2 Kings 18, 19

Sennacherib, the ungodly king of Assyria, marched upon Jerusalem. He sent his ambassadors to make threats to the representatives of King Hezekiah in the fortified city. Hezekiah laid out the threats before the Lord and called upon Him to deliver him.

The way God saw it, Sennacherib was not just threatening Judah … he was making taunts against the Lord God of Heaven! God considered the threats insolence … rude and disrespectful behavior. In reply, God sent His angel who destroyed 185,000 warriors of Sennacherib’s army IN ONE NIGHT!

When we run to God when our enemies threaten us, they are messing with Him and not just us. He will defend. He will avenge us.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people
    both now and forevermore.

Ps. 125:1, 2

2 Kings 14-17

To hear the history of the kings of Judah and Israel who did not worship the Lord is painful. Barbaric practices such as slaughtering sons and daughters for sacrifice and ripping open the wombs of pregnant mothers were some of the practices of leaders who forsook God’s ways. For this reason God withdrew His blessing and protection. He was always faithful to send His messengers to warn the wayward kings.

It’s imperative that contemporary Christians pray for our government leaders. Whether we agree with their platform or not, praying for them will have the greatest impact.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [1 Tim. 2:1-4]

2 Kings 11-13

During the reign of Joash, an ongoing collection of funds to repair the temple was being received. Joash asked the priests, “Why hasn’t the temple been repaired?” For whatever reason … probably sloth … it had not been repaired. However, at his request, workers were appointed and restoration began. They were so honest that the normal accountability of funds was foregone. It was the example of how church work should be done.

Integrity brings lasting honor to any person or organization.

2 Kings 10

Jehu was anointed king by one of the prophets. His mission was dreadful for God had ordained that he finish off all of wicked Ahab’s heirs including evil Jezebel. Ahaziah as well, the wicked king of Judah, was terminated. Then, in one sweeping move, all the priests of Baal were eliminated. These acts of retribution were to fulfill what God had prophesied.

As alarming events happen all around us, we can rest assured that nothing escapes God’s watchful eye. He has a plan to make everything right … eventually.

God doesn’t always pay on Fridays, but He always pays.

2 Kings 7, 8

Samaria was under siege. The Syrian army had it cutoff from supply. They were starving. It was the worst of times.

Four lepers sat at the city gate and said to themselves, “We can’t go in. So, let’s go toward our enemy and see if, per chance, they will mercifully let us live.” They found the enemies camp abandoned and their goods left behind. Bingo! (God had scared them off with one of His miracles of deception.)

Elisha had predicted that something like this would happen.

In the direst of circumstances God can easily perform one of His miracles and turn the tables on our enemies. Who woulda’ thunk that four society outcasts would be the heroes?

2 Kings 6

The king of Syria discovered that God was revealing his secret military plans to Elisha. This he could not tolerate so he sent his SWAT team to abduct Elisha. When Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning, he became frightened when he saw this fearsome enemy troop surrounding the city where they lived. Running to the prophet, he hopelessly exclaimed, “Master, what shall we do?”

Comforting him, Elisha revealed, “There are MORE WITH US than against us.” He asked God to open the eyes of his servant to see what he saw … an awesome band of fiery angels that would protect them.

Back in the 80s there was a series of Christian novels written by Frank Peretti. They told stories that gave insight into the hidden spiritual struggles of Christians. This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness etc. helped Christians become aware of the spiritual warfare of everyday life.

God ALWAYS wins the battle. We have nothing to fear.

2 Kings 5

Naaman heard that there was a God in Israel who could heal his leprosy. He went to the man of God and received the instruction to wash seven times in the Jordan river. I was baptized in the Jordan river. It’s dirty … not good for washing. Nevertheless, he did it and received a healing from the Lord because of his faith and obedience to Elisha’s instructions. God did the healing.

God built into our body AMAZING CAPABILITIES to heal itself. We can work with the inherent natural healing process. Even medications are elements of nature God placed there for our discovery to enhance the body’s healing process. Again, only God has put the healing process into life.

Naaman’s healing was a bona fide miracle. It happened to show God’s power to a prominent figure. God brings glory to His Name through such healing demonstrations.

2 Kings 4

The Shunammite woman’s son suffered some kind of heat stroke when he was with his father working in the field. Upon his mother’s instruction he was taken and placed upon the bed of Elisha. She sought the prophet to come and raise her son, the cherished gift of God to her. The prophet’s staff was placed upon the body until Elisha could get there. Then he placed his body upon the child, mouth to mouth and nose to nose. He got up and paced and prayed. He laid upon the boy once again and he came to life!

This wise mother kept her son under the prophet’s ministry and influence. He became a miracle child. Ancient rabbis assert that he may have been the prophet Habakkuk.

2 Kings 3

When the three kings of God’s people were about to go to war with Moab, they sought to inquire of the Lord for a green light. Elisha was summoned. He said, “Bring me a harpist” which would be conducive to the spirit of prophecy. (We’re not talking Van Halen or Guns n’ Roses) Music directed to God from a musician whose life is consecrated to Him will create an atmosphere which welcomes God’s presence. David had this gift. He would play his harp and Saul would find relief from his demons.

This gift and anointing still exists. God’s Hand is upon musicians who can create this atmosphere that welcomes His Presence. Try praying with soothing praise music playing at a low level. You will see what I mean.

2 Kings 1, 2

Everybody seemed to know that Elijah was to pass from this life on a certain day. Elisha made it his mission to stay with the celebrated prophet until that time came.

When do we go? It’s as if there’s a “knowing” of the time. Keeping company with elder saints as they prepare to go is a wise thing to do. They need the support, and can dispense nuggets of wisdom to the listener.

Elisha caught Elijah’s mantle when he ascended to the Lord.

Whose mantle do you want?