LIVING IN DARKNESS. 2nd Kings 13 The unfolding saga of the kings of Judah and Israel reveals how there is seldom recovery when a leader turns away from God. The truth of God is light. The will and willfulness of men is darkness. Occasionally, there was a glimmer of light when a king, in desperation, turned to a prophet for advice or listened to what they were told. Hearing and acting upon a message are two very different responses. Forty-three years had passed, and as far as we know, no king had sought Elisha's counsel. Yet his influence in Israel was still recognized.
Not always will a servant of God be listened to, nor will his counsel be sought. Yet, his influence in the things of God is still felt as long as he is around. He may be an embarrassment to the Lord's people because he is considered "old-fashioned" or "old school." His opinion may already be known, and because it differs from most people's, it is not asked for or avoided. As long as a person lives, there is an influence that most people may not recognize, but it is by the Lord.
The succession of the kings who led the children of Israel and the people of Judah did not change because no one seemed to learn from the failures of the ones before him. Unless we are willing to learn from the mistakes of others, we will experience the same problems they had and add the new ones that come on us. The whole point of history being passed on is so that succeeding generations learn from the ones before them. Still, history repeats itself. In our day, people and things that happen are getting "worse and worse" because each generation is determined to do things "my way."
The "savior" of Israel was probably the Assyrian army from north of Syria, but even that respite from oppression didn't last because Israel did not repent nor change. To be diminished from 2,000 chariots during Ahab's reign to 10 chariots was a total defeat. Ten "patrol cars" was not much of a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, the next generation continued on the same downward course.
The Lord does hear and answer prayer, even of those who fail when they call in desperation, but unless there is genuine repentance and turning from sin to the Lord, punishment for sin will happen. True, often, the generation following may seem superior in some ways, but the sinful practices to which they have become used usually continue, and they even go further than the previous one. Everyone is responsible for their actions, but we influence others for good or bad. We do not have to do that, which we know is wrong, so if we do, we must suffer the consequences.
When it was known that Elisha was suffering and likely to die soon, Jehoash, the king, became afraid because he knew Elisha was a real prophet. He must have thought the state of the nation and its survival depended on Elisha instead of God. He did not know God nor His ways, so he appealed to Elisha by using the same words Elisha had spoken when Elijah was taken to heaven. This would testify that Elisha's influence was still there despite the ungodly kings ruling the nation. The accounts of Elisha's words and works regarding the capture of the Syrian army or giving directions to defeat another enemy would have been talked about for a long time.
Even at the end of his life, Elisha was willing to identify himself with the nation and respond to the ungodly leader to the extent of giving some hope. The bow and arrow event may not have seemed all that important to the king, nor have it been what he wanted or hoped to have happened. When he was told to hit the ground with arrows, he half-heartedly humored the old, sick prophet. The lackadaisical attitude of the king, who hit the ground only three times, was obvious. Elisha knew the lack of spiritual understanding was evidence of unbelief.
Very seldom do people realize the significance of events or the consequences that may follow unless they have learned from history or paid attention to the advice given by older people. Each rising generation has an opportunity to be a power for God if and when those who lead learn from the past and teach in view of the future. Sadly, there seems to be an inevitable drift that follows early enthusiasm. This happens in nations, religious movements, and even scripturally gathered assemblies. Family units start to disintegrate as succeeding generations forget their roots, their family history, and their heritage. The lack of enthusiasm on the part of older people leads to a rather blasé attitude in their children.
We may not realize it at the time, but the influence of a man or woman of God can be felt even after they have gone home to heaven. Many are forgotten soon after they die, but those who have made a point of living for God positively influence those who knew them. Often, their words are quoted, and stories are told about things they had done and their service to the Lord. "The memory of the just is blessed." Some write books about themselves, hoping to be remembered. Others have books written about them by those whom they positively influenced. Still, others are discussed when old friends get together at special times. For every servant of God, "My record is on high."
It is not easy for a child of God to live in a dark place at a dark time, but it is important that we do so. A believer's life is like a "shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." We should remember the value of our testimony while we are alive and the effect it may have on future generations.
There was a serious departure in those kings from the ways of God’s heart. Under their leadership, the people of God had failed to separate from the evil they had followed for several generations. They persisted in continuing the same abominations idolatry produces in those who practice it, and that keeps them from experiencing the blessings God gives. They couldn’t claim the promises God meant for those who were His people. He wanted them to keep the terms of the covenant He made with them so He could be with them and give them peace. Because of their willful choices, He could not give them what He provided from the storehouse of His bounties of grace.
Even when we fail, God provides all we need from His riches of grace and more to meet our needs, though it is often unappreciated. Some think living by faith is so antiquated that they choose rather to follow the sinful ways of the world. When God’s people are attracted by the temptations Satan has unfurled before the eyes of those belonging to God, His own redeemed children may fall into sin.
But the Lord is so gracious, and His compassions are so real, that He stays ready to pardon, forgive, and heal the wounds sins bring when repentance of heart brings the necessary change. Erring children of God can return with repentance and confess sin to honor His name. He covenanted with our fathers when they paid the price of leaving the walk of sight to live by faith, and now we experience, even in days of departure, the blessings of God’s grace that faith in Him nurtures.
Don’t ever take for granted that you have a right to God's blessings because your forefathers were blessed. There’s more to God-given compassion than meets the eye. In the past, some of our forefathers served God faithfully from year to year and did not deny His name. There was the cost of being ridiculed, ignored, and rejected, and they each were willing to pay the price of honoring the Lord. The Lord who saved them from their sins and with whom they covenanted and identified would thus be honored. The Lord looked on with grace, and His word said, “Them that honor Me, I will honor,” is His promise.
When God makes a covenant with those whom He can trust, the final results of that act are guaranteed. God looks upon us here and, for the sake of those long passed, blesses us with more than we deserve or need because of their faithfulness to God and us. Though we may fail in our choices and often make grave mistakes, He remains a faithful God to saints of old and us who have their heritage. We may act in haste and sometimes take the wrong path, but God patiently waits to recover us to His fold.
Whether those of ancient times or the older ones of my relations, our gracious God, for their sakes, has blessed me. There is failure and despair in many nations, yet the God of my salvation continues to be faithful to me. His Gospel truth goes out, souls are saved in many lands, and His servants serve their Master from the heart. Amidst the sounds of war in many parts of the world, there are holy, happy bands of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, whom God uses because of the faith of those who did what God wanted. With real trust, those obedient saints of bygone days leave us with a legacy we should follow. Because of the compassion of the Lord, the example of their ways, and God’s gracious acts of love – His name we hallow.