2 Kings 4 – 2 Kings 5

I’ve always found it interesting that the Prophet Elijah seems to get the credit as being the greatest and the best. Think about it. When John the Baptist is teaching along the Jordan River, who do people think he is . . . Elijah reincarnated. When Jesus asks his disciples, “who do people say that I am” . . . they state Elijah and several others. On the mountain where Jesus is Transfigured, who appears? Elijah and Moses. While I don’t have the Bible memorized, I think we would be hard pressed to find other references to Elisha out side of the context we are reading in 1 & 2 Kings.

Why does that matter? Well think of it this way:

Elijah:

• Causes the rain to cease
• Provides meal and oil for the widow
• Restores the life of the widow’s son
• Calls fire on the altar
• Causes the rain to end the famine
• Strikes down the soldiers
• and, parts the Jordan

All great moments before being taken away in the chariot of fire and horses. Yet, Elisha by the end of chapter 5 in 2 Kings is beginning to do great (if not greater things). For at this point we have read that Elisha is a part of:

• Parting the Jordan
• Healing the waters
• The mauling bears
• Filling the valley with water
• The unending vessel of oil
• Restoring the life of the Shumammite’s son
• Detoxing the stew
• Feeding of the 100 with 20 loaves
• Healing Naaman
• and, Cursing Gehazi with leprosy

It’s quite an impressive list, and it is only going to get longer.

So why then is Elijah listed as the greater prophet, when Elisha seems to do many greater deeds? Is it because Elijah was the master of Elisha? Is it because Elisha received the double portion of Elijah’s spirit? I honestly don’t have an answer for the questions I’m wrestling with, but its a note worthy observation that has troubled me before and troubles me again as we continue to read through 2 Kings.

What are your thoughts?

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 2 Kings 6-8

Friday, April 19: 1 Kings 18 – 1 Kings 20
Saturday, April 20: 1 Kings 21 – 1 Kings 22
Sunday, April 21: 2 Kings 1 – 2 Kings 3

My apologies to my faithful readers. I didn’t realize I was three days behind in my reflection. I’m still reading every day, I just didn’t take the time to share my thoughts. I guess this little thing called EASTER got in the way. What a blessing to celebrate new life. I pray that your Easter celebrations were rich in joy, love, and life.

Prayers of course extend to Sri Lanka. On a day and time when God’s house should be full of celebration, what an unfortunate loss. When we will ever learn to embrace God’s gift of peace with one another!

So on to some quick reflections . . .

• We’ve got Elijah
• We’ve got (the downright nasty) King Ahab
• We’ve got Naboth’s vineyard
• Several more wicked Kings
• And the transition from Elijah to Elisha

All great things and several of which are worthy of a blog each unto themselves. So with that, I’m going to turn things over to thebibleproject.com as they present us with another great video summary of 1 and 2 Kings.

God’s blessings!
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 2 Kings 4 -5

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, 
taking the spices that they had prepared. 
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 
but when they went in, they did not find the body.  
(Luke 24:1-3, NRSV)

Celebrating the joy of the Resurrection
Sunday, April 21
10:00 a.m.

1 Kings 15 – 1 Kings 17

As the faithfulness of the kings of Israel and Judah may be called into question, we are introduced to the Prophet Elijah. His story begins, for the most part with the Widow of Zarephath. Think of her faithfulness.

Think of her faithfulness! Here she is ready to go out and collect wood to prepare their final meal , and Elijah has the audacity to ask her to bring him something to eat. If only he knew what torment she must have been going through. Yet, with little hesitation, she goes and does as Elijah asked. Much to her surprise, the jar of oil doesn’t run out. Neither does the meal. God’s goodness provides in their time of need. Not an abundance, but enough to sustain day in and day out. Then when tested further, at her son’s death, with God new life is found.

What a great story to have line up with these days of Holy Week! As we venture to the Cross of Christ, we find death. Yet even in death there is an abundance of God’s grace that is poured out . There is an abundance of love that is freely given. And YES, there is new life found as we anticipate the stone being rolled away once again.

Indeed, for the widow, and for us, there is good news to be found!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 18-20.

1 Kings 12 – 1 Kings 14

Enter the kings . . . Jeroboam, Rehoboam and many more yet to come.

Several years ago I worked on putting together a confirmation study guide for my youth. As we read through the the various kings, perhaps you’ll want to print it off and follow along. Pay key attention to the key words “Did what was evil in the eyes of God.” This isn’t going to be a pretty journey for our faithful Israelites.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 15 – 17

1 Kings 10 – 1 Kings 11

Why Solomon? Why? Why? Why?

God’s Spirit gifted you with so much. You had all the wisdom. You had all the knowledge. You had wealth, power, and might. You had absolutely everything. You were blessed in ways that many of us could only imagine. Since you had it all, we can only ponder . . . why Solomon? Why? Why? Why did you have to think with your head? (At this point I’m not referring to the one on his shoulders.)

I can’t even say “typical guy!” Because there is nothing typical about having 700 wives and 300 concubines. How do you even begin to manage that household? Do you have to book an appointment years in advance? Is this a constant breakfast, lunch, and dinner date? Not to mention, 1 Kings 11:4 states “when Solomon was old,” all within the same context of his many wives and concubines. So an aged king that can . . . ? Really? Wow! How? Oh, never mind in the end it all boils down to “Why Solomon? Why? Why? Why did you have to think with your (other) head?”

After all God blessed you with! After all of God’s divine guidance and provision! Now, we come to realize that Solomon isn’t as great as we might think for his true weakness is women. Women who lead him astray. So far astray that he builds temples to the false gods of the surrounding countries. If only Nathan the Prophet were still alive. How would he respond at this moment? I am reminded of 2 Samuel 12:7, as Nathan cries out: “You are the man,” after David’s affair with Bathsheba. Guess the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree on this one. In the end, if Nathan were around, I could imagine something much more to the point, as Solomon begins his downward spiral.

This spiral will be on a downward turn for quiet some time. For now the kingdom is torn. The fall into lust, greed, wickedness, selfishness only grows. The sin of the Nation of Israel will continue to grow and grow especially as it will soon fall into the hands of the rest of the kings. Like a balloon, being trust full of air with each sinful leader, you can imagine how this is all going to end! Which leads me back to that opening thought of today . . . . why Solomon? Why? Why? Why did you have to think with your (other) head?

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 12 – 14

1 kings 8 – 1 Kings 9

The Temple is established! The Ark makes it way into the holy of holies! These are all great accomplishments for Kings Solomon. Yet as I read, I see greater accomplishments at work well beyond the physical structures that Solomon is being recognized for. In my opinion, the greatest accomplishments come in knowing that Israel is now being recognized and respected by the nations of the world.

• Tyre sends word from Hiram who offers the Cedars of Lebanon.
• Pharaoh in Egypt agrees to a marriage between Solomon and his daughter.
• Ships are built to sail the seas, expanding the horizon, of the Israelites.

Everywhere we turn, with every people they encounter, the name of God is recognized by the power and might of this now great nation of Israel. While it’s been a long road, and many generations have passed, the promises made to Abraham are now truly being realized as Isreal secures itself as one of the great nations of the world.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 10 – 11

2 Kings 6 – 2 Kings 7

Solomon’s temple is build! In all its glory, in all its splendor, Solomon is able to accomplish what his father, King David, could only dream of. For Jerusalem, it was a image to behold. For Israel, it was a beacon of hope. For the world, it was a reminder of the power of God. Everything about the Temple echoed the awesome acts of God’s goodness and mercy. I am sure it was an image for all of us to behold.

As we celebrate this moment with Israel, and rejoice in the building of the temple, my heart pours out as I sit and watch news of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Much like Solomon’s Temple, Notre Dame has been a image to behold. I got the joy of taking it all in and worshiping there while on a High School International trip. It was beautiful. Now, we watch devastation take hold of this symbol of hope that has served as an emblem of faith for Paris, France, and much of the world. This recognized beacon of faith has been calling Christians and all the faithful to a deeper relationship with God for more than 800 years. What an unfortunate loss! Together we grieve this tragedy, and pray that as Easter approaches that new life can be found in the midst of the dust and ash that now surrounds this beacon of faith.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 8-9

1 Kings 3 – 1 Kings 5

I’m going to make the assumption that by now you may have heard that Disney is releasing “Aladdin” and will come out in theaters May 24. I haven’t made up my mind if I want to go and see it yet. Part of me wants to hold on the joy of the 1992 animated film. Regardless of whether or not you plan on seeing the film, I am certain that it will spark some conversations over that age old question, “If you found a genie in the bottle, what three wishes would you ask for?”

Then, what if you only had one wish to be granted? What would it be? I’d probably ask for wealth. That might surprise you, and I’m not trying to be greedy. Yet, with two growing boys and college drawing ever closer, I know that there never seems to be enough to go around. Indeed we are blessed, but a few extra zeros in the bank account wouldn’t hurt either.

Solomon is posed with that very question. He has inherited the throne and God is willing to grant him one thing to help see his reign well into the future. Amazingly, Solomon asks for wisdom! What a bold response!! Because he doesn’t ask for all of the selfish things that you and I might tend to ask for, God rewards him with wisdom, honor, riches, and everything else to go with it. What a blessing!

Now off to search for my genie in the bottle!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 6 – 7

1 Kings 1 – 1 Kings 2

The tone is set for the rest of our reading through 1st and 2nd Kings. Scandal, betrayal, back handed demeanor . . . We found that all in these first two chapters, and I suppose we should get used to it, because we are going to see plenty of it.

• Adonijah tries to take the throne while David is still alive.
• Bathsheba intervenes and pleas with David.
• Solomon is appointed as the royal heir.
• The people rejoice.
• Adonijah grieves.
• David gives his final decree to Solomon before he dies.
• Adonijah plots a scheme to marry, and includes Bathsheba as part of the ploy. This ultimately leads to his death at the hand of Solomon.
• Solomon “cleans house” and puts to death all those who David had requested, even those who served as David’s right and left hand.

The plot thickens! Can you tell! I promise it will get even better as the rest of the kings unfold.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: 1 Kings 3 – 5