2 Kings 11, 12 [The Message]

There were honest men in the priesthood during Joash’s reign. They would count the offerings brought to the temple by worshippers as they entered. Who would ever think about robbing God?

Yet, Malachi laments, “Can a man rob God? Yet you are robbing (God). You ask, ‘How do we rob (God)?’ In your tithes and offerings.” [Mal. 3:8]

Honesty and integrity are modeled and taught in the home. Parents who teach their children from an early age to bring their offering to the Lord are wise and cultivating a Godly habit that can last a lifetime.

2 Kings 7-10 [The Message]

Elisha’s servant was instructed to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. He single-handedly performed the revenge God had predicted upon Ahab’s wife and descendants. What God said He’d do, came to pass.

Revenge is not ours to take. It all belongs to God. We don’t see the complete picture like God does. This is why trust is such an important component of our Christian walk. God is our provider and protector. This makes for better sleeping.

2 Kings 6 [The Message]

When circled by a swat team from the King of Syria who was incensed that Elisha knew all his secret battle plans, the prophet’s servant was severely frightened. Fearing for their lives, he ran to the prophet and declared, “This is hopeless, my master! What are we to do?”

Unfazed, Elisha replied, “Don’t worry about it. There are more FOR US than those against us.” The servant’s eyes were opened to perceive the multitude of God’s warring angels that surrounded the enemy.

In your personal challenge today, you may be shaken at what you see. Take heart! Don’t worry about it, because God has unseen agents working on your behalf. Whether you see them or not, they are THERE. Your faith and trust will cause you to walk in victory. It’s gonna turn out OK.

2 Kings 5 [The Message]

Naaman was like our Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, a very important and powerful man in Syria. Sadly, he had leprosy, a dreaded skin disease. One of his house maids was a Jewess who declared to Naaman;s wife, “I wish that my master would meet the prophet who lives in Samaria. He could heal him of his leprosy.”

Long story short, he eventually ended up at Ellisha’s front door where he was instructed to wash 7 times in the Jordan River. Initially taken back by this unusual prerequisite, he finally complied. He was totally healed.

Some Greeks had come to Jerusalem to worship at the feast. They had heard about Christ raising Lazarus from the dead. They came up to Phillip,one of Christ’s disciples and said, “Sir, we would like to meet Jesus.”

This WE can do. We can refer the curious and needy to Jesus.

2 Kings 4 [The Message]

Surely one of the great miracles of the Bible is the story of how Elisha brought back to life the son of the Shunamite woman who provided a room for he and Gehazi to use while passing through.

Her son dead, the distressed mother ran to Elisha to plead for him to help. That’s what mothers do. They live for their children.

Elisha ended up devoting a considerable amount of time and energy to praying for the boy’s body. Multiple times, the prophet laid himself over the body, mouth to mouth. He had great faith and would not quit believing. Eventually, the boy sneezed and life came back into him.

Lazarus and Jesus were also raised from the dead. The dead go to be with the Lord for their eternal reward. But in some cases, there is still God’s work to be done by them here on earth. Christ Jesus is the first fruit of resurrection life. We ALL will be raised SOME DAY.

2 Kings 3 [The Message]

Moab and Ammon, two sons of Lot through incest, were constant sources of irritation to Israel and Judah. They were products of the flesh, the general category of human lustful appetites and carnal desires. In the same way a Christian is in a constant struggle with the carnal appetites, Moab was always a thorn to God’s people.

Moab was defeated ONLY when God’s divine assistance was sought. In the same manner, our flesh and its carnal appetites can most effectively be conquered through God’s grace as provided with the infilling of His Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (moderation and self-restraint): against such there is no law. [Gal. 5:22,23]

2 Kings 2 [The Message]

Elisha saw the power of God in Elijah’s life. He wanted it too. So, when given the opportunity, he followed the old prophet and became his apprentice. In effect, he was along for the ride, hoping to in some way inherit the power his master had. In fact, Elisha wanted a double portion (twice as much) of the power of God on his life.

This is the Biblical pattern of the impartation of God’s power … spiritual apprenticeship.

In 1971, I had just been discharged from the Army and Patty and I were just starting our family. God told me to serve a spiritual apprenticeship to the pastor of the church her parents were attending in Findlay, Ohio. His name was Moses Vegh (pronounced Vay). I never received the preaching gift he had, but I learned SO MUCH about the Church and kingdom protocol etc. He was a very loving man whose gift made you feel special to God. I hope that gift of God’s love has been operative in my life.

2 Kings 1 [The Message]

One of the clearest examples of Elijah’s power with God is the story recorded in this chapter. Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, was king of Israel. He had fallen off a balcony and was on his sickbed. Avoiding God’s counsel, he sent a war troop to inquire of Baalzebub, the idol god of Ekron, whether he would live or die. God told Elijah to intercept them and give him the bad news, “You’re gonna’ die.” Infuriated, Ahaziah sent another war troop to being Elijah back to him.

Seeing them coming, Elijah cried out, “If I be a man of God, let fire come down from Heaven and consume you.” ZAP! It happened. Elijah was clearly known for calling fire down from Heaven.

Mind you, neither God nor His prophets take pleasure in zapping adversaries. But, He defends His Holy Name and so should we.

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.

1 Kings 22 [The Message]

Don’t you often wonder how some politicians can come up with some crazy, non-practical advice on how our nation should go? I do! As Ahab was considering going to war with Ramothgilead, he consulted the prophets, they said, “Sure – go ahead. You will be wildly successful.” In truth, a lying seducing spirit had entered them to give Ahab disastrous advice that eventually led to he death.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits (test, prove, carefully weigh and examine) whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [1 Jn. 4:1]

1 Kings 20, 21 [The Message]

Ahab was indeed a corrupt king. When his wife had Naboth killed so King Ahab could steal his vineyard, we see the tricks that were pulled to benefit the king at the expense of someone else. (Jezebel arranged for Naboth to be unjustly accused of treason and murdered.)

Leaders who think God doesn’t see their corruption are only fooling themselves. When they advantage themselves at the expense of their subjects, God takes note. Elijah was sent to the king to call him out. This is one big reason why Ahab and Jezebel hated Elijah like they did.

If we think or worry that current leaders escape God’s watchful eye, we are mistaken. God is gracious and always gives men the room to repent and make right. But, His cup gets so full and He must act to preserve the integrity of His Name. Meanwhile, we pray and trust Him to shield us from the effects of such corruption. Biden, Putin, Xi, Jong-un, Zelenskyy … they all are under the scrutiny of heaven for their actions.

Meanwhile, we keep praying and trusting.