Preserving A Remnant

Preserving A Remnant 

II Kings 11:1-3 NKJV

[1] When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. [2] But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. [3] So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land. 

" Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and was given to King Jehoram of Judah as a bride. She was a bad influence on both her husband (Jehoram of Judah) and her son (King Ahaziah of Judah)". Now, after Jehu’s coup, Athaliah tried to save something for Ahab’s family by trying to eliminate the house of David in Judah. V.2 begins with a word that alters the narrative...But Jehosheba... Thank you Jesus. Hear me. Something will interupt the plans of the enemy. It's Gods remnant.

   Jehosheba was  that remnant. She was a little-known woman who had an important place in God’s plan of the ages. Through her courage and ingenuity, she preserved the royal line of David through which the Messiah would come. Evil people like Athaliah will begin their work, but God can always raise up a Jehosheba. You need a Jehosheba. She was a remnant.

   She hid Joash, the roysl line of David for six years in the Temple. What s place to hide a child. It means only those who came to  seek out Jehovah were to know about this royal line. The enemy may think it has won, but God knows how to preserve a remnant to restart the process. All through the scriptures, Gid accomplished things with Remnants 

   Zac Poonen explains the meaning of this remnant. " There is great spiritual decline today. But, in the midst of all this, God has a few who have a heart for Him. They are not all found in one denomination. They are found in all the denominations - men and women who love God and are seeking to honour Him in all things. They are genuinely filled with the Holy Spirit and do not get involved in controversies. They are very careful in the use of their tongues and are very faithful with money. God is gathering such people together in these days as His remnant". Jehosheba belonged here. I pray you belong here too. Good morning.

The End of Jehu

The End Of Jehu: The Best Of The Bad

II Kings 10:32-35 NKJV

[32] In those days the Lord began to cut off parts of Israel; and Hazael conquered them in all the territory of Israel [33] from the Jordan eastward: all the land of Gilead—Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh—from Aroer, which is by the River Arnon, including Gilead and Bashan. [34] Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? [35] So Jehu rested with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. Then Jehoahaz his son reigned in his place. 

Its to David Guzik that we owe the title, " Though incomplete in his own goodness, this man was the best of a bad group. Jehu’s goodness was rewarded with a long reign (twenty-eight years)". Knapp says, " The great lesson to be drawn from this remarkable man’s life is that of being constantly on guard, as servants of God, lest we be found doing His work – whether it be in the exercise of discipline, or the accomplishment of reformation – in a spirit of unbrokenness and without due exercise of heart and conscience between Him who is ‘a God of judgment,’ and by whom ‘actions are weighed.". 

     Most people start out well, only to end badly. By the zeal he demontrated at the start, you have the impression that he was headed for a great reformation. God gave him time, " This was a long reign, but notable only at its beginning. Jehu had the energy and influence to truly turn the nation back to God, but his half-commitment to God left that potential unfulfilled and points to a lack of any real relationship with God." Twenty eight years! Feel the message: half-commitment. That is the real problem. How is your commitment?

   Commitment to God is a lifelong journey of surrendering your life to God and prioritizing Him in your thoughts, actions, and decisions. It's not a one-time decision, but rather a daily choice to honour God and allow Him to work in your life.  One of our readers felt what we may all be feeling, and then asked: " Despite God's promises why did Jehu derailed?" I told him, " Personal volition. God cannot live the Christian life for us. Jehu had choices". He failed, but in Christ, you wont fail. Make quality choices your priorities. Good morning.

 

Jehu Stopped Short

Jehu Stopped Short

II Kings 10:29-31 NKJV

[29] However Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin, that is, from the golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan. [30] And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in doing what is right in My sight, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” [31] But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart; for he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin. 

God has standards. Whatever you do in life must meet God's starndard. Jehu stopped short. He only exchanged Baal for the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. The golden calves were two idols that King Jeroboam of Israel had created as a way to get the people to worship in the northern and southern parts of his kingdom without having to travel to Jerusalem. 

   Jeroboam's actions were a great sin because they went against God's command to worship only Him and not to bow down to idols. Jeroboam's actions also changed God's system of worship into a man-made system. The actions led to the downfall of his house and the destruction of Israel. Jeroboam is repeatedly called out in the Bible for "making Israel sin". Other kings of Israel, such as Baasha, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, and Ahaziah, are said to have "walked in the way of Jeroboam". And Jehu added to the list.

   Surprisingly, God was still merciful to Jehu because he obeyed God at the beginning of his reign. So God allowed him to have four generations on the throne. The mercies of God. So Jehu did no live up to God's Standard.

    God's standard is holy perfection, and it's different from human standards. Jesus summarized God's high standards in two simple commands in Matt. 22:35-40: "Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbour as yourself". We need the help of Jesus to live up to this expectation. That's what happens when we surrender our lives to Christ. Jehu stopped short. Will you live yours right? Good morning.

Support For The Reformation

Support For The Reformation 

II Kings 10:15-17 NKJV

[15] Now when he departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab, coming to meet him; and he greeted him and said to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is toward your heart?” And Jehonadab answered, “It is.” Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and he took him up to him into the chariot. [16] Then he said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” So they had him ride in his chariot. [17] And when he came to Samaria, he killed all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed them, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke to Elijah. 

To say that Jehu was a reformer is an understatement. In the 16th century, the Christian world witnessed a plethora of reformers who may understand how Jehu felt at the time of his reforms. We had men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, Philip Melanchthon, Martin Bucer, Thomas Cranmer, just to mention a few. Their greatest problem was support for the reforms they were pressing for. They understood that if their reforms are not accepted, they may be rejected forever. All reforms carry risks and may have unintended consequences. 

    So when Jehu met Jehonadab, he wanted to know whether he supports his actions. Jehonadab was the son of  Rechab, founder of the Rechabites, who were a reform movement among the people of God, protesting the immoral and impure lives of many in Israel and Judah. It is later in Jeremiah 35: 6, where we understand better that God used the Rechabites, and the memory of Jehonadab as an example of faithfulness and obedience, to rebuke His unfaithful and disobedient people. So now you understand why Jehu needed this man's approval and even rode with him in his chariot. John Gill says, " the company of such a man, so famous for wisdom and goodness, he knew would give him much countenance among the people, and sanction to what he did."

   Even reformers need support. So do you. If your ever going to accomplish anything outstanding in life, you need both divine and human support. Ask God for ths support today. Good morning.

Was this Coincidence or Providence

Was this Coincidence Or Providence?

II Kings 10:12-14 NKJV

[12] And he arose and departed and went to Samaria. On the way, at Beth Eked of the Shepherds, [13] Jehu met with the brothers of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, “Who are you?” So they answered, “We are the brothers of Ahaziah; we have come down to greet the sons of the king and the sons of the queen mother.” [14] And he said, “Take them alive!” So they took them alive, and killed them at the well of Beth Eked, forty-two men; and he left none of them. 

It may appear difficult to determine whether these events were Providence or Coincidence . Coincidence may be described as an act or an occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection. Providence on the other hand may be described as an act or a state of divine guidance in human affairs. This same thoughts bothered  Dave Reid. Here's his answer to the question of Coincidence or Providence. "The answer to that question is both simple and complex.  It’s simple because the one-word answer is Providence!  The Bible teaches that God is not only sovereign - controlling all things at all times - but He is actually guiding events in accordance with His eternal purposes.  Ephesians 1:11 says that "He works all things after the counsel of His will."  (See Psalm 33:11 & Isaiah 43:13.)  Nothing happens by chance or by accident!  What appears to be merely circumstance is really the outworking of God's plans". So was this a divine set up for God to ckeanse the memory of Jezebel?

   There was a relationship between the house of Ahab and King Ahaziah. Joram of Israel and Ahaziah were nephews. Wikipedia  explains: " Ahazia) or Jehoahaz I (2 Chronicles 21:17; 25:23), was the sixth king of Judah, and the son of Jehoram and Athaliah, the daughter (or possibly sister) of king Ahab of Israel. So there was still a link for evil worship to continue.

   Well, upon all the cleansing that was going on in Samaria, no news got to these folks who came to visit the Kings sons and the queen mother. Dvid Guzik quotes Knapp, " Some believe that the execution of Ahaziah’s family was an example of Jehu going too far. “The sword of judgment, so far as the expressed purpose of Jehovah was concerned, should have been confined to the house of Ahab. But a reckless and ambitious hand was wielding it, and it devoured beyond the allotted limits.” That statement brings back that old argument of Providence or Coincidence. 

   Well, the answer to the division may be seen in a different perspective. " a biblical definition of coincidence would be what occurs together by God’s providential arrangement of circumstances.

What appears to us as random chance is in fact overseen by a sovereign God who knows the number of hairs on every head".( Luke 12:7 ). In Isa 46: 9-11, God declares His sovereignty. God doesn't separate coincidence from providence. They all serve His purpose. Every of your experience will serve Gods purpose.  Just be patient. Good morning.

Wiping Out Ahab's Dynasty

Wiping Out Ahab's Dynasty 

II Kings 10:10-11 NKJV

[10] Know now that nothing shall fall to the earth of the word of the Lord which the Lord spoke concerning the house of Ahab; for the Lord has done what He spoke by His servant Elijah.” [11] So Jehu killed all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men and his close acquaintances and his priests, until he left him none remaining. 

Anytime the words 'Ahab' or 'Jezebel' are mentioned, they conjure an image of the most sinful leaders Israel ever produced. Today we read a fulfilment of the prophecies on their dynasty. Be careful in life, " the wages of sin is death", ( Rom.6:23 ). The verse maybe a reference for spiritual death, and separation from God, but it may also result in physical death as demonstrated in our story.

   Heres a list of evil committed during the time they were on the throne and how God repaid them: 

  * Death: Ahab was sentenced to death for murdering Naboth. 

*Destruction of his family: Ahab's kingdom was removed from his line, and his family was completely destroyed. 

*Dogs eating Jezebel: Elijah prophesied that dogs in Jezreel would devour Jezebel. 

*Ahab's death in battle: Ahab died in battle with the Syrians a few years after Elijah's prediction. 

*Jezebel's survival: Jezebel survived Ahab's death by about ten years. 

*Prophetic judgments: Ahab's reign was marked by prophetic judgments that foretold the consequences of his actions. 

*Worship of Baal: Ahab allowed the worship of Baal to become an official religion in the Northern Kingdom. 

*Killing prophets: Ahab had prophets killed. 

*Destroying altars to God: Ahab had altars to God destroyed. 

*Nationalizing prophets of Baal and Asherah: Jezebel placed prophets of Baal and Asherah on the national payroll. 

*Imprisoning Micaiah: Ahab imprisoned Micaiah, a prophet who declared that Ahab would fail in battle.

   God knows how to respond to and reward evil. Don't take Him for granted.  Good morning.

The Word Came To Pass

The Word Came To Pass

II Kings 9:35-37 NKJV

[35] So they went to bury her, but they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. [36] Therefore they came back and told him. And he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel; [37] and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as refuse on the surface of the field, in the plot at Jezreel, so that they shall not say, “Here lies Jezebel.” ’ ”

Be careful with every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. David Guzik says, " God’s promise against Jezebel and the house of Ahab was exactly and righteously fulfilled (1Ki 21:19; 1Ki 21:23-25)". Joseph Benson is more detailed. " He now calls to mind the words of the Prophet Elijah, which before he had forgot, or did not regard. And the carcass of Jezebel, &c. — These words are not extant in the place where this prophecy is first mentioned, 1Ki 21:23; but are here added by Jehu, by way of explication and amplification. So that they shall not say, This is Jezebel — No memory of her, nothing whereby it might be known there had been such a woman as Jezebel, should remain of her, as a picture or effigies, to which men might point and say, This is Jezebel. No monument was made of her, and she had no sepulchre but in the belly of dogs". 

    There's the phrase in the Bible which is a constant reminder that God's words will be fulfilled. It is , " It came to pass..".  Mat. 11:1; Isa.65:24; Ezek.12:25. God's word will always produce the result that God intends, and God's word will never return to him empty. God's word is true and will come to pass no matter what people do, say, or believe. Good morning.

Death By Hanging out

Death By Hanging Out 

II Kings 9:27-29 NKJV

[27] But when Ahaziah king of Judah saw this, he fled by the road to Beth Haggan. So Jehu pursued him, and said, “Shoot him also in the chariot.” And they shot him at the Ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. Then he fled to Megiddo, and died there. [28] And his servants carried him in the chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his tomb with his fathers in the City of David. [29] In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah had become king over Judah. 

In September,2020, Dub McClish asked a question whether the Bible teaches guilt by association. The question arose because of Barack Obama's association with Pastor Jeremiah Wright's Chicago congregation. This is McClish, " Is there such a thing as “guilt by association”? Some brethren have for years answered with a firm “No,” denying any Scriptural basis for it and classifying it as unfair, prejudicial, and unjustified. Others have just as boldly and staunchly replied, “Yes,” arguing that the Scriptures teach the principle, both explicitly and implicitly".  Whatever your position on the discourse, Ahaziah, King of Judah would not have died when he did except for his association with Joram, King of Israel. He was just hanging out.

   The Bible is very clear on instructions on who you associate with. 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with wise men will be wise,

But the companion of fools will suffer harm". Well, Ahaziah suffered harm which led to his death.

   Who are your friends? Who do you associate with? Surdashan Vig explains the psychology. " Perception by Association is the sub-conscious judgement on individuals based on whom they are socially associated with, or in English, "hang out" with". Here's ChinyereDistinguish in a blog post. " A friend is someone you should consciously choose because your choice of friends can make or mar you. A popular adage says, “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” Friends are bonded by similar interests and belief and just before you argue that you are different from your friends, read 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”(NIV). The bible makes it clear that we can’t possibly live better than the friends or company we keep. And Proverbs 27:17 throws some light on what friends do for each other – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NIV). Think twice about the friends you hang out with. Don't die by hanging out. Good morning.

From Ramoth Gilead To Jezreel

From Ramoth Gilead to Jezreel 

II Kings 9:14-15 NKJV

[14] So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had been defending Ramoth Gilead, he and all Israel, against Hazael king of Syria. [15] But King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds which the Syrians had inflicted on him when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, “If you are so minded, let no one leave or escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” 

It is possible to fight in battles you didn't start, but there's something exciting about the battles you are commissioned to execute. Jehu was divinely commissioned by God to clean up the mess of Ahab's dynasty. Thats what Jehu went to Jezreel for. The battle with Syria was not the center of the conflict. The center was spiritual and in Israel. So Jehu could have spoken like Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:5, which describes being troubled on every side, with conflicts on the outside and fears within. He was focused on cleansing the fears within, that was Joram. 

   Bishop Mike Okonkwo is very particular about winning one's life battles. " You must choose your battles in life. It is not every battle that you must fight. Many people are trying too hard to defend themselves in times of challenge, in times of difficulties, in times of pressure and they are distracted and they lose focus on what God is planning for them. They end up fighting the wrong battle and spend energy in the wrong places. You must choose your battles. This is one of the things that I found in the scripture. I remember when David’s brothers tried to discourage him from fighting Goliath. David didn’t chastise them or continue to argue with them trying to make them believe in him, he simply walked away. There are battles you walk away from; you don’t stay there to fight. The fight that you fought does not make you superior, it does not elevate you, promotion only comes from God. It’s only God that elevates". So it was strategic that Jehu walked away from the Syrian battle, to set the home front right.

   Naboth's vineyard, ironically was at Jezreel. God knows how to rewrite our life stories. The stage is set to fulfill prophecies. Stay with us in the next episode and enjoy the fulfillment of God's prophecies. Good morning.

Jehu Is King

Jehu Is King

II Kings 9:13 NKJV

[13] Then each man hastened to take his garment and put it under him on the top of the steps; and they blew trumpets, saying, “Jehu is king!” 

Take a good note of the actions of these Captains and Generals. They hastened...that means to move or act quickly. A few moments ago, they thought the prophet was a babler, a mad man or worse. Now something appears to touch them in an area of their need. There was a general dissatisfaction  in the land. Keep prophesying preachers. Theyll change their mind when your words begin to manifest.

   Cambridge Bible For Schools says, "They made a seat for Jehu by folding their garments, and piling them together". They were in too much of a hurry to spread them on the stairs. So, " They extemporised a cushion with their robes, and set Jehu upon them". Thats a prophetic rising. Wiseman says, "The act of spreading out the garment was one of recognition, loyalty and promise of support.” By the time Jehu went to Jezreel, where the King was convalescing, the sight of the generals alone commanded obedience from the messengers sent. It indicates also that Jehu enjoyed popular support. 

   The very words of a supposedly " Mad " man was now being blown in trumpets by Captains and Generals: Jehu is King! The very people who despised your words will celebrate your rising. Pause with me. What do you think happened to the ministry of the young Prophet or of Elisha? There's a way God will bless you. It's through that same ministry. Keep doing it. Good morning.

A Mad Man, A Babble and Prostrations

A Mad Man, A Babble And Prostrations 

II Kings 9:11-13 NKJV

[11] Then Jehu came out to the servants of his master, and one said to him, “Is all well? Why did this madman come to you?” And he said to them, “You know the man and his babble.” [12] And they said, “A lie! Tell us now.” So he said, “Thus and thus he spoke to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I have anointed you king over Israel.” ’ ” [13] Then each man hastened to take his garment and put it under him on the top of the steps; and they blew trumpets, saying, “Jehu is king!” 

Perception may be described as 'sensation interpreted in the light of experience".  It creates an impression on the mind which enables us to learn and remember. People's perception of a men of God vary from serious minded representatives of God, to charlatans and sometimes marked by a total mental disorder. It was the same in ancient Israel as it is today. The soldiers in our story demonstrate a varied perception of the young prophet. They respected him as a carrier of God's message, but they secretly despised him as a charlatan. Read the lines.

    People's perception has affected the work of ministry very profoundly. Your impact on people will be to the extent they percieve you as God's instrument.  In July 2019, Jegede Sunday made an attempt to answer who a Man of God is in Heralds of Revival. Here are his submissions: " First, a man of God is a man with a right standing before God". "Second, a man of God is a man of the Word and Spirit of God"..." The true men of God are those who “have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor. 4:2 NKJV)".

      "Like the early apostles of Christ, true men of God cannot be intimidated, manipulated, or persuaded to stop proclaiming the truth. Their response to the haters of truth will always be: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20 NKJV)".

Unfortunately, some supposed  Men of God " go about compelling and manipulating undiscerning believers to sow or give all sorts of seeds, offerings, or gifts to them as a means of averting the looming dangers or evils they have seen in a vision, or as a means of obtaining a special favour, miracle, deliverance, breakthrough, or victory from God". The perception continues.

   Wikipedia reports that, " The term Man of God appears 78 times in 72 verses of the Bible, in application to up to 13 individuals: Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1; Joshua 14:6; Psalm 90:1; Ezra 3..." and a few others more.May you be a true representation of heaven when you carry the word of God.  Suddenly, the soldiers celebrated the Captain. It points to one thing, that Captain had leadership character before God appointed him King. That is a story for a different day. Good morning.

Three Generations For AWord

Three Generations For A Word 

II Kings 9:1-3 NKJV

[1] And Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, “Get yourself ready, take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead. [2] Now when you arrive at that place, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, and go in and make him rise up from among his associates, and take him to an inner room. [3] Then take the flask of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I have anointed you king over Israel.” ’ Then open the door and flee, and do not delay.”

It took about three generations of Prophets to anoint Jehu King. The original order to anoint Jehu came first to Elijah. In that original prophecy for Jehu to be king of Israel, Elijah, foretold that there would be a dramatic transfer of power in Israel, Judah, and Syria: 1 Kings 19:15-17: Elijah then prophesied that a new king would strangle Syria's old king in his sleep. We've discussed that already in a previous vignette.The assignment was then shifted to Elisha. 1 Kings 19:16-18. Now Elisha has assigned same to a son of the prophet. Jewish traditions say the name of the young Prophet was Jonah ( 2Kings,14:25 ). At this time, Johram, the son of Ahab, was King. The question is: why did it take so long to anoint Jehu? Were the prophets afraid of the response of the house of Ahab? Very likely. When finally the son of the prophet anointed Jehu, he opened the door and ran. The military officers prostrated in acceptance 

    This is how someone describes Jehu's life: " Before his reign as king, Jehu functioned as a commander in the army of Ahab (2 Kings 9:5, 25) in the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehu was the son of Jehoshaphat, although he is more commonly mentioned as son of Nimshi, his grandfather, perhaps because Nimshi was more well-known. Jehu’s name, meaning “Yahweh is he,” portrays well his future, God-given task: to obliterate the house of Ahab along with the worship of Baal that pervaded Israel at the time". 

     Has the word you were given by God appear delayed? Have you felt like things always happen to others except you? Well, I came to tell you that even the prophecies about Christ appeared delayed.  The problem is what do you do before the words you receive come to pass. Like Jehu, keep doing what you were doing for God. Its not your job to mechanize the word to be fulfilled. God watches over His word to perform it.Jer.1:12. That means, God is actively involved in ensuring that his word is fulfilled. It conveys that "God is not distant or indifferent, but is attentive and engaged in his plans. It also serves as a reminder to believers that God is committed to his promises and is always present". Good morning.

For the sake of His Servant David

For The Sake Of His Servant David 

II Kings 8:16, 18-19 NKJV

[16] Now in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat having been king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat began to reign as king of Judah....[18] And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord. [19] Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah, for the sake of His servant David, as He promised him to give a lamp to him and his sons forever.

There's an element of fatherhood in God. Its called mercy. Mercy is a compassionate treatment. Mrriam Webster describes it as, " compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power". God should have judged Judah because of its sins as He did Israel. The difference in treatment ss we see here is because of a man called David. 

   David loved God. He trusted in God and waited for God to remove Saul, the king, instead of taking matters into his own hands. Someone says, " However imperfect David was, the fact remains, he did humble himself before God in love, obedience and worship and God commended His love toward him". Today's verse adds to that cv. God wouldn't destroy Judah because of him.

  In James 2:13, we are given reasons for Gods actions in the story of David. It explains why mercy triumphs over judgement. " Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” We dare not violate the law of liberty in our hearts by withholding mercy from others. If we who have been shown such great mercy act unmercifully toward our neighbors, then we will be dealt with in similar fashion. Jesus made the same point in the parable of the unforgiving steward (Matthew 18:23–35). And the principle goes back to Solomon’s time: “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered” (Proverbs 21:13)". Its just the principle.

   This writer submits, " The idea is that mercy “glories” or “boasts” against judgment, knowing that, where mercy and judgment seem to conflict, mercy wins. The good news for every child of God in Christ is that God’s mercy toward us will triumph over His judgment of us (see Romans 8:1). Our sins may argue against us, but Christ is our loving Advocate who argues for us and prevents us from receiving the judgment we deserve. We, in turn, display God’s type of mercy toward others". Did you feel a sense of fresh air?

   I watched a prisoner being released from a Syrian prison yesterday. He couldn't believe it. He kept holding unto the News reporter. The news was too good to be true. Yet it was true. He was free. Mercy triumphed, because the former ruler was gone. For David's sake. For Christ's sake, we are excused from damnation. Praise God! Good morning.

wicked heart, Wicked Servant

Wicked Heart, Wicked Servant 

II Kings 8:13-14 NKJV

[13] So Hazael said, “But what is your servant—a dog, that he should do this gross thing?” And Elisha answered, “The Lord has shown me that you will become king over Syria.” [14] Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me you would surely recover.” 

From self assessment as a dog, to being a murderer the following day is difficult to comprehend. But, God searches the hearts. "

[9] “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? [10] I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

Jer.17.9-10.NKJV. Some say that the verse means that only God can fully know the heart, and that the only solution is for God to make hearts new and reorient them toward pleasing Him. "The immediate context of the verse speaks of Judah’s sinfulness in spite of all the blessings of God".

   David Guzik comments that " The heart is deceitful above all things: Our hearts often deceive us, presenting heart-fulfillment as the key to happiness. What we desire is often not what we need. The advice “be true to your heart” fails when the heart is deceitful above all things". He continues that, " In the OT usage the heart signifies the total inner being and includes reason. From the heart come action and will.” (Feinberg)

    Guzik submits that "The heart is not only deceitful, but also wicked - and desperately so. Many have been led to rebellion, disobedience, and great sorrow by following their heart, without challenging their heart and judging it by the measure of God’s truth. “Follow your heart” is poor advice when the heart is desperately wicked". Hazael followed his wicked heart 

   The conclusion of the story is in v.15. its a tragic read. " But it happened on the next day that he took a thick cloth and dipped it in water, and spread it over his face so that he died; and Hazael reigned in his place".  He reigned in blood. This is why Elisha wept. What a sinful heart requres is a transformation by the blood of Jesus. This maybe the story of Hazael but its close to our lives. What is the state of your heart? Good morning.

You will Certainly Recover...Bu...

You Will Certainly Recover...But..

II Kings 8:7-8, 10 NKJV

[7] Then Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, “The man of God has come here.” [8] And the king said to Hazael, “Take a present in your hand, and go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the Lord by him, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this disease?’ ” 

[10] And Elisha said to him, “Go, say to him, ‘You shall certainly recover.’ However the Lord has shown me that he will really die.”

   Its very easy to read these verses looking for a single unit of understanding about the sick King. The truth is that there are actually two statements here. The first is that the king will recover, and the second is that the King will die. The real message is not the recovery but on the violent execution by the very servant that was sent. Before we separate these statements, lets point out the tradition of seeing men of God with a gift. The people understood that consulting a man of God required preparations by way of a token of appreciation. Today, some men of God require consultation fees as if they sre involved in a commercial business. Who can blame them? The world has forgotten its virtues. 

   The first statement is that the King will recover. In essence, this sickness was not unto death. It's the second statement that concerns Hazael. " 

[12] And Hazael said, “Why is my lord weeping?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: Their strongholds you will set on fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword; and you will dash their children, and rip open their women with child.” what a revelation. Elisha wept. The king of Syria had sent a mam to get his personal prophecy. 

   In v.14, that crafty servant told one part of the revelation to Ben-Hadad. Then killed him the following day. May you not send a servant whose job will be to return to your death. The beauty of the New Testament is that Ben- Hadad could have consulted God directly. He probably would have heard God telling him that his time is over. Good morning.

The Divine Appointment

The Divine Appointment 

II Kings 8:1-2, 4 NKJV

[1] Then Elisha spoke to the woman whose son he had restored to life, saying, “Arise and go, you and your household, and stay wherever you can; for the Lord has called for a famine, and furthermore, it will come upon the land for seven years.” [2] So the woman arose and did according to the saying of the man of God, and she went with her household and dwelt in the land of the Philistines seven years.

[4] Then the king talked with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Tell me, please, all the great things Elisha has done.” 

Something is about to happen to you before the end of the year. I feel it strongly in my bones. There's a conspiracy in heaven to set you up for a blessing. This divine set up is to bless you. 

   I read a story once in a Ministry Magazine of how a young woman who had lost her connection with God returned to Him in a plane as they returned from Fiji. By just sitting next to this minister, they talked and God reunited her in faith. Read our vignette today. It looks kike Gehazi was back with the King. It looks like God's mercy came through for him. Here he was, telling the King about Elisha. That means Elisha was no more 

   What's the probability that at such very moment when he told the story of the Shunamite, she also came to the King complaining about her house that had been taken over during the seven years of famine? V.5 is the crux of the divine appointment.

   Someone says that , " A divine appointment is a meeting with another person(s) that God has specifically and unmistakably arranged. The Holy Spirit sets up such encounters because someone needs what He can offer them through you. You are one conversation away from God bestowing His favor on them as you act as His channel of blessing. Often that encounter will be with some-one you have never met before". Joel Austin on 29th of Jan., 2018 said, " God has some blessings already set up and waiting for you. He’s already spoken to people to be good to you. He’s already lined up divine connections, people that will go out of their way to show you favor. You don’t have to try manipulate people, force the door open, convince someone to be good to you. The people God has ordained to help you, He’s already prepared their hearts". That's how I felt when I read the words today. Its your turn now. Something is going to change. Remember that song? God arranged it that she was the evidence of that story. You will be the evidence of someone's testimony. I feel like preaching. We will talk more about it tomorrow. Good morning.

Prophecy Fulfilled 2

Prophecy Fulfilled 2

2 Kings 7:16, 18-20 AMP

[16] Then the people [of Israel] went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. So [goods were so plentiful that] a measure of finely-milled flour [was sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in accordance with the word of the Lord [as spoken through Elisha]. [2 Kin 7:1] 

[18] It happened just as [Elisha] the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley will be sold for a shekel and a measure of finely-milled flour for a shekel tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.” [19] The royal officer had answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, [even] if the Lord should make windows in heaven, could such a thing happen?” And Elisha had answered, “You will see it with your own eyes, but [because of your doubt] you will not eat it.” [2 Kin 7:2] [20] And so it happened to him; for the people trampled him at the gate, and he died.

A couple of days ago, we wrote in our vignette that the prophecy of  Elijah was fulfilled on Ahab. Dogs licked his blood while prostitutes bathed in the water. Today our read paints the picture of another fulfilled prophecy. This time, from Elisha. Suddenly there was abundance in Israel. The war was over. The only tragedy for the day came from the death of the toyal officer who opposed Elisha

    " When a prophecy is fulfilled, it is seen as evidence that God exists and that God spoke through the prophets as recorded in the Bible. It is also believed that fulfilled prophecies should motivate people to believe that future prophecies will also come to pass". Concerning Jesus Christ, Melanie Rainer presents a case where people tried to disbelief the prophecies in the presence of overwheming possibilities. Hear her: " John recounts Isaiah’s prophecy and experience to contextualize the Pharisees’ disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah. In Isaiah 53:1, Isaiah asks, “Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” When John makes this reference, he is showing us how Jesus fulfilled yet another prophecy in the Old Testament. This is a hallmark of John’s Gospel, revealing these glimpses backward to show us the true nature and identity of Jesus". Jesus is the hallmark of fulfilled prophecies. 

   Your Prophecies too will come to pass. It may look like the year is ending. Don't give up. Things will change tomorrow, at the gate. Don't sleep, watch the gate. Good morning.

How T Wake Up The King

How To Wake Up The King 

II Kings 7:12-13 NKJV

[12] So the king arose in the night and said to his servants, “Let me now tell you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry; therefore they have gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, ‘When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.’ ” [13] And one of his servants answered and said, “Please, let several men take five of the remaining horses which are left in the city. Look, they may either become like all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; or indeed, I say, they may become like all the multitude of Israel left from those who are consumed; so let us send them and see.” 

You will be in better appreciation of Isa.52:7 when you read this story. " How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, your God reigns!".  I know we interprete that for preaching God's message. Indulge me. You may think of them as lepers without feet, but they brought good news. If you carry good news, you can wake up the King anytime. 

   The story is told of the African gospel legend, Idahosa, who decided to take a nap in the afternoon. He told his security that he wouldn't see any body. It wasn't long, there was a  comotion at his gate. He stood up to inspect. A man had come with a cow to see the Archbishop. Idahosa called the security man to order. He didn't want to be disturbed, but you don't turn a man with a cow back brother. The Archbishop was awake.

   You can wake up the King with good news, good offerings, or a fulfillment of prophecies. The King of Israel was awake. They were hesitant, but they knew these lepers. They might have been lepers, but they were their brothers.Thank God for the advice of one of the King's servants. The story was confirmed. The war was over. You wont battle forever.

   Our concern today is how do you wake up the anointing to speak on your behalf? Those lepers must have changed their status forever in that society because they knew how to wake up their King, with good news. Its not every time the King must solve problems. Sometimes he needs the blessings of good news. Wake up your leader with a cow, a car, a house or meet affecting needs, and see the oil go into overdrive. That King had the power to declare a new status for the lepers. If they were Gehazi and his children, you will understand how Gehazi told the story of the Shunemite to the King in 2 Kings 8, to have her land restored. It looks like Gehazi was now in the King's household. Would it be that their act of goodness brought forth their cleansing. I suspect so. What are your thoughts? Good morning 

 

The Day Of Good News

The Day Of Good News 

II Kings 7:8-10 NKJV

[8] And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it. [9] Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.” [10] So they went and called to the gatekeepers of the city, and told them, saying, “We went to the Syrian camp, and surprisingly no one was there, not a human sound—only horses and donkeys tied, and the tents intact.” 

I used to be a University lecturer in Mass Communication for about twenty years. I remember a phrase we used to bandy, " Bad news is good news". At that time we were only thinking News Reporting.  We thought  that "positive and solution-oriented approach to reporting that looks for solutions, conveys inspiration, and shows courageous people taking control of their lives", was bad news. Later we were told about  "Development" as  good news also, but it was dull, and no action. In our read today, it's not bad news, but good news. The lepers discovered a prophetic development. They found out what the people slept on: abundance at the gate of Samaria. This was good news. They had to make it news despite all the training that only bad news was good news.

   The lepers knew they couldn't remain silent. They brought the news to the gate. " We went to the Syrian Camp...". Even the King was awake. Who doesn't  like good news? God had taken care of the very thing they were afraid of. Get ready, it's your turn now. The last Chariot sneaked out to inspect. God had done it.  The abundance prophesied by Elisha was true, except, for one bad news in v17. The King's officer was trampled and he died. The word came to pass. Allow me to prophesy..." Tomorrow, about this time, God will surely visit you!" There it is. Thank you Lord for the good news tomorrow. Please share the testimonies. Good morning.

You Enemy Will Hear A Rumoir

Your Enemy Will Hear A Rumour 

II Kings 7:6-7 NKJV

[6] For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses—the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!” [7] Therefore they arose and fled at twilight, and left the camp intact—their tents, their horses, and their donkeys—and they fled for their lives. 

 In 2Kings 19:7, what is happening here is declared as a divine strategy: that your enemy will hear a rumour. It is Isaiah's prophecy against Senachrib during the reign of Hezekiah. Miriam Webster defines rumour as " a widely held opinion having no known source : hearsay".  It may also be described as a statement or story that is in circulation but has not been proven to be true. God can make your enemy to hear a rumour. 

   'The Phycology of Rumours' is a book by Robert H. Knapp, published in 1944. It analyses over a thousand rumours during world war 2. Knapp identifies three basic characteristics of rumours: " ...they're transmitted by word of mouth; they provide "information" about a "person, happening, or condition"; and

they express and gratify "the emotional needs of the community."

The rumours these Syrian soldiers heared was from heaven. Read the lines again. Then there was a stampede. May your enemy hear a rumour. 

   So the lepers found the camp empty.  The Syrians had left everything just to save themselves. The next verse talks of the sudden transformation of the lepers to wealthy men. They gathered and hid all they could. They also ate to their satisfaction before sending the news to the King. The prophecy was fulfilled. Today is the day for your own fulfillment. Your enemy will hear about it. Good morning.

On The Edge Of The Prophecy

On The Edge Of The Prophecy 

II Kings 7:3-5 NKJV

[3] Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? [4] If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” [5] And they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there. 

The lepers were not around when Elisha prophesied. They were by nature regarded as the outcasts of the society. It is by sheer grace that they happened to be where the prophecy was to be fulfilled, at the gate of Samaria. Add the Jewish tradition to this. " Unfounded Jewish traditions say these four were actually Gehazi and his three sons. Gehazi was afflicted with leprosy because of his greed toward Naaman (2Ki 5:27)". Really. If they were, then grace took over the story. 

   John Piper's attempts to describe the grace concept ended with the following words: " It is incredibly encouraging that God’s grace is both the inclination of the divine heart to treat us better than we deserve and is the extension of that inclination in practical help".  So grace is undeserved favour. Someone says it is " ..what inclines God to give gifts that are free and undeserved by sinners". We could drag this, but we are more concerned with being on the edge of a prophecy.

   Living on a prophetic edge means being a part of what God has already designated.  It is "...a place where God initiates, we respond. Our life is to be, what Eugene Peterson calls, “answering speech”. The response must be to what God is doing in and around us. In order to live this way we have to be God-conscious rather than self-conscious like Jesus was". Were lepers the only God - conscious people in that land? The answer appears to be:  yes! They all heard the prophecy, and they went home. Where are you in relation to God's prophecy today? Are you at the gate or on the bed?

   No matter what the economy says, there's still hope at the gate. If those lepers were Gehazi and his sons, then understand that grace will always beat the law. Gehazi?.. anyone on the edge of prophecy can change. Remember him: Gehazi. Grace. Good morning.

Don't Talk Too Much

Don't Talk Too Much 

II Kings 7:2, 17 NKJV

[2] So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” And he said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” 

[17] Now the king had appointed the officer on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. But the people trampled him in the gate, and he died, just as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him. 

There's a preponderance of Bible Verses against talking too much. Prov.10:19, Eccl. 5:3, Eph..4:29. There are moments to be quiet. The matter was between the king and the Prophet, but this loquacious third rank officer spoke. The Expositors Commentary says, " Such contemptuous repudiation of a Divine promise was a blasphemy; and answering scorn with scorn, and riddle with riddling, Elisha answers the mockery, "Yes! and you shall see this, but shall not enjoy it."

    John Gill attempts to explain the capacity of this officer in relation to the King. He was a man, " ...whom the king confided, but literally, on whose hand he rested, and by whom he was supported, being a form and matter of state, while he and Elisha were talking together, or on whom he leaned as he came to him; this was a principal lord, the third to the king, as his title seems to denote; the word by which the Septuagint renders it is by Suidas (u) interpreted of such that held three spears in the hand together; and this was an honourable post, for a king to lean on him; such state was used by the king of Syria, 2Ki 5:18 and by the kings and queens of Persia". He had sn important office. Be careful how you speak to or contradict a man of God. 

   David Guzik is detailed and scathing in his observations about this officer. "The king’s officer doubted the prophecy, and his doubt was based on several faulty premises.

i. First, he doubted the power of God. If God willed it, He certainly could make windows in heaven and drop down food from the sky for the hungry, besieged city of Samaria.

ii. Second, he doubted the creativity of God. In the mind of the king’s officer, the way food could come to the city was from above, because the city was surrounded by a hostile, besieging army. He had no idea that God could bring provision in a completely unexpected way. “How often faith breaks down in this way! It knows that God is, and that He can act. But it only sees one way, and refuses to believe that such a way will be taken. The supply came without the opening of heaven’s windows.” (Morgan)

iii. Third, he doubted the messenger of God. Though the promise was admittedly hard to believe, the king’s officer could have and should have believed it because it came from a man with an established track record of reliability.

iv. All in all, the officer well illustrates the conduct of unbelief:

• Unbelief dares to question the truthfulness of God’s promise itself.

• Unbelief says, “This is a new thing and cannot be true.”

• Unbelief says, “This is a sudden thing and cannot be true.”

• Unbelief says, “There is no way to accomplish this thing.”

• Unbelief says, “There is only one way God can work.”

• Unbelief says, “Even if God does something, it won’t be enough.”

 Too much talk from an unbelieving heart kill. Today, just believe the word of God. Good morning.