Read 2 Kings 6
Highlights:
The axe head made to float; Syrians attack Israel; famine in Samaria; Elisha's prophecy fulfilled; Hazael becomes king of Syria; Jehoram's wicked reign over Israel; Ahaziah's reign over Judah.
Then Elisha said, Hear ye the Word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel . . . in the gate of Samaria (II Kin. 7:1).
The luxurious fortress in Samaria had been surrounded by Ben-hadad's powerful Syrian army so long that the Israelites' food supply had been depleted. To keep from starving to death, the Israelites resorted to eating the most repulsive, defiling food (6:25). They even went so far as to eat human flesh, as one woman confessed: So we boiled my son, and did eat him (6:29).
Because the Israelites had rejected the Word of God, they were helpless before the Syrians. Our help, our refuge, our provision and our rescue can always be found in the Word of God. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps. 119:105). The Lord has given us His Word as our lighthouse to lead and direct us through life's troubled waters. When we turn our backs to it, we should not wonder that we fall into trials and troubles because we have made the Word of God of none effect (Mark 7:13).
But God, in mercy, once again intervened, that Israel might recognize the utter worthlessness of their own strength because they rejected Him. The prophet Elisha confidently prophesied that food would be plentiful the next day. It is in times when we are at our weakest that the strength of God is at its strongest. With God, things can change in a moment. The deepest valley can become the highest mountain. The driest desert can become a fertile plain. With God, a miracle is possible at any time. Since nothing can prevent the fulfillment of the prophecies of God, it came to pass as the man of God had spoken (II Kin. 7:18). There is nothing that can stop God's Word from coming to pass. It is completly true cover to cover (Heb. 4:12).
God has provided an abundance of spiritual food to all who will accept it from the Word of God. These human bodies need vitamins, minerals, and proteins to grow and stay healthy. Our spiritual self has needs as well. All those needs can be met with the Scriptures. If daily we partake of the "good food" that is God's Word, we will grow to be mighty men and women in God's Kingdom. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
Thought for Today:
The answers to our prayers are sometimes postponed until we lose confidence in self-effort.
Christ Portrayed:
By Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (II Kin. 8:11-12). We are reminded of Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered thy children together . . . and ye would not! (Matt. 23:37).
Word Studies:
6:1 strait, small, too confined; 6:30 within, next to, underneath; 7:5 uttermost part, borders; 8:11 settled his countenance, stared intensely; 8:26 daughter, granddaughter.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts In honor of Kris Compton • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter (ID), Sen. Jim Risch (ID), Sen. David Vitter (LA), Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) and Rep. Ralph Hall (TX) • Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God in prayer for His faithfulness to His Word and His desire that all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
Optional Reading: Romans 6
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:35