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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
2 Kings 1
I saw something in this story this morning that I have never seen before. King Ahaziah sent three different captains with their 50 men to bring Elijah to him. Each of the three addressed Elijah as, “Man of God”. However, the third was the only one who addressed Elijah as though he actually believed the title had meaning. Because of their insolent pride, God’s fire consumed the first two troops. The humility of the third captain spared him and his 50 men.
What I saw in that this morning is a correlation to how people approach God. So many approach Him with insolence, clearly not believing who God is and what He can do. That is as foolish as a straw scarecrow challenging a bonfire to a wrestling match. It also has the same result. God’s holiness is a refining fire. It consumes anything that isn’t pure. However, when we approach God knowing that He is holy and we are not, when we approach Him with humility as the third captain did Elijah, God’s mercy provides a way to cover us with His holiness. He spares us because our lives are precious to Him.
One other interesting little note about this story is that three captains were sent. Thirds are a common theme in the Bible, especially related to human destruction. Two thirds of the men who approached Elijah died. One third lived. This makes me think of prophecies like the one in Zechariah 13:8 which says, “In the whole land – this is the Lord’s declaration – two thirds will be cut off and die, but a third will be left in it.”
2 Kings 2
I’m sure there is a message in this story of transition from Elijah to Elisha beyond the simple interest factor. I can’t say I’m quite sure what that message, or maybe messages, might be, though. This is actually the story that originated the phrase, “take up the mantle”, which basically means to pick up where another left off in some sort of leadership or purpose driven role. So maybe this speaks of how we take up the mantle of Christ when we surrender our lives to Him. Or, even more specifically, perhaps it is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ascension into heaven after His resurrection. His eleven apostles, who watched Him go, later received His Spirit and carried on with His mission.
One thing I notice in that correlation is Elijah’s response to Elisha’s request. He said, “You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.” (2 Kings 2:10). That tells me that, in order to receive what Jesus offers us, we need to pay attention and keep our eyes on Him. It also tells me that following in His path is not easy. Which is why we then must continue to keep our focus on Jesus every day of our lives.
2 Kings 3
I have lost track of how many times Jehoshaphat ran to Israel’s aid in battle. But then, I guess that’s what allies do. Maybe this was only the second time. Even at that, though, this was after God rebuked him for helping Israel the first time. So why did he do it again? Different king, yes. But same evil empire. Once again I see that God showed mercy to Jehoshaphat in spite of his foolishness. But why did he choose to persist in that foolishness?
I think Elisha had the more appropriate response to evil. He said to King Joram of Israel, “What do we have in common? Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!” (2 Kings 3:13a). Yes, we are supposed to love our enemies. But we are to do so in a way that recognizes that unless they turn from their ways to follow God, we have nothing in common with them.
2 Kings 4
There is something interesting in the Shunammite woman’s reaction to her son’s death. She didn’t tell a soul except Elisha that he had died. Not even Elisha’s servant, who specifically asked. She just kept saying, “It’s all right.” Technically, she didn’t come right out and say it to Elisha either. She did, however, express her grief to him in a way that he understood. That, too, is strange to me because it is neither a complaint nor a request. The only conclusion I can come to is that the woman’s response was rooted in faith. She simply presented her situation to the man of God and left it open to the possibilities.
Another thing that supports that thought for me is her refusal to leave Elisha’s side. Many in her position would have been throwing angry accusations at Elisha. They would have sounded a lot like the ungrateful Israelites who accused God of bringing them into the wilderness to die after He freed them from Egypt. It makes me think of all the people who turn away from God because they suffered some great loss. All they can do in their grief is ask how a good God could let such bad things happen to good people. Because they can’t understand, they let go of faith. The Shunammite woman didn’t so that. I think when she told Elisha, “I will not leave you” and everyone else, “it’s all right”, she was saying that she would remain faithful no matter the outcome.