2 Kings 2:1-25
2 Kings 4:1-44
The torch was passed from the prophet Elijah to his assistant, Elisha,
who would now represent the Lord in the kingdom of Israel. Though our reading
began with Elijah’s departure to heaven, it was dominated by the miracles of
Elisha. While these events are difficult for us to fathom, we still believe
that they occurred, because we know the Bible is God’s Word and it is reliable.
In regards to Elijah’s departure, we are not told why he left earth
without dying. His exit was similar to that of Enoch, who was “walking with God
one day and then God took him” (Genesis 5:21-24). These two men are the only humans,
besides Jesus, to bypass death. Some have suggested that God is preparing them
for their role as the two witnesses in the end times (Rev. 11:3-12). We just don’t
know, but we trust that God has His purposes.
What I find encouraging about Elijah’s disappearance was the way in
which it happened, with chariots and horses of fire. Obviously, these were not
of this world. Why do I find this encouraging? Because for just a few seconds,
the physical world in which we live was pealed back to reveal another dimension
— the spiritual world. In other words, there is much more to our existence than
what we see and experience with our senses. So much goes on behind the scenes that we are
not aware of, and I like it when the Lord gives us a glimpse of it.
In regards to the miracles of Elisha, I was reminded of several
truths. First, miracles are a reminder of the presence and power of God. They are not
meant to honor the person or the prophet but the One they represent. Second,
these miracles were accomplished in the wicked kingdom of Israel, which means
that though the kings were not acknowledging God’s authority, He was still working
His good purposes. Third, even
though Israel had grown increasingly godless, we saw that the Lord still had a
faithful remnant of people trusting in Him. Finally, each of Elisha’s miracles
not only encouraged those faithful to God but enlarged their faith in Him.
We should never allow the reality of miracles to bother us. Though we
do not see them occur as regularly as did the people in Bible times, they still
take place. As much as those miracles were meant to encourage the
people of that day, they are also meant to encourage us today. We serve a
powerful God who can move heaven and earth to fulfill His purposes. Let us have
faith in God; we can trust Him.
Daily Reflection
In 1959, a famous actor named Charlton Heston starred in a movie
entitled “Ben-Hur.” It was a production based on the book Ben-Hur: A Tale of
the Christ by Lew Wallace. After a wild and terrible string of events take
place in the life of Heston’s character, he meets a wise man who changes his
life. When Ben-Hur (Heston) says, “I don’t believe in miracles,” the wise man
replies, “Your whole life is a miracle.” He explains to Ben-Hur God’s
providence and how miracles occur in our sight everyday. It’s just that we are
oblivious to them.
Your whole life is a miracle too. Take a few minutes
to reflect upon and write about the miracles that God has done in and through
you.
BiAY.org |Day 166 — 199 Days to Go
No comments:
Post a Comment