2 Kings 1
Now that Ahab had died (just as prophesied), his son Ahaziah becomes King. Ahaziah did evil, led Israel into evil, and worshiped Baal, just as his father did (1 Kings 22:52-53). Ahaziah injures himself and desires to seek Baal's input (via messengers) whether he will recover from this injury. But the angel of the Lord directs Elijah to meet these messenger to deliver a stern warning to Ahaziah:
"Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’ Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘You will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!’” v3-4
Ahaziah seeks to capture (and likely kill) Elijah so he sends his men after Elijah. However, God protects Elijah and each time men are sent after him "the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed" Ahaziah's men (v10, 12).
The third time this happens Ahaziah's men show display fear and beg to Elijah that they not be consumed as well.
We don't know what happened to these men but we can learn from them.
We ought to demonstrate reverent fear of God. We don't get what we deserve (Romans 6:23), yet we get what we don't deserve (Jesus came to rescue us while still sinners - Romans 5:8).
So the king sent a third
captain with his fifty men. This third captain went up and fell on his
knees before Elijah. “Man of God,” he begged, “please have respect for
my life and the lives of these fifty men, your servants! See, fire has fallen from heaven and consumed the first two captains and all their men. But now have respect for my life!” v13-14
Now that Ahab had died (just as prophesied), his son Ahaziah becomes King. Ahaziah did evil, led Israel into evil, and worshiped Baal, just as his father did (1 Kings 22:52-53). Ahaziah injures himself and desires to seek Baal's input (via messengers) whether he will recover from this injury. But the angel of the Lord directs Elijah to meet these messenger to deliver a stern warning to Ahaziah:
"Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’ Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘You will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!’” v3-4
Ahaziah seeks to capture (and likely kill) Elijah so he sends his men after Elijah. However, God protects Elijah and each time men are sent after him "the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed" Ahaziah's men (v10, 12).
The third time this happens Ahaziah's men show display fear and beg to Elijah that they not be consumed as well.
We don't know what happened to these men but we can learn from them.
We ought to demonstrate reverent fear of God. We don't get what we deserve (Romans 6:23), yet we get what we don't deserve (Jesus came to rescue us while still sinners - Romans 5:8).
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:17
My Prayer: Heavenly Father - Jesus, You are an awesome God who has created all things, is in all things, and is in control. You know everything about my sin, yet You came to rescue me anyway, willingly laying down Your life for me. Thank You Jesus. I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
