For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans
Comments, thoughts and reflections welcome
taken from Google images
Reflections from 2 Kings 1:
- The description of Elijah matches the description of John the Baptist given in the New Testament.
(the king) He asked them, “The man who came to meet you and told you these things, what kind of man was he?” “He was a hairy man,” they answered him, “with a leather belt around his waist.” He said, ” It was Elijah from Tishbe.” 2 Kings 1
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. – Matthew 3:4
2. “Man of God” used the first two times by the commanders of fifty was done sarcastically. Man of God is a representative of God to us…calls for the same respect one would give an all-powerful God. The lack of respect was what was punished…with death! Study of the Old Testament highlights God’s disgust with arrogance and smugness. Disrespect brought judgement many times. Something to be very wary of.
Then the king sent a commander of fifty to Elijah, together with his fifty men….The commander climbed up to him(Elijah) and said, ” Man of God, the king says to come down.” Elijah answered the commander of fifty, “If I am in fact a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and burn you up, along with your fifty men.” Fire came down from heaven, and it burned him up and his fifty men.
The king sent another commander of fifty, together with his fifty men. He said to him (Elijah), “Man of God, the king says , ‘Come down immediately!’ ” Elijah answered them, “If I am in fact a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and burn you up, along with your fifty men.” Fire came down from heaven, and it burned up him and his fifty men.
3. God’s word is powerful…it accomplishes what it sets out to do. This is done with or without humanity’s belief. We can participate in it or be at its effect. Sobering.
Take away:
Israel belongs to God. When they stray he will not ignore it but take steps to bring them back into alignment with Him and His ways.
Our country has strong foundations in the Judeo-Christian beliefs. It was founded by deeply religious people whose faith in God led them here to give him honor and practice His ways. Their primary concern was to have a place where they could do so without hindrance or persecution for their faith. As we continue, as a nation, to honor Him we are blessed. As we leave His ways and disrespect Him we are faced with the consequences not much different than that faced by the Hebrew nation.
Our history bears the truth that those who serve the Lord bring blessing. Those who disrespect Him and His commands, bring cursing. We are warned. What course of action will we take? Our prayers can make the difference.
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