Blog Archives - Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church

July 5, 2017

6/30/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Kings 12 - As Joash (Jehoash) began his reign, remember he was a young boy as he started. Eventually he would recognize things that should be done and he told the priests to collect money to pay for repairs to the Temple. One thing of note is that in verses 6 and 7 Joash got older and found that the work on the Temple had not been done. Money was collected but nobody did the work. That is significant, remember this. I believe this will answer why something happened later in Jehoash's kingship. When the priests got down to business and paid the workers, it says in verse 15 that the men who did the job were so faithful in their work that they weren't required to give account of their use of the money. It was so evident that they were doing an excellent job. As you end this chapter you read of the murder of Joash. Why? Think about this as you will eventually read 2 Chronicles 24.

2 Kings 13 - Jehoahaz becomes king of Israel, the northern kingdom. He immediately continues in the sins of Jeroboam, but he repents, verse 4, and God brought a deliverer to help him. His son, Joash (not the same as the king of Judah), became king of Israel. He met with Elisha and one of the last things Elisha did was to encourage Joash to trust God for victory over Syria. Joash apparently was not fully trusting God and simply "went through the motions" of having faith. As a result, he had only a partial and temporary victory over the Syrians. Elisha would die, but even in his death a miracle was performed. When a man's corpse was placed in Elisha's tomb and touched Elisha's bones, the man immediately came back to life! What a surprise that must have been for the men who had just place him in that tomb!

2 Chronicles 24 - This is the Chronicles account of Joash's rule as king of Judah. He was greatly influenced by Jehoiada, the priest. But after Jehoiada died Joash reverted to sinful practices like so many before him. However, I personally believe that when his order to the priests to have the Temple fixed and when the priests delayed carrying out that order, that Joash had a turning point. He wasn't respected and this made him resentful. He would eventually show that after Jehoiada died. Joash would even have Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, killed. Eventually Joash would die but in disgrace, verse 25.

July 4, 2017

6/30/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Kings 9 - This chapter introduces us to Jehu, one of the unusual kings of Israel. He started off pretty good, especially with his zeal to destroy the house and family of wicked king Ahab. Yes, Ahab already died, but his family, especially Jezebel, were still very much alive and continuing to permeate Israel with their ungodly and idolatrous behavior. Jehu was anointed king by a young prophet and then he went about fulfilling his calling. Amongst his feats is the killing of Jezebel, and when he thought she should be buried, there was hardly anything to put in the ground. Read for yourself.

2 Kings 10 - Jehu proceeded to execute the rest of Ahab and Jezebel's family. Then Jehu went further and sought to destroy all the Baal worshipers in Israel. He acted like he was promoting the worship of Baal, but in reality he was setting the stage to annihilate all who followed the idol. Go ahead and read for yourself what Jehu did to be sure all the Baal worshipers were in one place. And note how he made sure no one who worshiped the real God of Israel was in harm's way.

2 Kings 11 - In Judah, Ahab's families' influence is still being felt since Athaliah, from the family of Ahab and Jezebel, was seeking to rule as Queen of Judah. But God provided a righteous priest, Jehoiada, who protected the one descendant of David, Jehoash, and had him anointed as king, even though Jehoash was only seven years old, verse 21.

July 3, 2017

6/30/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Kings 5 - Here is the great account of the healing of Naaman, a Syrian army commander. Please note how a little Israelite servant girl was used of God to bring Naaman to Elisha. When Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan River he was upset that Elisha didn't do something outstanding! Again, note how God used servants, vs. 13, to convince Naaman to simply do what Elisha simply said! He did and he was healed. Note also how Naaman didn't want to worship any other God but asked for "two mule-loads" of Israeli dirt to take back to Syria with him so if he bowed down in Syria he would be bowing on dirt that came from Israel, thus focusing his worship on the God of Israel! Lots to see in this chapter!

2 Kings 6 - And "he made the iron to float" verse 6. Another miracle of Elisha in retrieving a lost ax-head. I also see a little humor in this chapter when the Syrian king is upset that his plans to attack Israel are always revealed ahead of time to the king of Israel. His servants told him that Elisha knows what he says in his bed bedroom, verse 12. The humor is when the king of Syria expects he can "sneak up" on Elisha! If Elisha knows when the king of Syria is trying to sneak up on Israel, why should the king expect Elisha not to know of his plan to surprise Elisha! Read the whole chapter and note the sad conditions of famine in the land of Israel because Israel has been sinning against God.

2 Kings 7 - Four lepers know they are going to die, either by starving to death in the city of Samaria, or they can die trying to get mercy from the enemy army outside their gates. They journey to the enemies' camp only to find it completely abandoned and food and wealth is everywhere! They begin to hoard stuff but soon realize they are not doing right, verse 9. So they alert the Israelis and everyone comes rushing to enjoy the spoils. A certain aid to the king of Samaria is highlighted for his questioning God's ability to care for His own, verse 2 and verse 20.

2 Kings 8 - The opening passage deals with the woman who provided Elisha with a room, who now is faced with trying to get her land back after a severe famine. Elisha's servant, Gehazi, is used to make sure her land is restored to her. The sad account of a servant of Ben-Hadad who came to Elisha to see if his master would be healed. Though Elisha said that the healing was possible it would be the servant who would kill his own master and take the kingdom for himself. In the process the servant gave his master false hope, verses 14,15.

July 2, 2017

6/28/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Kings 1 - The illness of Ahaziah, king of Israel, brings out just how bad the spiritual life of Israel had become. When the king became diseased in his feet, he sent men to inquire of an idol for guidance! This brought a rebuke from Elijah which led the king to send soldiers to arrest the prophet. Elijah was protected by God and he would eventually make clear that Ahaziah would die from his wounds.

2 Kings 2 - This is the great chapter of Elijah's whirlwind entrance into heaven in a fiery chariot sent from God. It is also how the "mantle of power" was handed down to Elisha. Remember, Elisha asked for a double portion of power be given to him that was on Elijah. The rest of Elisha's life would show he did indeed perform twice as many miracles as Elijah had done, one would happen even after his death! (More about that later).

2 Kings 3 - Elisha was used of God to meet the needs of two unbelieving kings, Jehoram of Israel and the king of Edom only because Jehoshaphat was with them. When they and their armies were nearly dying of thirst in the desert, Elisha told them to dig ditches! During the night a distant storm would send a "flash flood" into their region and fill the ditches with water. In the morning the sun shone on the water and it appeared to be as blood which made the enemy, Moab, race into Israel's camp thinking the men in Jehoram's army had turned against each other. Instead, God allowed a victory for Jehoram and those associated with him.

2 Kings 4 - Now, in this chapter is where a widow with only "a jar of oil" verse 2 and a lot of debt, verse 1, would see how God could miraculously provide an abundance when she trusted Him. Elisha told her to borrow as many jugs and jars she and her sons could find. Using just her "little jar of oil" she filled jug after jug with the expensive oil. God blessed her faith with enough to pay her creditors, save her sons from slavery, and give her and her family enough to live on for the future. In another home, Elisha was well cared for by a well-to-do couple. They had a lot, but no child. God provided a child for them and also provided an opportunity for Elisha to show God's power in raising her son from the dead. The chapter closes with what I like to call, "The Feeding of the 100!" Note how similar that miracle is to the Feeding of the 5,000 in the New Testament.

July 1, 2017

6/28/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

With today's reading you'll start reading in the prophetic books as they fit into the time-line in the historical books. This is part of what the chronological reading of the Bible is about. It helps the reader to appreciate the role the prophets had during the years of Israel's decline and eventual captivity.

Obadiah 1 - This is the only one chapter book found in the Old Testament. Though Obadiah was a Jewish prophet he wrote against the land of Edom. Remember, Edom traced its lineage back to Jacob's son, Esau. The Edomites often rebelled against the Israelites and would take delight whenever Israel was being judged and punished by God. The Lord noted these times and His rebuke against Edom is spoke loud and clear in this little book.

Psalm 82 - This is a Psalm against the unjust judges of His people. They rendered verdicts that would hurt the poor and needy and show partiality to the wicked. It's in this Psalm where God refers to some people as "gods." He's speaking of those who are judges and serve in the place of God. The word used for god/judge is the Hebrew word, Elohim, which is often used of God, Himself.

Psalm 83 - Here the Psalmist is crying out for vengeance against Israel's enemies, especially those who gloat over Israel's suffering and then try to capitalize on their troubles. The Psalmist asks God to deal with these enemies as He did with Gideon's foes, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna. (Reread Judges 7 and 8 for the background). Ultimately, when God brings judgment He brings people to know who He really is, verse 18.

June 30, 2017

6/26/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Chronicles 19 - Though Jehoshaphat was rebuked for taking sides with Ahab, he did much to bring back some of the Israelites to return to the Lord. He also spoke frankly with those who were appointed judges in the land. He emphasized that their judgment was not just for people, but it was ultimately for the Lord.

2 Chronicles 20 - Though Jehoshaphat feared the Lord there were still times when enemies would threaten him and his people. This gave opportunity for Jehoshaphat to turn everyone to prayer and he himself would boldly asked God if "He was not their God?" and reminded Him that He had given the land to "Abraham, His friend" verse 7. He admitted his own helplessness and confessed he didn't know what to do other than trust God. Which is exactly what he needed to do! And when he trusted the Lord he found out he didn't even have to fight! God did it all!

2 Chronicles 21 - Jehoshaphat's decision to take a daughter of Ahab to be married to his son, Jehoram, shows its sad consequences. Jehoram was a wicked king and after Jehoshaphat's death he had his brothers murdered. Elijah wrote him a letter stressing his brothers were far better than him, verse 13. Jehoram would die a painful death and his epitaph is clearly stated in verse 20, "...he departed without being desired..." (KJV)*

2 Chronicles 22 - Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram, had a very brief kingship, just one year. His mother, Ahab's daughter, advised him which led to his destruction, vs. 3,4. Once he died, his mother, wicked Athaliah, murdered all her grandchildren, except one. That one, Joash, would be hidden away for seven years.

2 Chronicles 23 - This chapter shows intrigue, as Jehoiada, the priest, would arrange for Joash to be brought out in public view at age seven and be anointed king. This would inflame Athaliah, but she was put to death. Jehoiada would strongly influence the young king and he would also bring about a spiritual revival in Judah and the land would have a period of peace and praise under his care.

*The death of Jehoram and the reaction of the people to his departure always brings back to my memory what I read years ago. The evangelist, Rodney Smith, better known as Gypsy Smith, noted an epitaph on a grave in Scotland. He would use it from time to time to emphasize the sad end that sin can bring into a person's life who rejects the Lord. I quote it for the same reason: "Here lies a man who never did any good; and, if he had lived, he never would. Where he's gone and how he fares, nobody knows and nobody cares."

June 29, 2017

6/26/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Kings 22 - It was clear that Ahab didn't seek God when he wanted to fight against Syria. He asked King Jehoshaphat from Judah to help him against Syria, but he consulted the prophets of Baal for advice. At least Jehoshaphat had a heart for the Lord and insisted that a prophet of God be consulted. Ahab knew there was a prophet, named Micaiah, but Ahab hated him because he always prophesied against Ahab! Still, Micaiah was called and he ultimately predicted Ahab's downfall and death. And that's exactly what happened. The rest of the chapter summarizes Jehoshaphat's life and death and then mentions Ahaziah, Ahab's son, who became the next king of Israel.

2 Chronicles 18 - This chapter describes the final days of Ahab as he asks Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, to join him against the Syrians. Though Micaiah, a godly prophet, predicts Ahab's death, he also shows how a lying spirit from God had influenced the false prophets to predict victory, verses 18-22. God used false prophets to ultimately bring Ahab to a battle that would cost him his life. But Ahab had already revealed his staunch refusal to recognize God's sovereignty in Israel. When Ahab and Jehoshaphat entered the battle, Ahab cowardly took off his royal robes to disguise himself while insisting that Jehoshaphat wear his! God still made sure a "stray" arrow found its mark piercing Ahab's armor and bringing about his death.

June 28, 2017

6/26/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Kings 20 - In spite of Ahab's idolatry and gross disobedience to God, the Lord still promised him a victory against the Syrian king, Ben-Hadad. This king had invaded Israel and threatened Ahab and God used this as an opportunity to show that He was still God and Ahab should learn to trust Him. Twice the Lord gave Ahab victory, but after the 2nd battle, Ben-Hadad sought Ahab's leniency and Ahab gave it to him thus angering God who wanted Ben-Hadad destroyed. A prophet devised a plan to confront Ahab and this plan demanded explicit obedience on one of the sons of the prophets, verse 35. The judgment for disobedience was being killed by a lion! After that happened the next prophet's son was very quick to obey!

1 Kings 21 - Ahab's family was a repulsive family to Israel. When he wanted a vineyard belonging to another Israelite, Ahab was denied, and rightly so. He went home and sulked. So Jezebel, treacherous as she was, devised a plan to have this vineyard owner falsely accused and taken out and stoned to death. After that happened Ahab took possession of that vineyard but God was angry and Elijah rebuked Ahab with a dire warning. Ahab humbled himself and God held off the judgment until after Ahab would die. Ahab's humility didn't actually save because there was no seeking after God. Not wanting judgment is not the same as wanting God!

June 27, 2017

6/26/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Kings 17 - This chapter presents to us one of the great prophets of the Old Testament, Elijah. The question can be asked as to how you can stand up to a ruthless, powerful, pagan king like Ahab? You can when you have first have learned to stand before the Lord God of heaven and earth! Elijah was bold because he knew God and God's plan for His people. Elijah predicted no rain until he said so! God protected Elijah during the coming draught by having ravens feed him and then a poor widow who was ready to fix her last meal for her son and herself. But Elijah told him to fix for him first and then to trust God to provide enough food for the rest of the famine.

1 Kings 18 - Elijah then faced down Ahab on Mount Carmel by challenging him to bring the prophets of Baal, all 450 of them, to a showdown on that mountain. Two oxen would be provided. The prophets of Baal would have the chance to call on their god to bring fire down and consume their sacrifice. They tried everything, all in vain. Elijah brought forth his sacrifice and had it covered with precious water! He then called on God who immediately sent fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice! The people realize who the right God really was!

1 Kings 19 - Interestingly enough, though Elijah could stand up to Ahab in chapter 17, he ran for his life from Jezebel in this chapter! Those who have served the Lord for years can understand. Fatigue and exhaustion can happen when you serve the Lord. Perhaps Elijah was just overwhelmed with activity that he wasn't ready to face a wicked woman like Jezebel. Whatever the reason, Elijah eventually came to a different mountain, Mount Horeb, also known as Mt. Sinai. Here he would be reminded that God doesn't need a lot of loud bluster and thunder to get our attention. A "still small voice" is often His way of communicating His words of strength, comfort, and challenge to His servants. Elijah would be ordered to call Elisha to follow in his footsteps.

June 26, 2017

6/23/2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Kings 15:25-34 - The northern nation of Israel has difficulty establishing a long lasting kingship after the death of Jeroboam. His son, Nadab, was only on the throne for two years before Baasha, another Isaelite killed him. Baasha destroyed the whole family of Jeroboam just as God had promised in 1 Kings 14:10.

1 Kings 16 - Several other men seek the kingship of Israel but this chapter ends with one of the most notorious of Israel's kings, Ahab. He did more to provoke God than all the kings before him, verse 33. Ahab's infamous reputation was made even worse by his taking Jezebel, the daughter of a pagan king. She was a Baal worshiper and she led Ahab down that awful path of idolatry.

2 Chronicles 17 - Judah was blessed with another good king after Asa, and that was Jehoshaphat! He had a heart for God and he also had a desire to instruct God's people. He organized Bible teaching teams to go to all the towns and cities in Judah and teach the people, verses 7-9. God gave him peace during the first years of his kingship.