Today’s Reading: Jonah 4; Luke 15:11-32

As Jonah promised, he obediently went to Nineveh and preached a message of judgment on the city. The people, including their king, started fasting and putting on burlap to show how sorry they were for their sins. God again changed the plan on Jonah. He forgave the people of Nineveh and chose to not destroy the city.

WHY DO WE WHINE, COMPLAIN & ARGUE WITH GOD IN OUR ANGER?

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” – Jonah 4:1-4

Once again, Jonah whined and complained and even argued with God, because he was not happy with God’s plan. He was more consumed with how this change in plans made him look and more disappointed that the people would not be punished than he was thankful for God’s redemption. He went outside of the city and waited to see what would happen to Nineveh.

What happened next tells us a lot about our Lord. He caused a leafy plant to grow and spread its broad leaves over Jonah, shading him from the sun. Jonah had already created a shelter of sorts, but God showed up for Jonah by providing this extra level of comfort and protection from the elements. Instead of responding in appreciation for all God was doing for him, Jonah chose to sit under God’s provision and pout. So God got Jonah’s attention by sending a worm, causing the plant to die, which angered Jonah. Then God sent a scorching hot wind to blow on Jonah while he sulked, until Jonah began to wish that he would die. God asked Jonah a question we should all consider:

Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” – Jonah 4:9-11

WHILE WE ARE FEELING SORRY FOR OURSELVES, GOD’S HEART IS RESPONDING TO THE LOST.

It is so easy to be fatigued by the sin of this world. Our frustrations with the words and actions of unbelievers cause our hearts to harden towards them, and we forget that we were once sinners in need of a Savior. What a great reminder this morning that God loves the lost, that God cares about those who have bought into the lies of today’s culture.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” – Luke 15:20-24

Oh the heart of a God who loves His creation! Oh the love of a God who would send His Son to die for us! Lord, fill us with this same kind of love for others. Bring us to our knees in prayer for those who are lost. Fill our hearts with your mercy. Get our attention. Forgive us when we whine and complain over your plan because we like our plan better. You are Lord and we have no right to be angry with you when we don’t get our way. Bring our hearts to a point of submission – your will, your way, in your time! We love you, Lord. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Jonah 3; Romans 6

The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” – Jonah 1:1-2

God cared enough about the people of Nineveh that he sent Jonah there to deliver a message — not a soft message of mercy and compassion, but a strong message of judgment and warning. The Lord could have simply administered the punishment they deserved, but He gave them another opportunity to turn from their sin and live the life He had instructed them to live.

Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.” – Jonah 3:1-2

Even though his initial response had been to run away from God’s plan, this time Jonah obeyed the Lord and went to Nineveh. He had his work cut out for him. It was a large city with a lot of ground to cover and a lot of people to reach. He could have let this overwhelming assignment paralyze him, but instead he started shouting the Lord’s message on day one!

“Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” – Jonah 3:4b

FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH (Romans 6:23a)…

The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah’s message, fasting and dressing in burlap to show their heartfelt sorrow. It was not a soft message of acceptance and grace that brought the people to a place of repentance, but a message of impending judgment.

The king of Nineveh led the way by taking off his royal robes, dressing in burlap, and sitting in a heap of ashes. He sent out a message to all of the people to turn from their evil ways and stop their violence. He told them to pray earnestly to the Lord in hopes that He would change his mind and hold back his fierce anger (3:6-9).

“When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.” – Jonah 3:10

…BUT THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD (Romans 6:23b).

Jonah was frustrated with God’s response. He preferred the message of judgment over the gift of salvation God was extending to the people of Nineveh. Jonah was repulsed by the wickedness and violence of Nineveh, and his heart was out of tune with the heart of God.

“I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” – Jonah 4:2b

I think we have a lot to learn from Jonah. We often focus on our need for immediate obedience to what God is asking us to do, learning from Jonah’s unsuccessful attempt to run from God. But perhaps today it would help us to ask the Lord to reveal how we, too, may be struggling with our response to the sin of those around us.

It would be easy for us to celebrate the judgment of God on our enemies to the point that we no longer pray for their repentance. We are eager to tell them what they are doing wrong without providing the light of Jesus to help them find their way back to God. We turn our back in repulsion to the perversions of this world and forget that God’s heart is still FOR them.

But we must also remember that God did not send Jonah to Nineveh with a message of mercy and acceptance regardless of their sin. No, he sent them with a warning of the judgment that was to come because of their sin and violence. The Lord did not soften His stance or redefine righteousness in order to draw sinners to Himself, so why do we? We don’t get to redefine God’s mercy. In doing so, we are robbing sinners from the joy they can experience when they break free from the strongholds of sin.

WE KNOW THAT OUR OLD SINFUL SELVES WERE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST SO THAT SIN MIGHT LOSE ITS POWER IN OUR LIVES. WE ARE NO LONGER SLAVES TO SIN. (Romans 6:6)

God’s unfailing love is present in His plan of salvation.Out of compassion, God is calling His creation away from the destruction of their sinful behavior. With a heart of mercy, God is giving us a second chance to turn from our evil ways and embrace the holy life He is calling us to live. One lifestyle brings death and one brings life, so why wouldn’t He move heaven and earth to encourage us to draw near to Him?

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. – 2 Peter 3:8-10

Today’s Reading: Jonah 1-2

God used many prophets during the reign of kings over Israel and Judah, sending some of his prophets even to the enemy nations to preach repentance. Some prophets went willingly and some struggled to reflect God’s mercy toward sinners. One of those struggling prophets was Jonah.

The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. – Jonah 1:1-3

WHY DO WE THINK WE CAN OUTRUN GOD?

How is it that we think we know what is best? God creates this perfect plan for our lives and we whine, complain and argue that there is a better way. We expect God’s plan to look one way, and then there is what seems to be a change of plans and we rebel. We were content doing what He had previously asked us to do, where He had asked us to do it, but now He is moving us to a new place or in a new direction. We hope to escape from what He is asking us to do but God pursues us because He loves us!

But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. – Jonah 1:4

WHILE WE ARE RUNNING, GOD IS INTERVENING.

God stood between Jonah and Jonah’s alternative plan. He got his attention — not in a quiet whisper but with a violent storm. After trying everything else, the crew on the ship threw Jonah overboard at his suggestion, for they knew Jonah was running from the Lord. God had a plan, God intervened in Jonah’s life, and now God had a way to get Jonah back on track. Granted this was probably not the way Jonah would have chosen, but he was the one who was on a side track from the Lord’s will and this new plan was a consequence of Jonah’s own willful disobedience.

Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. – Jonah 1:17

Jonah recognized God’s intervention and prayed from inside the belly of the fish. Jonah was still not where he wanted to be and still not in a comfortable place in life, yet he knew God was at work and thanked Him for hearing his cry for help. He promised God that he would once more look toward God’s holy temple instead of running the opposite direction.

“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me.
I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!
You threw me into the ocean depths,
and I sank down to the heart of the sea.
The mighty waters engulfed me;
I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves.
Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence.
Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’
I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me.
Seaweed wrapped itself around my head.
I sank down to the very roots of the mountains.
I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever.
But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!
As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord.
And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple.
Those who worship false gods
turn their backs on all God’s mercies.
But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,
and I will fulfill all my vows.
For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” – Jonah 2:2-9

As a child, I pictured this story as if Jonah was immediately swallowed by what I was taught was a whale. I can still see the cartoonish drawing showing Jonah sitting and warming himself beside a fire inside of the belly of the fish. The whale spit Jonah out onto the beach and Jonah waved goodbye to his new friend. But Jonah’s prayer describes a horrifying struggle for his life as Jonah sank below the waves. This prayer describes what many have experienced — an unpleasant traumatic low before finally calling out to God for help.

Do you feel like you have been sinking? Are you drowning in your present circumstances, tangled in a mess you are unable to free yourself of? Perhaps even now you are crying out to God for salvation. I pray that today you will earnestly and passionately surrender your life to God, letting go of the struggle and allowing God to write the remainder of your story. Just like Jonah, God wants to place your feet on dry land because He has plans to use your story for His glory — to use your voice in the life of another individual. He is not finished with you yet, praise be to God!

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 16-17

Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord, as his ancestor David had done. Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel. He cast metal images for the worship of Baal. He offered sacrifices in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. — 2 Chronicles 28:1-3a

Jotham was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God, but his son did not follow the example he had set for him. Ahaz was so wicked that he was even willing to have his own sons thrown into the fire as a sacrifice to Baal. The Lord had finally had enough, and he gave the people of Judah over to their enemies.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

As we read on, we can sense the coming fall of Jerusalem. Because His people had once again turned away from Him, God allowed Judah’s enemies to start chipping away at the strength of what had once been a great nation. The king of Aram defeated Ahaz and carried a large number of Jews away, exiling them to Damascus. The army of Israel defeated Ahaz, killing 120,000 Jewish warriors and carrying away over 200,000 women and children, along with all the valuable items they had plundered. But because they did not want to bring the wrath of God on themselves, the nation of Israel released the people of Judah, escorting them safely back to Samaria.

The Lord was humbling Judah because of King Ahaz of Judah, for he had encouraged his people to sin and had been utterly unfaithful to the Lord. — 2 Chronicles 28:19

Ahaz had the opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord. He was losing the battle and the nation of Judah was weakening. The Edomites attacked and took captives; the Philistines captured whole villages. But instead of turning to God for help, King Ahaz turned to the king of Assyria.

Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, for he said, “Since these gods helped the kings of Aram, they will help me, too, if I sacrifice to them.” But instead, they led to his ruin and the ruin of all Judah. – 2 Chronicles 28:22-23

If Ahaz would have humbled himself, bringing the people of Judah back to the throne of God in repentance, maybe the Lord would have blessed the rest of his reign as king. But Ahaz had a hard heart and Judah’s enemies continued to chip away at what had once been a great nation.

Hoshea, king of Israel, also rejected the Lord. In the same way, God allowed the enemy nations to overtake the Israelite nation he had so consistently blessed generation after generation. For three years, the Assyrians invaded the land until Samaria eventually fell and the people of Israel were exiled to Assyria.

This disaster came upon the people of Israel because they worshiped other gods. They sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them safely out of Egypt and had rescued them from the power of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt…Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah…But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God. They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worship worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. — 2 Kings 17:7-15

THE DEPRECIATION OF A NATION

Because of their idolatry and rejection of God’s covenant, the Lord swept them away from his presence. He punished them by handing them over to their enemies, banishing Israel from the presence of the Lord. So Israel was exiled from the Promised Land to the land of Assyria (17:23). God had made it clear generation after generation that He expected their loyalty and faithfulness, so they had brought this punishment on themselves.

“Do not worship any other gods or bow before them or serve them or offer sacrifices to them…Do not forget the covenant I made with you, and do not worship other gods. You must worship only the Lord your God. He is the one who will rescue you from all your enemies.” – 2 Kings 17:35b-39

It would be hard to miss the similarities between God’s people in the Old Testament and the United States of America today. This nation was built on the motto “In God We Trust” yet is now entertained by sexual perversions and addicted to physical pleasures. Even the Church stands divided on the issues of abortion and human sexuality, as our nation sacrifices its children in order to cave to our own arrogant notion of personal rights. God help us, for we are a sinful nation undeserving of your salvation.

Lord, would you reveal any sin in my own heart. Take away my desires for the things of this world so that my heart will forever remain loyal to you. Thank you for the ways in which you have blessed my life — for your provision and your protection. Continue to work in my life so that I only desire to obey you and serve you wholeheartedly. I long to dwell in your presence and worship you — the God who has brought me out of my Egypt with great strength and a powerful arm. Today, I choose to worship you and only you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 26-27, 2 Kings 15

After Amaziah died, his sixteen-year-old son was crowned as king. Uzziah was king for fifty-two years, and he was a good leader. He sought after God, allowing the prophet Zechariah to mentor him and teach him how to be a leader who fears God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success (2 Chronicles 26:5b).

Declaring war on the Philistines, Uzziah broke down walls, restored cities, and built new towns. God helped him, which caused his name to become famous as far as Egypt. He grew more powerful as he successfully built the nation over which God had given him authority.

Uzziah built fortified towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the angle in the wall. He also constructed forts in the wilderness and dug many water cisterns, because he kept great herds of livestock in the foothills of Judah and on the plains. He was also a man who loved the soil. He had many workers who cared for his farms and vineyards, both on the hillsides and in the fertile valleys. – 2 Chronicles 25:9-10

Like his father, Uzziah built a strong army of well-trained warriors. 307,500 men were ready to assist the king against any of Judah’s enemies. With shields, spears, helmets, bows, and sling stones, Uzziah was equipped with a mighty army to protect the nation. With God’s help, they creatively came up with new methods for fighting off their enemies.

And he built structures on the walls of Jerusalem, designed by experts to protect those who shot arrows and hurled large stones from the towers and the corners of the wall. His fame spread far and wide, for the Lord gave him marvelous help, and he became very powerful. – 2 Chronicles 25:15

THE LORD GAVE HIM MARVELOUS HELP, BUT UZZIAH BEGAN TO SEE HIMSELF AS THE MARVELOUS ONE.

As leaders become more and more successful, it is easy for them to lose track of the source of their success. Authority becomes addictive and pride begins to bring down the success of leadership. You are probably already thinking of a leader who has fallen victim to their own arrogance.

But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar. Azariah the high priest went in after him with eighty other priests of the Lord, all brave men. They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is the work of the priests alone, the descendants of Aaron who are set apart for this work. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have sinned. The Lord God will not honor you for this!” – 2 Chronicles 25:16-18

Uzziah was furious! He began to rage at the priests who stood before him. And as he threw his temper tantrum, leprosy began to break out across his forehead. The priests rushed out of the Temple, and King Uzziah also ran out of the Temple to get away from the Lord, for he knew it was God who had struck him down for his arrogance. He spent the rest of his life in isolation, and never entered the Temple of the Lord again.

WE CAN LEARN A LOT ABOUT LEADERSHIP FROM THE BIBLE — GOOD AND BAD.

As we read through the history of Israel and Judah’s kings, it is important for us to study what these leaders did right, but also to learn from what they did wrong. The most successful of these Old Testament leaders were those who humbly led with a heart for God. They recognized the supremacy of God and followed His instructions and commands. In the same way, we must protect ourselves from the kind of pride that starts to take credit for all that is going right under our leadership. We must keep our eyes focused on the God who wants to lead us each step of the way.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. — Proverbs 16:18-19

Uzziah died alone and his son, Jotham, became the next king. He did what was pleasing to the Lord and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God (2 Chronicles 27:6).

OBEDIENCE WAS THE KEY INGREDIENT OF JOTHAM’S LEADERSHIP.

As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. – James 4:6-10

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 31

After King Joash was assassinated, his son Amaziah was crowned king (2 Chronicles 24:25-27). He was twenty-five years old and reigned for twenty-nine years. And although Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, he did not follow Him with his whole heart.

Amaziah organized the army of Judah in order to fight their enemies, the Edomites. He counted the army and found he had 300,000 trained soldiers, but he went ahead and spent 7,500 pounds of silver in order to hire an additional 100,000 fighting men from the nation of Israel.

But a man of God came to him and said, “Your Majesty, do not hire troops from Israel, for the Lord is not with Israel. He will not help those people of Ephraim! If you let them go with your troops into battle, you will be defeated by the enemy no matter how well you fight. God will overthrow you, for he has the power to help you or to trip you up.”

Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?”
The man of God replied, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this!” So Amaziah discharged the hired troops and sent them back to Ephraim. This made them very angry with Judah, and they returned home in a great rage. – 2 Chronicles 25:7-10

THE LORD IS ABLE TO GIVE YOU MUCH MORE THAN THIS!

When God asks us to let go of something that we are convinced will make us happy or successful, we can trust Him to know what is best for us — even when it causes us to be the recipients of the negative emotions of those who disapprove of our decision. It is good to recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and God is capable of making sure we either succeed or fail at what we are trying to accomplish. He has everything we need, so why don’t we trust Him?

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. – James 1:17

God is faithful. We can believe He will do what He promises to do, and we can be confident that He is who He says He is. In fact, He is more. God is beyond what we can comprehend, and He is able to bless us more than we can even imagine. If only we were as faithful to God as He is to us.

When King Amaziah returned home from winning the battle against the Edomite troops, he brought some souvenirs back with him. Even though God had given Amaziah victory over the Edomites, Amaziah collected the false idols that he had taken from the people of Seir. He decided they would be his own gods, and he bowed down and worshiped them. He offered sacrifices to the man-made gods, instead of remaining faithful to the God who made the universe.

This made the Lord very angry, and he sent a prophet to ask, “Why do you turn to gods who could not even save their own people from you?” – 2 Chronicles 25:15

How ridiculous to turn to what is incapable of protecting or providing true joy! If these false gods could not give the Edomites victory, then how could Amaziah think that they would do anything for him?

THE LORD IS ABLE TO GIVE YOU MUCH MORE THAN THIS!

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. – Ephesians 3:19-20

Father God, thank you for the reminder this morning that you are the Keeper of everything we need. You are able to answer our prayers and so much more! We choose today to put our hope in you alone, for you are good and you are great! Amen.

How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.
Praise the Lord,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
In panic I cried out,
“I am cut off from the Lord!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
and answered my call for help.
Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord! – Psalm 31:19-24

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 13, Psalm 28

While King Joash was ruling over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu was inaugurated king over Israel. He continued the evil practices that Jeroboam had begun, so the Lord allowed King Hazael of Aram and his son Ben-hadad to defeat the Israelites time and time again. Jehoahaz recognized his need for the Lord’s help and cried out for God to rescue Israel from the Arameans. God showed mercy on His people once again and they experienced a season of peace.

God was faithful, but this did not stop the Israelites from continuing in their sin. Jehoash succeeded his father as king, following his example of leading from a place of evil instead of following the commands of the Lord. Before Elisha died, King Jehoash visited him and their interaction is full of great application for us today:

When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” he cried. – 2 Kings 13:14

It was significant that Jehoash would leave the palace and enter the home of Elisha. Recognizing all that Elisha had done for the nation of Israel, the king grieved the loss that would soon be felt by all. In respect, he repeated the same words Elisha had said when Elijah was suddenly carried away to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:12). Just like Elisha had been distressed by Elijah’s departure, Jehoash was conveying his own concern that Elisha would soon be gone.

Elisha told him, “Get a bow and some arrows.” And the king did as he was told. Elisha told him, “Put your hand on the bow,” and Elisha laid his own hands on the king’s hands.

Then he commanded, “Open that eastern window,” and he opened it. Then he said, “Shoot!” So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, “This is the Lord’s arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.”

Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.” – 2 Kings 13:15-19

HOW OFTEN DO I UNDERESTIMATE GOD?

This passage convicts me every time I read it. I look back and see patterns in my prayer life of asking for help during a difficult situation without asking God to remove the trial altogether. I ask Him to help me endure the pain without asking for complete healing; I ask God to get me through a situation without asking Him to show up in miraculous ways. We serve a BIG God who invites us to pray for Him to move in BIG ways, but our small faith often limits our experience of His power.

Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! – 2 Kings 13:20-21

This is how BIG our God is! We serve a God who is able to raise the dead, yet we struggle to believe that He can remove our infirmities. We know what the Lord is capable of but we lack the faith to ask Him to move on our behalf. God wants to heal our relationships, to restore our health, and to provide for all of our needs — can you feel Him moving?

DON’T LET THE SIZE OF YOUR FAITH LIMIT YOUR EXPERIENCE OF HIS GREAT POWER!

In the spring of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, Elevation Worship’s song Rattle reminded all of us that what we see as impossible has never stopped God. Thousands of people decided they were ready to live again — that God was NOT going to run out of miracles before He did something magnificent for His people. We sang out this declaration in determination to let God do something BIG in our lives:

My God is able to save and deliver and heal / And restore anything that He wants to / Just ask the man who was thrown / On the bones of Elisha / If there’s anything that He can’t do / Just ask the stone that was rolled / At the tomb in the garden / What happens when God says to move / I feel him moving it now / I feel Him doing it now /I feel Him doing it now / Do it now, do it now [Songwriters: Brandon Lake / Chris Brown / Steven Furtick; RATTLE! (Morning & Evening) lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing, Essential Music Publishing]

This is a song about Elisha’s bones, which means Elisha was no longer alive. Elisha died and was buried, providing an opportunity for God to do something magnificent in the lives of those who were grieving the death of their loved one. In their attempt to hide to flee from their enemy, they saw their friend resurrected from the dead. In a story that included death, we find the power of God revealed.

WHAT ARE YOU ASKING GOD TO DO FOR YOU TODAY?

I pray you have the faith to ask BIG during this season of your life. Step out of the grave and start believing that God has a miracle waiting for you. Shoot arrows into the ground that reflect what you believe God wants to do in your life. If the healing you ask God for ends up being an eternal healing, I pray He is able to use “your bones” to greatly impact the lives of others and increase their faith in Him.

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 12, Psalm 26

Jehosheba and Jehoiada had stood in the balance to protect the life of Joash, giving him the opportunity to lead the people of Judah. What would Joash do with the sacrifices these two individuals had made on his behalf and on the behalf of the nation of Judah? He had been given an amazing opportunity to make a difference, but how he chose to use his authority would determine if his influence would draw the nation closer to God or farther away.

JOASH LED THE PEOPLE BACK TO GOD.

Athaliah had made a mess of the Temple during her time of leadership, and Joash desired to get the house of the Lord back to the place it was meant to be. So Joash gathered together the leaders of the church and asked them to begin collecting the annual offerings from the people again so that repairs could be made to the Temple.

So now the king ordered a chest to be made and set outside the gate leading to the Temple of the Lord. Then a proclamation was sent throughout Judah and Jerusalem, telling the people to bring to the Lord the tax that Moses, the servant of God, had required of the Israelites in the wilderness. This pleased all the leaders and the people, and they gladly brought their money and filled the chest with it. – 2 Chronicles 24:8-10

The people were required to give yet they were glad to give. They rejoiced at the prospect of the Temple being restored again, so they willingly brought their portion and placed it in the chest. When no more money could be placed in the chest, the court secretary and an officer of the high priest would empty the chest, bringing it back to the Temple to be filled again by the people. With the money, experts in masonry, carpentry, and metalwork were hired to restore the beauty of the Temple.

The men in charge of the renovation worked hard and made steady progress. They restored the Temple of God according to its original design and strengthened it. When all the repairs were finished, they brought the remaining money to the king and Jehoiada. It was used to make various articles for the Temple of the Lord—articles for worship services and for burnt offerings, including ladles and other articles made of gold and silver. And the burnt offerings were sacrificed continually in the Temple of the Lord during the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest. – 2 Chronicles 24:13-14

Even though Jehoiada was a priest, he was buried among the kings when he died. The impact of his life on the people of Judah was great, and his influence on King Joash kept the young leader spiritually grounded. But without his mentor by his side, Joash wavered from all he had learned and allowed himself to be persuaded by the leaders of Judah to abandon the worship of God.

JOASH LED THE PEOPLE BACK INTO IDOLATRY.

Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!” Then the leaders plotted to kill Zechariah, and King Joash ordered that they stone him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s Temple. That was how King Joash repaid Jehoiada for his loyalty—by killing his son. Zechariah’s last words as he died were, “May the Lord see what they are doing and avenge my death!” – 2 Chronicles 24:20-22

As I was studying this passage, I asked God how this moment in history could be used to draw us closer to Him. I found myself asking what circumstances in my life could draw me away from God. Is there any person that I depend on so much for my spiritual growth that I would walk away from God if they were no longer in my life? Would I allow the absence or failure of another Christian to cause me to doubt my own faith? Are my eyes so focused on people that I have taken my eyes off of God? Do I base my relationship with God on my relationship with the church? Is there anything in my life that’s absence would cause me to abandon my faith and stop trusting God? May this psalm of David be my song:

Declare me innocent, O Lord,
for I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to your truth.
I do not spend time with liars
or go along with hypocrites.
I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
I come to your altar, O Lord,
singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord. – Psalm 26:1-12

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 22-23, 2 Kings 11

After King Ahaziah of Judah was killed by Jehu, his mother decided it was her turn to take the throne. But in order for her to successfully step into leadership, she had to kill those who were rightful heirs of the crown.

When Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah of Judah, learned that her son was dead, she began to destroy the rest of Judah’s royal family. But Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash, and stole him away from among the rest of the king’s children, who were about to be killed. She put Joash and his nurse in a bedroom. In this way, Jehosheba, wife of Jehoiada the priest and sister of Ahaziah, hid the child so that Athaliah could not murder him. Joash remained hidden in the Temple of God for six years while Athaliah ruled over the land. – 2 Chronicles 22:10-12

JEHOSHEBA FOUND COURAGE TO PROTECT THE CHILD.

After seven years of this self-proclaimed authority, the priest Jehoiada decided to take action against Athaliah. He summoned all of his courage and gathered together five of the commanders over Judah’s army. They secretly traveled throughout Judah building support from the people to move Joash to his rightful place as king. He assigned the Levites to various roles, choosing a group of them to surround the young king.

You Levites, form a bodyguard around the king and keep your weapons in hand. Kill anyone who tries to enter the Temple. Stay with the king wherever he goes.” – 2 Chronicles 23:7

What a sight it must have been as the Levites arrived and took their place in the Temple of God. The army commanders stood with spears and shields, ready to protect the young king. The Levites formed a line from the south side of the Temple around to the north side and all around the altar (23:10b). Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son and placed a crown on his head, anointing him as king. And the people celebrated shouting, “Long live the king!” When Athaliah arrived, she was seized and led away from the Temple to be put to death.

JEHOIADA FOUND COURAGE TO PROTECT THE CHILD.

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. And all the people went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.

Jehoiada now put the priests and Levites in charge of the Temple of the Lord, following all the directions given by David. He also commanded them to present burnt offerings to the Lord, as prescribed by the Law of Moses, and to sing and rejoice as David had instructed. He also stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the Lord’s Temple to keep out those who for any reason were ceremonially unclean.

Then the commanders, nobles, rulers, and all the people of the land escorted the king from the Temple of the Lord. They went through the upper gate and into the palace, and they seated the king on the royal throne. So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was peaceful because Athaliah had been killed. – 2 Chronicles 23:16-21

THEIR COURAGE PROVIDE PROTECTION AND IGNITED A REVIVAL ACROSS THE WHOLE NATION.

The courage of both Jehosheba and Jehoiada made a difference for everyone, rewriting the history of Judah. Joash was given the chance to live because Jehosheba was willing to put her own life at risk in order to save his. Joash was given the opportunity to lead because Jehoiada was willing to stand up and encourage others to join him for the sake of driving change. An entire nation experienced revival because so many leaders joined Jehoiada in his crusade to bring back the worship of God to the Temple of God.

God, we ask for you to give us the courage to do whatever you have called us to do. Give us wisdom to know what wrongs need righted, and give us the favor to build teams for the sake of bringing others back to you. May you be glorified through our efforts to proclaim your truth, and may our hearts consistently reflect both your mercy and your grace. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 9-10; Psalm 78

Have you ever known someone you would quickly describe as fickle? Do you have a friend, coworker or family member who is quick to change their loyalty or affection? It is difficult to keep up with our fickle friends. They speak and live one way today, but tomorrow they seem like a completely different person wanting different things out of life than they did yesterday.

GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE A HISTORY OF BEING INCONSISTENT AND DISLOYAL.

Today’s passage of scripture reveals the fickle hearts of God’s people. They would worship God for a time and everything would go well. But time and time again, they would go back to their selfish, evil ways. They would turn their hearts to God but not wholeheartedly. They would keep things in their life that would cause them to be distracted and disloyal. This pattern led to the eventual decline and exile of the people of Israel, as well as the destruction of Jerusalem.

Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu the next king of Israel. The call God had on Jehu’s life was to destroy the family of Ahab. But when he found King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah together, he killed them both. Jehu accomplished what God had commanded him to do, also destroying every trace of Baal worship from Israel except the gold calves at Bethel and Dan.

Jehu did a good thing and the impact of his righteousness made a difference in both Israel and Judah. But Jehu, too, showed himself to have a fickle heart; his faithfulness did not last. At first, Jehu was faithful to the call God had placed on his life, but his heart proved to be as fickle as the rest of the Israelites.

Jehu did not obey the Law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with ALL his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. – 2 Kings 10:31

God had anointed Jehu for a special purpose, choosing him from among all of the Israelites. Jehu enjoyed the power but he never fully submitted his life to the One who had called him. Just like generation after generation of God’s people, Jehu’s loyalties were fickle.

IT’S TIME TO DO A HEART CHECK.

Why is it that our hearts are so easily turned away from God after all that He has done for us? What a great opportunity this morning to do our own heart check — to allow the Spirit to reveal any inconsistencies in our lives. In what areas of my life am I struggling to fully trust God? Have I been testing the Lord’s patience?

For he divided the sea and led them through, making the water stand up like walls!
In the daytime he led them by a cloud, and all night by a pillar of fire.
He split open rocks in the wilderness to give them water, as from a gushing spring.
He made streams pour from the rock, making the waters flow down like a river.
Yet they kept sinning against him,…
Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him…
Then they remembered that God was their rock, that God Most High was their redeemer.
But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues.
Their hearts were not loyal to him.
They did not keep his covenant.
Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and did not destroy them all…
Again and again they tested God’s patience… – Psalm 78:13-17a,32b-41a

MAY OUR HEARTS REMAIN LOYAL TO THE GOD WHO HAS PROVIDED FOR US OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Lord, help me to fully trust in you. May my life be marked with consistency and integrity as I walk with eyes focused on you. I want to be fully available for whatever you have for me today, and I want my faithfulness to last through every tomorrow. Thank you for your mercy and patience as I daily learn from your scriptures. I am so grateful for the way you consistently provide your presence and protection in my life. I love you with my whole heart! Amen.