2 Kings 5:1-20

Naaman was a commander in the Syrian Military. The same Syrians who were arch enemies of the northern kingdom of Israel. When he contracted leprosy he listened to a young girl, who was a captive servant from Israel that trusted in God. She informed Naaman that there was a prophet in Israel who could cure him from his leprosy. She overcame her circumstances and proclaimed God with confidence to send Naaman.

Naaman also had a servant who guided him to listen to God’s word and see what He would do. Although the request seemed simple for such a large issue, Naaman complied and was cured.

We also looked at Elisha’s servant Gehazi, who was more focused on himself and what he could get, than being humble as Elisha instructed. His choice was self-centered, and not what God desired. When he returned to Elisha he received the penalty for his poor choice.

Are we able to listen to God even when the circumstances or situation seems hopeless? Are we able to simply obey, even when it does not make sense? We have a choice to make. Do we follow God’s leading or focus on our own desires?

2 Kings 1-4

The end of 1 Kings and opening chapters in 2 Kings take a break from discussing the battles and related events of the Kings of Israel and Judah and insert two key prophets of God with their amazing accomplishments. Elijah was born in the northern kingdom of Israel and lived with the kings who did not follow God. Even in the midst of this type of surroundings, he was able to demonstrate God’s power through prophesy and miracles.

Elisha, his successor, who was also from Israel witnessed God taking Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Receiving a blessing of God’s power, he immediately tested his gift by parting the waters so he could cross back over and begin his prophetic journey. As he learned about God’s gift to him he grew in Spirit and trust in God, showing others what God can do.

Both prophets were from a country and people who did not honor God, yet they were able to be the light to others in that area. As we look at the trouble and conflict in the world today, are we able to look through the negativity and see what God is doing through each of us and those around us to grow His Kingdom? We can if we choose to follow and obey.

2 Chronicles 19-20

King Jehoshaphat from Judah followed God and worked to steer his people away fromt he idols of the past. However, he did align himself with King Ahab of Israel and almost was tyaken in battle as Ahab tried to trick his enemy by disguising himself, while having Jehoshaphat appear to be the king. when Jehoshaphat returned safely to Judah, the prophet Jehu called him out for going to help Ahab, who did not follow God.

Following this, Jehoshaphat was faced with a test of his loyalty to God when a group of armies went up against him. Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance, listened to what God had to say, and obeyed, even when it did not make sense. This allowed God to show His salvation when He delivered the people of Judah without having to fight themselves.

This is yet another example of how we should approach issues we face today and ask ourselves, “Do we hate what God hates?”, and “Do we love what God loves?” Are we willing to seek God in everything, listen to what His will has for us, do what He says, and sit back and watch how his salvation is glorified, even if we are not directly a part of the action?