getting out of the way

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

58707_1587198758257_1184444053_31700239_2322217_n2 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 this passage have not been repeated with other prophets.  It seems to focus more on the succession of Elisha as a prophet than anything else.  Perhaps the point was that God had a limit to Elijah’s ministry, and both he and Elisha had to cooperate with God’s will.

LORD, make us willing to follow your plan, even if it means just getting out of the way.

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a consuming fire

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC139192 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 God’s judgment, he continued to try to work out things in his favor. Our God is a consuming fire, and he will not be manipulated.  At least the third commander had the wisdom to treat the prophet with reverence.

LORD, give us wisdom to truly seek your favor, not to try to manipulate you for our gain.

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a legacy of peace

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC139181 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. 

LORD, if I cannot be great, at least let me leave a legacy of peace.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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