2 Kings 1-15 Daily Devotionals 2013-by Kevin Jesmer

Introduction to 2 Kings

The author could be Jeremiah or one of his disciple-prophets. It was written between 561 and 537 B.C. 2 Kings can be divided into two sections; first, the DividedKingdom (1:1-17:41) and second, the RemainingKingdom (18:1-25:30). The first part deals with Elisha’s ministry, the kings, and the sending of Israel to exile in Assyria. The second part deals with the kings of Judah free from Assyrian rule and the sending of Judah to exile in Babylon. There are five themes in this book, the ministry of Elisha, idolatry in the land, good and evil kings, God’s patience, and judgment. There is a repeated contrast between the ways of David and the ways of Jeroboam; between those who do right in the eyes of the Lord and those who follow the way of idolatry. The nation was divided in two. We learn of 12 kings from Northern Israel and 16 kings from Judah. Their histories reveal why they were destroyed. God warned the people to repent of their idolatry, otherwise they would be punished. But they did not listen even though they had witnessed the power of Elisha. The two nations slid into idolatry, corruption and eventually into captivity. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered Samaria, removing the Israelites and bringing people from Assyrian colonies. There would be no return from captivity. (722 B.C.) The prophets predicted the same fate for Judah to the south. (586 B.C.) A study of 2 Kings teaches us what is right and wrong in the sight of God. It teaches us that the rise and fall of a nation or a person is by the hand of God. We must take warning, through their failure, so that we may not repeat it, personally and as a nation.

 

Saturday, March 1

 

GOD TRIES HIS BEST TO SAVE SINNERS

 

2 Kings 1:1-18

Key Verse 1:3

 

1.    People need to take heed (1-8)

The spiritual condition of N. Israel is revealed here. Ahab’s son King Ahaziah, did evil causing Israel to sin. He served and worshiped Baal, provoking the Lord to anger. When Ahaziah abandoned the Lord, Moab rebelled against his kingdom. He also suffered personal injury after falling. This was God’s warning. He should have asked himself why this happened and repented.

 

2.   God works through people to save (9-18)

Ahaziah sent messengers to consult the god of Ekron. This provoked the Lord, but God was patient. He sent Elijah to them. Ahaziah ordered his soldiers to arrest Elijah. The first dispatch was arrogant. In the end, they were consumed by flames. The second dispatch made the same mistake. The captain of a third dispatch begged for God’s mercy. He feared God and his people were saved. Later Ahaziah did not repent. He was met with destruction. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (Ja 4:6) God patiently gives the lost many chances to repent.

 

Prayer: “Lord, help me to stand up as a man of God so that others may hear your voice, turn and be saved.”

 

One Word: God gives everyone a chance

Sunday, March 2

 

A DOUBLE PORTION OF ELIJAH’S SPIRIT

 

2 Kings 2:1-11

Key Verse 2:9

 

1.   The work of God goes on in dark times (1-8)

Elijah wanted to visit three prophet schools who were oppressed by false religion. Earlier Elijah felt that he was the only one. But God told him that there were thousands of the faithful left. Here we see at least 50 prophets in each of the schools. Elijah sought to encourage and disciple them.

 

2.  Depend on the Spirit of God (9-11)

Elisha was determined to follow Elijah. He loved his teacher, calling him, “My father!” Elisha eagerly wanted to obtain God’s blessing. Upon reaching the Jordan, Elijah struck the water and it divided. The Holy Spirit compelled Elijah to love God and moved him to love God’s people. The Holy Spirit enabled him to challenge impossible situations. After they crossed, Elisha had the privilege of asking what he wanted. What he asked for was a double portion of the spirit of Elijah, which was the Holy Spirit. In essence, this was the eldest son’s inheritance. Elisha knew his weaknesses. Without a double portion of the Spirit he could not carry out the work of God. Jesus promised to give us the Holy Spirit when we ask him (Lk 11:13). So let’s ask the Lord!

 

Prayer: “Lord, grant me strength through your spirit who dwells in me by your grace.”

 

One Word: Depend on the Holy Spirit of God

Monday, March 3

 

ELISHA CONTINUES THE WORK OF GOD

 

2 Kings 2:12-25

Key Verse 2:14

 

1.   Elisha continues in the work of God (12-18)

A chariot of fire took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. By faith he was victorious in this life and into the next. Elijah’s departure was a great loss. Out of sorrow, Elisha tore his clothes. But it was a necessary continuation of God’s history. Elisha was taking the baton for his generation. Elisha struck the water with Elijah’s cloak. It divided and he crossed. God’s authority had transferred to Elisha. Elijah’s spirit was on Elisha, so that he could carry on the work of God.

 

2. Consequences for humility and contempt (19-25).

People complained that their water was bad and the land unproductive. This was an impossible problem. Yet God blessed Elisha’s words and healed the water. God brings blessing for those who ask humbly. Ministry also involves solving practical problems. In a second event, youths reflected irreverence and contempt for God and his servant. Elisha called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord to show that blaspheming God is serious business.

 

Prayer: “Lord, help me to demonstrate your power, grace and truth ministering to my generation.”

 

One word: May my life be a reflection of you

 

Tuesday, March 4

 

A SHEPHERD FOR ALL OF SOCIETY

 

2 Kings 3:1-27

Key Verse 3:14-15a

 

1.  Having eyes of faith makes a difference (1-12)

King Joram got rid of some idol worship out of fear of disaster. Yet he still clung to idols to maintain his power. Then the king of Moab rebelled, causing economic loss. So Joram mobilized Israel, inviting the kings of Judah and Edom. They wanted to advance through the desert. But they could not find water and so they were in trouble. The alliance was paralyzed. In this time of distress, the king of Israel became negative and fatalistic. However, Jehoshaphat believed that it was time to come to God in prayer for he believed God would help them in the time of need. He had faith in the Lord and God worked through his faith.

 

2.  God works through people of faith   (13-27)

The king of Israel virtually blamed the Lord. This aroused Elisha’s holy anger. But he restrained himself. Elisha respected the faith of Jehoshaphat and so he made the effort to hear the word of the Lord and deliver it to the kings. During a time of national crisis, God saved the nation through one king who prayed and one man who listened.

 

Prayer: “Lord, establish shepherds for every segment of society to lead all people to you.”

 

One Word: Take time to pray and listen

 

Wednesday, March 5

 

A SERVANT OF GOD SEEKS TO BLESS

 

2 Kings 4:1-17

Key Verse 4:2a

 

1. Miracle one: filling empty jars with oil (1-7)

Elisha lived with his people and worked miracles for them out of his compassion.  For example, a man of God died with a great debt. His creditor sought to enslave his sons. His widow came to Elisha for help. He helped her spiritually, to find what she had and to collect empty jars from her neighbors and fill them. She trusted and obeyed by faith and a miracle happened! They were saved. She experienced the power of faith, as did her sons.

 

2. Miracle two: a woman bears a son (8-17).

Elisha was encouraged by a woman’s hospitality, and often stopped for a meal. She made a small room as a place for Elijah to be refreshed. She recognized Elisha as a holy man of God. Serving him was the expression of her love for God. Elisha was thankful for her thoughtfulness. He asked her how he could bless her. Elisha realized that she had no son and so he blessed her by revealing that God would give her a son. Only the Sovereign God can give life. God honored Elisha’s faith and she became pregnant. God cares about the needs of people.

 

Prayer: “Lord, give me your compassion and seek ways to bless the people.”

 

One Word: God seeks to bless

Thursday, March 6

 

MIRACLE 3: RAISING A CHILD TO LIFE

 

2 Kings 4:18-37

Key Verse 4:27

 

1.   A mom demonstrates resurrection faith (18-24)

One day, an unexpected thing happened to this family. Their boy had an acute headache and died. It was the most painful thing a parent could ever experience. Instead of despairing and complaining to God, she laid her son on the bed of the man of God and went out to find Elisha. She believed that the God who gave life could restore life to her son. She demonstrated resurrection faith.

 

2.   Elisha the empathetic shepherd (25-37)

Elisha showed empathy. He wanted to solve the problem. So he got up and followed her. Engaging in a spiritual battle, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and lay upon the boy, more than one time. The boy’s body grew warm. Then the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. He was alive! Elisha gave him back to his mother. She fell at Elisha’s feet and bowed to the ground out of her deep thanks to God. Indeed, God can raise the dead for he is the resurrection and the life. Elisha believed that God could raise the dead and acted on his faith and God brought about a miracle.

 

Prayer: “Lord, in the darkest times help me to demonstrate compassion and resurrection faith.”

 

One Word: Have empathy and act on faith

 

Friday, March 7

 

GOD PROVIDES AND DELIVERS

 

2 Kings 4:38-44

Key Verse 4:43

 

1.  Miracle 4: Removing deathly poison (38-41)

The prophets were hungry due to famine. Elisha asked his servant to cook a stew, so they found gourds and cooked them. But they discovered that it was poison. They cried out to Elisha. They did not try to blame the gatherer. They had learned to love one another and face challenges together in God. By faith, Elisha purified the stew. They experienced the power of God practically and their joy was restored. People have eaten from the pot of modern culture and tasted deathly spiritual poison. But God has power to heal. We don’t need to blame anyone. We need only lead them to God.

 

2. Miracle 5: The feeding of the hundred (42-44)

A man brought the first fruits of his harvest to Elisha who did not keep it for himself, but wanted to give it to the hungry prophets. Yet it was not enough. How could all the people be fed? Elisha thought of God and planted practical faith in the young prophets. As the word of the Lord foretold, they all ate and were satisfied and even had some left over. Faith in God Almighty produced a miracle.

 

Prayer: ”Lord, help protect us from deadly spiritual poison and spiritual famine. Purify our hearts and feed our souls. We trust you for our every need.”

 

One Word: Trust God to provide and deliver

Saturday, March 8

 

GOD HEALS A HUMBLED KING

 

2 Kings 5:1-14

Key Verse 5:10

 

1.   A valiant soldier had leprosy (1-7)

Naaman, a valiant general, had leprosy. He could not fight against his leprosy. Though Naaman’s problem made his life miserable, it was the best opportunity to come to God. And God initiated the process through a young girl who shared the good news that Elisha could heal. Naaman was humble enough to listen so he brought this matter to the king. Naaman’s act of faith did not go unnoticed by the Lord, or by Elisha.

 

2.  Naaman was healed when he obeyed (8-14)

Elisha invited Naaman to see him for he knew God could heal. But when Naaman came, Elisha did not greet him. He sent a messenger to tell him to wash in the Jordan seven times. Elisha wanted to help him curb his pride. It was not easy for this king. At first, Naaman could not obey. He had his own idea about how to be healed, rooted in his pride. But God had mercy on Naaman through his servant who helped him do right. He denied his own thoughts and obeyed God’s direction. In doing so, he experienced the power of the living God and was completely healed.

 

Prayer: “Lord, I am powerless to overcome sin. I come to you to be healed by your power.”

 

One Word: Repent of pride and taste God’s power

Sunday, March 9

 

WORSHIP THE LORD BECAUSE OF GRACE

 

2 Kings 5:15-27

Key Verse 5:15

 

1.  Naaman’s decision to serve God only (15-19a)

Naaman realized that the God of Israel was the only true God. When he obeyed God, he came to know the living God personally. He came back to Elisha to confess his faith and to thank God by giving an offering.  At this moment, Elisha did not accept a gift to teach him the value of God’s grace. His healing came only by God’s grace through his obedience. It was impossible to repay this grace with money or a gift. Then Naaman asked for soil to take back to his own country thinking that God should be worshiped on the soil of his own nation. This signifies Naaman’s decision to worship the God of Israel; he would not serve Rimmon anymore.

 

2.    Leprosy due to greed (19b-27)

Gehazi thought that Elisha should receive something because he had saved Naaman’s life. His root problem was greed. He went to Naaman and lied, misusing Elisha’s name. He got some silver and clothes. When Elisha questioned him he lied more. Gehazi did not repent, and became leprous. The Bible says greed is idolatry. (Col 3:5b) Greed is a source of many sins. (1 Ti 6:10)

 

Prayer: “Lord, your healing in my life is pure grace. You are my Savior. I want to worship you.”

 

One Word: Don’t be greedy; worship the God

Monday, March 10

 

ELISHA SHEPHERDED ALL THE PEOPLE

 

2 Kings 6:1-23

Key Verse 6:3

 

1.  Elisha cared for the company of prophets (1-7)

A company of young and poor prophets studied with Elisha. Elisha was a disciple-maker who had personal contact with them, devoting himself to mentoring them. When they wanted to build a larger structure, Elisha agreed and went with them to help. Elisha never forgot to care for the faithful and gave his heart to raise up spiritual leaders. The fellowship was founded on the basis of love and trust, so the community flourished.

 

2.  Elisha cared for secular kings (8-23)

     Elisha used his prophetic insight to keep the king of Israel informed about the whereabouts and activities of the army of Aram, constantly frustrating Ben Haddad ll. Elisha told the king not to kill the Arameans but to feed them and let them go. Joram, the king of Israel followed Elisha’s advice and the raids stopped. Joram was not a good king but did evil in the eyes of the Lord. But Elisha cared for him anyway. It was because Elisha was a shepherd for all Israel. He cared for the small and great in the land. All the people of Israel felt that he was their spiritual Father and shepherd.

 

Prayer: “Lord, I am prone to only serve people who bring me glory. Help to serve all strata of society.”

 

One Word: Ready and willing to serve all people

Tuesday, March 11

 

PLANT REAL HOPE FOR THE SUFFERING

 

2 Kings 6:24-7:2

Key Verse 7:1

 

1.  A king who blamed Elisha (24-31)

The Arameans began a siege. The people were starving and the ugliness of those who suffer without God appeared. They were so desperate that they ate their children. King Joram felt powerless to do anything. He thought Elisha had given him bad advice to feed Aram’s army and let them go. The king blamed Elisha and sent soldiers to murder him. Maybe Joram thought Elisha could do a miracle if he wanted and was angry that he could not come to Israel’s rescue. Despite the hostile atmosphere, God protected Elisha.

 

2.  God’s servant plants hope (32-7:2)

     Elisha gave them hope telling them to “wait on the Lord.” The siege would be lifted and the famine indeed ended the next day. God’s words came true! He was always planting hope. When there is no hope from the outside, we must hear the word of the Lord. We must also plant hope in people’s hearts, looking for opportunities and cultivating real expectancy. But this message, to “wait on the Lord”, made them mad for they were a people suffering with no relief. Elisha stood firm by faith in God.

 

Prayer: “Lord, when situations seem impossible, help me to find real hope in you.”

 

One Word: Plant hope and expectation from God

Wednesday, March 12

 

LEPERS WERE CHOSEN TO SHARE THE NEWS

 

2 Kings 7:3-20

Key Verse 7:9

 

1.  God works through unlikely people (3-7)

According to the law, lepers were not allowed in the city, but depended on charity outside the gate. The famine and the Aramean army made their situation desperate. They wanted to survive and did not yield in the face of desperation. God had mercy on them and was about to work through them to save a city and make history. God works in mysterious ways through those we think he will never work through, like lepers.

 

2.   Such good news needs to be shared (8-20)

The lepers discovered the deserted camp. At first they kept the good news to themselves, forgetting their starving fellow citizens who despised them. Theirs was a selfish reaction, to horde what they found. But then they were conscience-stricken and went to Samaria to share the good news. Good news from the Lord must be shared. We have a moral obligation to do so. Think about those who are dying without God’s good news. We must not be so preoccupied with our own faith and lives that we neglect sharing it with those around us.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for working through people who are like lepers. May I be open to your ways.”

 

One Word: Always share the good news of God

Thursday, March 13

 

IT’S NOT EASY LIVING AS A SERVANT OF GOD

 

2 Kings 8:1-29

Key Verse 8:11

 

1. Restoration of a poor woman’s land (1-6)

The famine would last seven years, so Elisha warned his adopted family to leave. By heeding the prophet’s warning, they survived. After seven years, the woman came back to find her property confiscated. She spoke up, got her land back and its earnings. Those who heed God’s warnings can avoid judgment and even prosper. God rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb 11:6b) But Elisha was also blessed to minister during the famine.

 

2. Elisha bore a very heavy cross (7-15)

Elisha went to Damascus to see the king of Aram. Aram was the capital of the enemy, whose present king wanted to kill him. Yet Elisha was “all in” with regard to following the will of God.  Ben-Hadad was deathly ill and consulted Elisha about his life expectancy. The Lord revealed to Elisha that Ben-Hadad would die and Hazael would hurt his people. Elisha wept. The rest of the chapter deals with the political intrigues and the spiritual apostasy of future kings. All of this weighed heavy on his heart. It is not easy to live as servant of God’s word.

 

Prayer: ”Lord, sometimes I weep like Elisha. Strengthen me to follow you wherever you lead.”

 

One Word:  God gives strength to stand by faith

 

Friday, March 14

 

SERVANTS OF GOD FOR  EVERY OCCASION

 

2 Kings 9:1-37

Key Verse 9:3

 

1.  Jehu was anointed as king of Israel (9:1-13)

Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. He accepted this dangerous mission, calling Jehu out from his fellow officers. He anointed Jehu delivering the message of the Lord. The time had come for the Lord to bring complete judgment against Ahab’s house. Jehu accepted the Lord’s anointing and decided to obey it thoroughly. The Lord chose Jehu as his instrument of judgment. He was cold and thorough, but was the right person to fulfill God’s will. God has his way of working out his will and raising up people to do it.

 

1. Jehu’s zeal for the Lord (9:14-37)

King Jehu wasted no time in exacting judgment on the spiritually wayward kings.  Wounded in battle, Joram king of Israel returned to Jezreel to recuperate. Ahaziah king of Judah visited him. Jehu’s troops followed. Jehu drove like a madman. Eventually Jehu killed Joram and Jezebel, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy. Zeal for the Lord, nowadays, could be expressed in loving others zealously.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for faithfully raising up the right servants at the right time for the right reason. We trust you are doing that today.”

 

One Word: Zeal for the Lord

Saturday, March 15

 

NEVER BE LACKING IN ZEAL

 

2 Kings 10:1-36

Key Verse 10:30

 

1.  In accordance with the word of God (1-17)

Ahab had seventy sons who raised by officials of Samaria who were willing to cooperate. Jehu asked them to kill the sons and send their heads, which they did. Jehu killed 42 relatives of Ahaziah. Jehu destroyed all who were left of Ahab’s family, according to the Lord’s word through Elijah. The secret of Jehu’s success was his zeal for the Lord. This enabled him to accomplish the difficult task. Paul wrote, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Ro 12:11)

 

2.   Learn how to be zealous for the Lord (18-28)

Jehu set out to eliminate Baal worship, killing the ministers of Baal, burning the sacred stone and turning Baal’s temple into a latrine. Jehu was merciless, but the Lord said he did well because he thoroughly did what the Lord had in mind. God rewarded him. However, Jehu tolerated the golden calves for political purposes and so the Lord reduced the size of Israel. Today, God does not call us destroy other people, but to love and serve others with the mind of Jesus. Then we can carry out our mission of preaching the gospel with zeal.

 

Prayer: “Lord, grant me the wisdom, love and passion to apply my zeal for your glory.”

 

One Word: Be zealous for the glory of God

Sunday, March 16

 

THE LORD WORKS IN DARK TIMES

 

2 Kings 11:1-21

Key Verse 11:17

 

I.    God worked through one faithful couple (1-16)

Athaliah, a daughter of Baal worshipers, Ahab and Jezebel, and the wife of Jehoram, influenced her husband and son, Ahaziah to worship idols. After Ahaziah died, Athaliah tried to end the line of David. Satan wanted to prevent the coming of the Savior. The Lord intervened through one faithful woman, Jehosheba, the daughter of Jehoram and the sister of Ahaziah. She was the wife of Jehoiada the priest. They hid Joash, a son of Ahaziah. The Lord worked to raise Joash through her family for six years. Jehoiada also gained supporters. This took courage, but they could not accomplish the mission by themselves. This world needs godly couples who can interpret the times and act.

 

2.  Our Lord is our faithful God (17-21)

Through this couple, the Lord kept the lamp of David burning by preserving a seed of David in a dark time. The king and the people restored their covenant relationships with each other and with God. The power of darkness was defeated. Our God is faithful and fulfills his redemptive purpose without fail. He works through the faithful.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for working through wise and faithful couples who respond to the times.”

 

One Word: The Lord works in dark times

Monday, March 17

 

THANK GOD FOR THOSE SENT TO HELP US

 

2 Kings 12:1-21

Key Verse 12:2

 

I. Joash was encouraged by his mentor (1-16)

Joash was instructed by Jehoiada the priest. He tried to walk in the ways of the Lord, but the high places remained. This promoted syncretism. Joash set out to repair the temple. However, the priests dragged their feet. So Joash hired workers to repair the temple. They worked hard and with honesty repaired the temple. Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord while Jehoiada, his mentor, was alive. We all need someone to encourage us.

 

2.  One person’s fall from grace (17-21)

After Jehoiada died, godless officials influenced Joash. He listened to them and was changed. He forsook the Lord and worshiped idols. He wouldn’t listen and killed a prophet/ priest, desecrated the temple with innocent blood and spurned Jehoiada’s kindness. The Lord punished him by delivering them to the army of Aram. Joash was wounded and his officials assassinated him. Joash had failed to follow Jehoida’s advice after his death. He needed an inner decision to obey God’s word and listen to the person God sent to help him on his journey.

 

Prayer: “Lord, I am weak and easily drift to the world. Help me to learn from others whom you send my way, to help me on my journey.”

 

One Word: Depend on God to help you stand

Tuesday, March 18

 

THE LORD DELIVERS THE WAYWARD

 

2 Kings 13:1-13

Key Verse 13:4

 

1. Lord’s compassion on a wayward nation (1-9)

Jehu’s son Jehoahaz did evil, imitating his father. Although Jehu brought religious reformation, he still compromised. The Lord allowed Gentile nations to oppress Israel. Still, the nation did not turn away from their sin. King Jehoahaz eventually repented and sought the Lord’s favor. The Lord listened to him and provided a deliverer, but Israel was delivered with only a shred of the army. God was unwilling to banish Israel from his presence. God is the God of compassion, not based on emotion, but based on his covenant promises. God is faithful. This faithful God wants to save mankind.

 

2.  Why don’t people learn from the past? (10-13)

Jehoash became King of Israel in Samaria. He reigned sixteen years. He also did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam. Why can’t people and nations learn from history? Despite of this, the Lord, in his great mercy, would later use Jehoash to deliver Israel.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for caring about my plight even when I am wayward. Help me to respond to your love.”

 

One Word: The Lord sees our suffering

 

Wednesday, March 19

 

HELP OTHERS TO TASTE VICTORY IN GOD

 

2 Kings 13:14-25

Key Verse 13:17

 

1.  Helping others to experience victory (14-21)

     Elisha was close to death. Jehoash wept. He respected Elisha as his spiritual father and defender of Israel. Elisha taught him the secret of victory. He told him to shoot an arrow toward Aram. He needed to depend on the power of God by faith. Then Elisha tested him by telling him to strike the ground. The king struck it only three times thinking that was enough. But he lacked zeal. Jehoash would be blessed according to the measure of his faith. Three strikes meant partial victory; six meant complete victory. Elisha died, but when a dead man touched Elisha’s bones, he came to life experiencing victory over death. God used Elisha to help people experience victory over death, giving life to others even after his own death.

 

2.   God graciously grants victory (22-25)

The words of God, spoken through Elisha, were fulfilled exactly as he had said. Israel defeated Aram three times during Jehoash’s’ reign, though King Joash did evil. (11) God would have completely defeated his enemies had his faith been greater. Yet God was gracious.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for helping me to taste victory in my life. Grant me zeal to serve you.”

 

One Word:  God is the granter of victory

Thursday, March 20

 

HUMBLY LIVE BY FAITH ALL OF YOUR LIFE

 

2 Kings 14:1-29

Key Verses 14:3-4

 

1.  Pace yourself humbly (1-21)

    King Amaziah began well. First, he practiced justice according to the words of God. Second, he defeated the Edomites in battle, obeying God’s direction. However, after winning, Amaziah worshipped Edom’s idols. God sent a prophet and Jehoash rebuked him. However, Amaziah would not listen. He became a prisoner of war and people conspired against him and killed him. Spiritual life is a race that must be paced with humility. He started well but did not finish well. He failed due to his pride. In the time of victory, we must glorify and give thanks to God, and live by faith all of our lives.

 

2.  Jeroboam II, King of Israel (23-29)

Under Jeroboam II, Israel prospered. However, God still evaluated him as doing evil. The prophets condemned the materialism and selfishness of the elite. The Lord still used Jeroboam II to deliver his people and prosper the nation. Why? The Lord had compassion on them and became their shepherd. God blessed the people so they might turn to him. Success in this world is nothing if we are not right in the sight of God. Success should lead us to God.

 

Prayer: “Lord, the lure of this world is strong and I want to give up the race, but help me to finish well.”

 

One Word: Depend on God to live by faith

Friday, March 21

 

GOD IS IN CONTROL DESPITE INSTABILITY

 

2 Kings 15:1-16

Key Verse 15:12

 

1. A king who could not bear God’s blessings (1-7).

When King Azariah (aka Uzziah), sought the Lord, God gave him success. Later on his pride was his downfall after he became strong. He entered the temple to burn incense on the altar of incense thus usurping the priestly office. 80 priests confronted him but he did not listen and became angry. Leprosy broke out on his forehead. He spent the rest of his life in seclusion. Azariah failed to bear God’s blessing. The way to receive and to bear God’s blessing is to seek the Lord humbly.

 

2. Three kings who brought instability (8-16)

King Zechariah ruled six months and was assassinated by Shallum. After one month Shallum was overthrown by Menahem. Menahem reigned in Samaria for ten years but had to pay tribute to Assyria. When they abandoned the Lord and worshiped idols, their nation fell into confusion, disorder, corruption and violence. All their reigns were cut short. There was no peace or stability. But God is in control. His word was being fulfilled.

 

Prayer: “Lord, protect our hearts from pride so that we may bear your blessing during our pilgrimage.”

 

One Word:  Humble hearts bear God’s blessing