2 kings chapter 13 describes a sad routine in the nation of Israel. The chapter could be summarized, “same stuff, different king”. It seems impossible to imagine, but God Almighty patiently waits for the Nation to turn to Him and ask for forgiveness, but instead, they continue to live as if there is no God. He desires to lift Israel up and bless the nation in every way, but He does not force anyone to worship Him. The chapter begins, “Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord“. Like father, like son. “So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad his son“. I believe God most certainly allows us to experience discomfort when we live outside His will as a way to lead us to His grace. Finally we read, “Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him… The Lord provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram… But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam“. This is exactly how many people live today. God sent a deliverer in the person of Jesus Christ. Has that changed anything in your life?
The chapter continues, “Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins“. But something else happened during his reign, “Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him“. Remember, Elisha was a continuous pain to the kings of Israel. He stood for God’s righteousness and his very presence represented their failure. We do not like when people point out our sin. I think the king realized the significance of the moment. From his death bed, the old prophet directed the king, “Get a bow and some arrows… Take the bow in your hands“. Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands and directed, “Open the east window…Shoot!” Elisha called it, “The Lord’s arrow of victory over Aram!” It is important to note that the prophet did not do the work on his own, but he did it WITH the king. This is how the Holy Spirit of God works in our lives. He will strengthen and guide you in the task at hand.
After Elisha’s death, Israel continued to battle with the enemy. The king was still far from perfect, but I love the commentary, “But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”. Isn’t it funny how we think WE are blessed because WE are so spiritual! Our blessings are by God’s grace, but not the result of our own goodness. We receive favor because of the obedience of our Savior. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Are you are stuck in an unsatisfying routine? Maybe it is time for you to trust in the Word of God. In John 14:16, Jesus explained that we too have access to God’s presence, if we call on Him. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you“.