June 12th

I liked the promise that God made to Jehu.  He promised to bless him through his fourth generation, because he had carried out God's will with zeal.  He got rid of Baal worship, but he continued to worship the golden calves.  Was he just confused or was his loyalty divided?  Because he refused to give these up he missed out on the blessing.  Am I making the same mistakes by worshipping God only part way?  We scoff at these kings, because they didn't fully obey, but what about us?

June 11th

I was touched how Elisha cried when he had to deliver the news to Hazael that he would become the king of Aram, because he knew all of the harm that he would bring on Israel.  This couldn't have been easy to deliver that news.  I guess that Jeremiah wasn't the only weeping prophet.   Sin brings such pain. 

June 10th

     Classic line as the Syrians surrounded Elisha, "Those who are with us are greater than those who are with them."   Oh, that we could keep that in front of us.  I also like that Elisha handed them over to the king of Israel and told him to feed them and let them go.   There was no hostilities for awhile after that.
    Isn't it also interesting that God sent his most powerful prophet to Israel, instead of Judah.   He wanted to save those who were more at risk.

June 9th

     Ask the Edomites if it is wise to mess with God's people.  I think that this is still true, both for us and I think still with the Jews (though I am unsure of this).

June 8th

Jehoram received a letter from Elijah who had been taken up into heaven.  Yet he didn't repent.  He died a most horrible death.  He didn't follow in the steps of Asa or Jehoshaphat and follow the Lord.  Our ancestors are witnesses against us.  Hebrews tells us that they are looking down watching us as we run the race.  What must have Jehoram's ancestors thought?  What must have Israel thought of the nation that is now divided?  What must David have thought?   What must Solomon have thought since his sin led to the division?  God help us to take heed of the warnings that we receive and live holy and righteous lives.  I wish that I could live half the good life that my grandfather and my father lived. 

June 7th

It's remarkable how many of the miracles that Elisha performed are similar to Christ's miracles.

June 6th

Jehoshaphat was a noble king.  He made real reforms and wanted his people to worship God.  What would it be like if we had leaders like that?