Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
the burden of knowing
2 Kings 8 Elisha knew that king Ben-hadad was not going to die of his sickness, but he also knew that Hazael was going to murder him, take his place, and then commit great atrocities against Israel. Elisha wept. When … Continue reading
believing God’s promises
2 Kings 6:24-7:20 Bad things happen at times, and we cannot prevent them. We need to avoid getting an attitude of pessimism when things are not going well. The captain had seen much suffering, and he had grown cynical. When … Continue reading
seeing God at work
2 Kings 6:1-23 The miracles described in this text were not parlor tricks designed to mystify. They were displays of power intended to help God’s people do his will, or hinder their enemies from doing theirs. Often we do not … Continue reading
keeping emotions in check
2 Kings 5 Even when God is at work among us, our emotions can hide the glory of his presence if we are not in right relationship with him. Consider how emotions sent these three people in the wrong direction: … Continue reading
we want more
2 Kings 4 Elisha’s miracles are evidence that there is a power beyond the natural. Both the poor widow and the wealthy Shunnamite woman need this power. The LORD heals, provides, and restores life. The limits of our present world … Continue reading
incomplete victory
2 Kings 3 The combined armies of Israel, Judah and Edom accomplish all that Elisha predicts, but stops short of eliminating Moab altogether. It appears that the Moabite king’s sacrifice of his oldest son changes things. We must be careful … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, discipleship, Elisha, spiritual warfare, wisdom
Tagged 2 Kings 3
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getting out of the way
2 Kings 2 This passage does not prove a lot of the things that people think it does. It says nothing about where someone goes when he dies. Elijah did not die that day. A number of the incidents of … Continue reading
a consuming fire
2 Kings 1 You would think that after losing 102 men to the power of God — Ahaziah would stop trying to strong-arm Elijah. But his rebellion against the LORD had blinded him of reality. Even though he was facing … Continue reading
a legacy of peace
1 Kings 22:41-53 Two kings are compared. Each is said to carry on the traditions of his father: one evil, one good. Yet there was one thing Jehoshaphat was known for. He had made peace with the king of Israel. … Continue reading
theological consensus
1 Kings 22 The theological consensus that existed among the prophets of Israel in the time of Ahab was not unity. It was mutual deception. Some wanted to believe that there would be victory against Syria. Others (at least Micaiah) … Continue reading
