theological consensus

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC139171 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) were convinced that there would be defeat.  But they were all saying the same thing.  We should be careful when the majority believes and teaches something, without paying any attention to the arguments against it.  That kind of consensus can lead to disaster.

LORD, give us discernment.

Posted in discernment, divisions, truth, unity | Tagged | Leave a comment

simple desires

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC139411 Kings 21

The tragedy that cursed Ahab’s house and ended up costing Naboth his life began as a simple desire.  Pride, a feeling of entitlement, and weakness combined within Ahab.  Jezebel did his dirty work for him, but God held him accountable for it.  His repentance afterward held off his punishment, but there are always consequences when a person puts his desires first.

LORD, help us to keep our simple desires in check. Keep us from dishonoring you out of selfishness.

Posted in depravity, judgment | Tagged | Leave a comment

the price of presumption

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC139021 Kings 20

The most amazing part of this whole story is that the LORD had condescended to back king Ahab.  He was a selfish and evil man.  But the LORD chose to give him victory over a greater army twice – for the LORD’s name sake.  Then, Ahab ruined it by choosing to let Ben Hadad go, after the LORD had already devoted him to destruction. Ahab had mistaken victory and prosperity for the LORD’s favor.  We are at our most vulnerable not when we are poor and sick, but when we are rich and healthy.  It is then that we are in danger of presuming that we can choose to keep sin among us.  There is always a price to pay for that presumption. The prophet reminded Ahab of that price.

LORD, thank you for times of victory and prosperity, but may we learn to be careful not to let those times give us false confidence. 

Posted in confidence, dependence upon God | Tagged | Leave a comment

a gentle whisper

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC139011 Kings 19

Certainly God caused the wind, the earthquake, and the raging fire, but that was not the message God wanted to give Elijah.  He was in the gentle whisper, and the refreshing cakes, and the restful sleep.  Even though he has all power, and demonstrated that so well by consuming the doused altar, He is also the Holy Spirit of gentleness.  Elijah thought that he could not go on – that he had expended all his energy, and God was through with him.  But God’s message was, rest… because he must now prepare the next generation. 

LORD, thank you for giving us rest, but not allowing us to think that our job is done.

Posted in Elijah, gentleness, ministry, rest | Tagged | Leave a comment

limping prophets

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1fc1 Kings 18: 20-46  Apparently the prophets of Baal made a little limp as part of their ritual dance when performing their sacrifices.  Elijah took advantage of this peculiarity and asked the people how long they would limp between two opinions.  God is looking for people of integrity in each generation and among each people.  He wants you and me to claim him and only him.  Do we have the courage to be loyal to the LORD even during the years of drought – before the miracle and before the rain comes?

LORD, make us firm in our walk.  May we never limp between two opinions.

Posted in courage, Elijah, integrity, loyalty | Tagged | Leave a comment

courage to act

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1b61 Kings 18:1-19

Elijah determines that the time for hiding is over.  It is now time for a confrontation.  Sometimes safety is the best that you can ask for.  But when the Holy Spirit is ready for a show-down, the old way of doings things will not do. 

LORD, give us courage to act when it is time to confront the evils of our land.

Posted in courage, Elijah, plan of God | Tagged | Leave a comment

submitting to the stretch

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC137871 Kings 17

Both Elijah and the widow of Zarephath learn the same lesson.  God will miraculously provide if need exists, but he might also occasionally place his children in a position where their faith is stretched.  He does this for his glory.  Our business is to cooperate with his plan, even when we cannot see how he is working out that plan.

LORD, we submit to your stretching.

Posted in Elijah, plan of God, submission | Tagged | 2 Comments

the LORD watching

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138211 Kings 15:25-16:34

A long succession of apostate and violent kings ends with the worst of them all: Ahab.  Each line sought to outdo themselves in bringing in more bloodshed and idolatry.  Most were assassinated, and the assassin became king afterward.  The LORD was there, watching.  He was holding each responsible for following the failures of those they replaced.  The LORD is looking for spiritual integrity and peace.  If he does not find it in our hearts, he will not grant it to our land.

LORD, find peace in us, and grant it to us.

Posted in integrity, peace, relationship with God | Tagged , | Leave a comment

a hero among zeroes

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138281 Kings 14:21-15:24

Just when you think things are never going to get better for this divided nation, king Asa appears.  He makes attempts to defeat the idolatry that was destroying his people, and invests in the protection of Judah instead of its downfall.  He was a hero among zeroes.

Thank you,  LORD, for people like Asa, who make the best of trying times.

Posted in courage, leadership | Tagged , | Leave a comment

seeking God too late

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138381 Kings 14:1-20

Jeroboam sends his wife in disguise and with a bribe to gain the prophet’s favor for his sick son.  He had spent his life serving himself and spurning the LORD, but he has a need now, and so he runs to God.  It did not work.  The judgment was even more severe than it might have been since Jeroboam sought to manipulate the LORD.  Give God your allegiance and time today.  Tomorrow you may have run out of time.

LORD, before the storm comes, we run to you for refuge.

Posted in judgment, time | Tagged | Leave a comment