2 Kings 13:1-25


The patience and mercy of the Lord is amazing to observe through the lives of the kings of Israel.  Time after time these kings are disobedient and worship idols but God does not destroy them and even blesses them when they show even the slightest signs of repentance.  It is easy for us to be critical of these kings as we see them walk in sin, but we often are tolerant of sin in our own lives and practice a half-hearted obedience.  God continues to be gracious to us and forgives us when we repent and patiently restores us to fellowship time and time again.      

GOD GRANTED FAVOR TO JEHOAHAZ: Even though for the most part Jehoahaz was an evil king who did not turn from the idolatry and the sinfulness of Jeroboam in Israel; God was patient with him.  The disobedience caused him to be constantly under attack from the Syrians and the people were oppressed by their enemies.  However, when Jehoahaz humbled himself and sought the Lord’s favor God was gracious to him and restored the people to their homes and gave them relieve from the oppression they were experiencing.  Even still the people did not turn from idolatry.  God desires to bless His children and responds to us whenever we humble ourselves, repent and seek Him.  We must not harden ourselves before the Lord.

GOD GRANTED VICTORY TO JOHOASH: Jehoash is the next king in Israel and his reign coincides with Joash king of Judah.  The Bible uses both spelling for both kings so it is easy to confuse the two.  However similar their names were, their behavior was far different from one another.  This king of Israel followed the idolatry of his forefathers while the Joash who reigned in Judah was destroying it.  Israel remained under constant attack and oppression while he was king, but when he went a sought Elisha to inquire of the Lord; God granted him victory of his enemies.  Once again we see God responding to the slightest indication of repentance and humility.  Elisha told him to strike the ground with arrows and he only did so three times so his victory was limited to three battles.  God is looking for followers that will be passionate about their service and holy in their walk before Him.

GOD GRANTED LIFE THROUGH ELISHA: Elisha was sick, but God still used him to grant a reprieve to Jehoash when he came to seek him and express his concern for the prophet’s illness.  Elisha’s prophecy came true; but he died and was buried in Israel.  Amazingly, when the body of another person was carelessly placed in Elisha’s grave; the dead person was raised from the Dead.  The power of God is amazing and He is clearly able to use men in marvelous ways when they will live in obedience and dedication to Him.  Elisha was a constant source of life and truth during his life and even in his death God used him in amazing ways.

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