2 Kings 13:1-11
2 Kings 12:17-21
2 Chronicles 24:23-27
2 Kings 13:14-25
We covered a short passage that included the reign of Jehoahaz, King
of Israel, the end of the reign of Joash, King of Judah, and, finally, the
death of Elisha, the great prophet. While we didn’t read many verses, the
events that we covered were significant nonetheless. For example, we were told
that Joash was held accountable for the murder of the prophet Zechariah, when
his advisers assassinated him. Once again, while God’s justice may not be
swift, it is sure.
Also, we saw that Elisha’s ministry continued right up to his very
last breath, as he promised Israel victory over the Arameans. Even after his
death, the power of God emanated from his body, as a dead man was resurrected
after being thrown into Elisha’s grave. Israel will not witness another prophet
with such power until the Messiah arrives.
The story that caught my attention today was that of Jehoahaz, King of
Israel, who led God’s people to worship false gods, as did those who had come
before him. This idolatry, of course, angered the Lord, who punished Israel by
allowing its enemy from Aram to defeat them time after time. It finally dawned
on Jehoahaz that their oppression was due to their disrespect of the Lord and
the worship of false gods. Thus, he prayed to God for help and the Lord heard
him.
Because of His love for Israel, God, who honors those who honor Him,
sent a deliverer to rescue Israel from the Arameans. Because of His help, God’s
people were allowed to live in safety once again. However, as we have seen many
times before, after a brief time without distress, the people continued in
their sin (2 Kings 13:6).
I get so frustrated with the Israelites! Why couldn’t they see that
obedience to God brought His blessing and disobedience to God invited His wrath? Why couldn’t
they learn from their mistakes?
Here is the problem. These people were living before Christ, meaning
that they were
trapped in their fallen flesh and incapable of overcoming their sinful nature. They did not have
the Holy Spirit indwelling them and, thus, they were doing only what they were
naturally bent to do — sin. “Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who
repeats his folly” (Proverbs 26:11). Any moral reformation in those days would have been short-lived
because no one, as of yet, was truly freed by salvation in Christ.
Daily Reflection
The people of the Old Testament had an excuse for their repetitious
sins. You, who have been set free by Christ, do not have this excuse. You no longer have
to be trapped in the cycle of setbacks, for the Spirit of Christ has set you
free from the law of sin (Romans 8:2). You are no longer a dog who returns to his
vomit or a clean pig who returns to the mud (2 Peter 2:22).
This truth does not mean that you won’t struggle with temptation or
occasionally give in to it. While you have a new nature in Christ, you are
still trapped in your body of sin. It will be a constant battle, but be
encouraged; with God’s help you can win.
How are you doing in your battle with sin? Are you relying on the Holy
Spirit to give you strength to overcome, or have you given in and made excuses
for yourself?
In Christ, you can have victory over your vomit and grow
to master your mud!
BiAY.org |Day 170 — 195 Days to Go
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