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?

1 Kings 22

When the kings of Israel and Judah were considering going to war with their enemies, God allowed a deceiving, lying spirit to influence their decision. This all worked into God’s plan to bring wicked Ahab to his demise and death. In the battle that ensued, a disguised King Ahab became the victim of a random archer’s arrow and died that evening. He did his best to outwit God and his enemies. It didn’t work.

As we see political jostling happening daily before our eyes, we are to be very mindful that God HAS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL. HE is not worried about who thinks they are controlling our nation’s political direction. In fact, He sits in the heavens and is amused by the plots of men. We are wise to continue praying, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God!  …  But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans.  And then in fierce fury He rebukes them and fills them with fear.  For the Lord declares, “This is the King of my choice, and I have enthroned Him in Jerusalem, my holy city.” [Ps 2:1-6 The Living Bible]

1 Kings 19-21

Wicked King Ahab coveted the vineyard of Naboth. When refused, his evil wife Jezebel took the matter into her hands and had Naboth falsely accused of a crime and executed. She proudly announced to Ahab that he could now take possession of the property she had schemed to obtain. This misdeed did not escape the eyes of God. The Lord had Elijah boldly pronounce their doom for their treachery.

This whole fraudulent process was probably not picked up by the local news outlets. It takes courage and integrity to call out national leaders who are guilty of crimes. Amazingly, Ahab’s remorse over this indictment merited him a suspended sentence, but his descendants still had to pay the penalty with their lives.

Sinful leaders can repent and find mercy from the Lord. We should pray to this end.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering (merciful) to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]

1 Kings 15-18

Ahab’s regime lasted 22 years. He was more ungodly than ALL his predecessors. The great prophet Elijah was God’s mouthpiece to the land during Ahab’s reign. Ahab wanted to kill him to eliminate the interference. God hid the prophet but brought him back into prominence to perform one of the most stunning miracles of the entire Bible … the altar of fire on Mt. Carmel. The spiritual and natural drought in the land merely set the stage for God to show His mighty power for all to see.

Regardless of our nation’s political direction, God always has a plan in place that will bring glory to His name. His saints just need to watch and pray … and believe for a mighty miracle.

Lord, bring a great revival to our land.