels
2 Kings 4:3-4
"Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full."
Here we see a powerful illustration of what is meant here:
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
And again here:
Matthew 10:39 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Using human reasoning and logic, the widow would have been quite justified in making sure not one drop of oil left her pot. After all, it was all she had left. Pouring it out would be foolish. Yet we know that man's "wisdom" is foolishness compared to God's true wisdom. And more often than not, the two are diametrically opposed.
Only by pouring out and emptying all that was "hers" could the widow's giving be returned. So often we collect what we have and guard it ferociously, all the while calling our selfishness "good stewardship". God seeks to reward generosity. But He so seldom finds it. Give, and it will be given. It makes no sense to the world, it's an utter impossibility. Yet with God all things are possible.
Would I be willing to pour out my final possession? Do I give generously out of love and gratitude?
"Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full."
Here we see a powerful illustration of what is meant here:
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
And again here:
Matthew 10:39 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Using human reasoning and logic, the widow would have been quite justified in making sure not one drop of oil left her pot. After all, it was all she had left. Pouring it out would be foolish. Yet we know that man's "wisdom" is foolishness compared to God's true wisdom. And more often than not, the two are diametrically opposed.
Only by pouring out and emptying all that was "hers" could the widow's giving be returned. So often we collect what we have and guard it ferociously, all the while calling our selfishness "good stewardship". God seeks to reward generosity. But He so seldom finds it. Give, and it will be given. It makes no sense to the world, it's an utter impossibility. Yet with God all things are possible.
Would I be willing to pour out my final possession? Do I give generously out of love and gratitude?
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