I Kings 22:51-53; II Kings 1
It’s a short reading today, so if you are a bit behind, now’s your chance to catch up. But I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled (not to mention irritated) that the schedule provided by The Chronological Study Bible would zing us through the entire book of Song of Songs in one day last week and then give us only 21 verses today. Oh well, be that as it may…
Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the LORD, “You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.”
II Kings 1:3b,4a
That is the message Elijah sends to Ahaziah. When Ahaziah recognizes Elijah’s description, he knows full well that this is a true message from the LORD, but, like his father before him, he does not want to hear the truth. Rather than humbling himself in repentance he sends troops to arrest Elijah. Like their king, the first two captains and their troops show no fear of the LORD. It is only after they are all consumed by fire from heaven that the third captain finally acknowledges the LORD’s power and Elijah’s position as a man of God..
Let’s not be so slow. Let’s not require such fireworks from God before we pay attention. Yet look around — and look within. Where is our society headed? And where are you headed? Do you recognize the false gods that our culture pursues? Do you recognize the idols in your own life?
Is it because there is no God [here] that you are going to inquire of [anything else]?