2 Kings – Chapter 1

But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? 2 Kings 1:3 – Ahaziah, the king spoken about in our verse, had an accident and was seeking to see if he would recover from his injuries. How though he sought that information was the problem. Instead of seeking out the Lord, he sought a foreign idol, Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, for his prognosis. Like Ahaziah, our actions can be handled in such a way that says there is no God in our life. We could choose to never go to church or read scripture. We could choose to enjoy the pleasures of the things God directed us to stay away from. We could choose to handle our relationships how we want to over how God says to. We could do all these sort of things, living in such a way as if there wasn’t a God in this story. Yet just because we may choose to live that way doesn’t mean that there is no God in this story. Like in Ahaziah’s situation, he certainty could behave however he wanted, pretending there was no God in Isreal and choosing instead to pursue this false idol of Ekron. What must be understood though is the reality beyond the pretending. There is a God, and He has set standards for His people, and He expects His people to pursue the life He is calling them to live. Keep this reality in front of you today, there is a God in your story and His name is Jesus. You could live as is Jesus isn’t real, but He is. Choose to live pursuing the very real God in your story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3067

Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight.” 2 Kings 1:13 – In Proverbs 15:1 we see that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We see that truth being played out so clearly in our chapter today. Prior to this third captain, two others came and commanded harshly what the third captain spoke gently. What we also see is that the third captain got a very different response from God and Elijah. You too will get a different response from people if you begin speaking to others gently rather than harshly. Maybe it’s the certain vocabulary that shouldn’t be a part of your talk that needs to change or possibly just the tone of how you say what you say. Either way, if harsh words stirs up anger and we are called by God to love one another and live at peace with one another then maybe a change in our speech needs to talk place. While you can’t always control situations, you can control the words you say and how you say them. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight. Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight.” 2 Kings 1:13-14 – How we approach God matters as to the result we’ll see. The first two groups of soldiers came harshly and their lives ended quickly. The last group came humbly and found their lives saved. God wants us to come to Him always. Even when we’re upset, confused, even angry with Him. He’s big enough to handle all that. We though need to remember who God is and the position He has in our life. Rather than coming and demanding of God, let’s humbly approach Him, acknowledging He is Lord of all, remembering He deeply loves us, and bring our concerns to Him. Your pride and anger won’t move Him, your humility and love will. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1024

He said to them, “What kind of man was he who came to meet you and told you these things?” They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.” 2 Kings 1:7-8 – Be known to those who are lost. Here the king’s men run into Elijah and are sent back to the king with a message. While the men must not have recognized Elijah, when given the description, the king knew quickly would sent his men back to him. How well do those around you that don’t follow Jesus know you? Do they know you believe in Jesus? Do they know you love them? Do they know that you have a great message to share with them? Do they know you? Or maybe an even better question, do you know them? Invest time today in getting to know those around you who aren’t followers of Jesus. Then through that pursuit of getting to know them, make it clear who you are in Jesus and the precious message of salvation you have for them. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2207