For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Col. 4
What does it mean to be “devoted to prayer” (v. 2)? What action step can you take to do that? “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Col. 4:2). Hmmm….watchful and thankful, eh? In thinking about what that means, my mind goes to the Psalms. I have commented more than once in the past about how the Psalmists, especially King David, give thanks to God for answering their prayers even before they have received His answer. And in Psalm 5:3 David says, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” So David didn’t just randomly toss up prayers to see if anything happened, like throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks. He prayed routinely, consistently, diligently, and with purpose, gratefully expecting a response from a mighty and merciful God.
2 Kings 9-10
Who do you know that drives like Jehu (v. 20)? What was Jehu’s mission? Where did he succeed and gain the Lord’s approbation? Where did he fail? Each time King Joram sent a messenger out to Jehu to ask if he came in peace, Jehu asked, “What do you have to do with peace?” (from 2 Kings 9:18 & 19). Then, when Joram came out to meet him, Jehu responded, “How can there be peace as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” (2 Kings 9:22b). Jehu understood that evil can never be at peace with righteousness. I honestly don’t think evil can know peace at all. God is all good things, including peace, and there is no evil with Him. It’s like that old saying, “No Jesus, no peace; know Jesus, know peace.”
It is sad to me, though, that someone seemingly so on fire for God would stop so short of being at peace himself. He did away with the evil house of Ahab and with all the servants of Baal. He even did away with Judah’s king Athaliah, who was “related by marriage to Ahab’s family.” (2 Kings 8:27b). But it seems he left the false religious system, set up by Jeroboam, in place. Why? Was he, too, afraid of losing his kingdom to Judah? God cannot accept half a heart because anything not devoted to Him is evil. And evil can never be at peace with God.
Ps. 69
How does the psalmist’s faith in God express itself in the midst of his dire circumstances? “Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.” (Ps. 69:16). David reminds himself of God’s character and his prayer soon turns to thanksgiving and praise. He is then able to end his prayer song by declaring God’s promises, knowing that God is faithful to keep them. Sure sounds like watchful and thankful prayer to me.