July 4 - 2 Kings 9-11: Jehu Cleans Out Ahab's House

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 9-11

The Message

English Standard Version

Like yesterday, chapter 11 repeats Sunday's section on the kings of Judah. I will skip that part and refer you to the other post.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Even though Jehu does not completely obey God, He still blesses Jehu.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Elisha informed Jehu that God anointed him the next king of Israel and commissioned him to execute Ahab's entire family. This began the conspiracy against Joram.
Jehu laid a trap and killed both Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah.
Jezebel's servants threw her out a window. Dogs ate her body.
Jehu executed all 70 of Ahab's sons, his advisors, and his extended family.
He then laid a trap for the Baal worshipers in Israel. He turned the temple into a toilet.
Jehu did not tear down Jeroboam's shrines; however, God still blessed his family.
Israel lost land.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Ahab's punishment was brought in his sons' day.

God promised to Ahab that his entire family would be killed and wild animals would eat their flesh. Because Ahab repented, God delayed the punishment until after Ahab's death. Jehu became God's executioner, punishing Ahab's entire family because of his sins. God's promises, especially his punishments, will come true.
Why did Ahab's family and advisors suffer death because of his sins? The answer is similar to why God wanted the Canaanites removed from the land. If Ahab's family had been allowed to live, they would have become bad influences on Israel and could have derailed Jehu's work to bring Israel back into a good relationship with God. God does not want bad influences to stay among His Chosen People. They are to remain pure, wholly for Him.

Jehu did not remove Jeroboam's shrines but God blessed him anyway.

Jeroboam's name always comes with an epithet—he's the one who caused Israel to sin. By this time, Jeroboam has become a legend. What he created became accepted culturally. Jehu was not willing to anger the people by removing them. However, God delighted in Jehu's actions and allowed the next three generations to be on the throne. God does not demand perfection. He demands holiness. Unfortunately, Jehu's heart did not stay holy to God and he fell into the same sin as Jeroboam.

Are you trying to obey the god of perfection?

July 2 - 2 Kings 1-4: These are the Days of Elijah Elisha

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Today, July 2, is officially halfway through the Bible in a year! Congratulations! You have done it! It's all downhill from here!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Elijah did not die. He was taken to be with God. How cool is that!

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Ahaziah, injured, consulted Baal-Zebub. Instead he heard Elijah's message, "You will die." Joram became king.
Elisha asked for Elijah's spirit. God escorted Elijah from the earth. Elisha took his place.
Jericho had bad water. God, through Elisha, purified it.
Children laughed at Elisha's baldness. Bears mauled them.
Joram, Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom warred with Moab. God gave them victory.
God, through Elisha, helped a widow pay her debts.
An old couple allowed Elisha into their home. When their son died, God, through Elisha, revived him.
God, through Elisha, fed a hundred men with twenty loaves of bread.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The third captain sent by Ahaziah understood Elijah's position and asked for mercy.

Two captains with their fifty men died when they attempted to get Elijah to surrender. The third one humbled himself and asked for mercy. God not only spared their lives, He told Elijah to go with them. When we humble ourselves before holy people, God has mercy on us.

God took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind.

Elijah had a difficult life. During all of it, Elijah faithfully set things right for God and only once did he question God's plan—when he asked to die. Because Elijah was so willing to do what God asked him to do, God allowed him not to see death. When we obey God no matter what, God will bless us in the end.

Elisha started where Elijah stopped.

Elisha's life starts off less dramatic than Elijah's; however, we know more things Elisha did. All of these things were done by God through Elisha. Anyone can be used by God to do great and small tasks. Not all tasks are dramatic; but all tasks are equally important to God.

Don't make fun of balding holy men.

Or the bears will get you.

Do you know a holy person you do not want to leave?