2nd Kings 13 LIVING IN DARKNESS The unfolding saga of the kings of Judah and Israel reveal how very seldom there is 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. To hear a message and to act upon it are two very different responses. Forty-three years had passed and as far as we know, no king had sought the counsel of Elisha. 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 influence in the things of God is still felt as long as he is around. It may be that he is an embarrassment to the Lord's people because he is thought of as "old-fashioned" or "old school." It may be that his opinion is already known and because it is different to that of the majority of people, it is not asked for or is avoided. As long as a person lives there is an influence that may not be recognized by most people, 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 are going to experience the same problems they had as well as adding 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 in the time of Ahab's reign, to 10 chariots was total defeat. Ten "patrol cars" was not much of a force to be reckoned with. 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. Sadly, the next generation continued in the same downward course. True, often the generation following may seem superior in some ways, but the sinful practices to which they have become used to usually continues, and they even go farther than the previous one. Each person is responsible for their own actions, but we do influence others for good or bad. We do not have to do that which is obviously wrong, so if we do we must suffer the consequences.
When it was known that Elisha was suffering and likely going 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 made his appeal to Elisha by using the same words Elisha had spoken when Elijah was taken up to heaven. This would certainly testify to the fact that Elisha's influence was still there in spite of the ungodly kings that ruled the nation. The accounts of Elisha 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.
Elisha was willing even at the end of his life 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 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. 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 advice given by those who are older.
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 and it happens in religious movements, even in 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 those who are older leads to a rather blasé attitude in their children. 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.
We may not realize it at the time, but the influence of a man or woman of God can be felt even after they are gone home to heaven. Many are forgotten soon after they die, but those who have made a point of living for God leave a positive influence on those who knew them. Often their words are quoted and stories told about things they had done and their service for 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 who were positively influenced by them. Still others are talked about at special times when old friends get together. 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. The life of a believer is like a "shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." We should remember the value of our testimony not only while we are alive, but the effect it may have on generations yet to come.
2Kings 13:23. “And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and neither would he cast them from his presence as yet.”
THE LORD WAS GRACIOUS. There was serious departure from the ways of God’s heart. Leadership had failed to keep God’s people apart From the evil they had followed for several generations – Yet they persisted in continuing the same abominations That kept them from experiencing the blessings God gives, And claiming the promises God meant for those that are His That He might be with them and give them the peace He has provided from the storehouse of His bounties of grace.
Even when there is failure, God is there to provide From His riches of grace all we need, and more beside To meet our need though it is often unappreciated By those who think living by faith is so antiquated That they choose rather to follow the ways of the world Attracted by the temptations Satan has unfurled Before the eyes of those belonging to God, not him – And God’s own redeemed children may fall into sin.
But the Lord is so gracious and His compassions so real, That He stays right ready to pardon, forgive and heal – When repentance of heart brings the necessary change And the erring children of God turn back to honor His name. He has covenanted with our fathers when they paid the price Of leaving the walk of sight to living by faith. So now we experience even in days of departure, The blessings of God’s grace that faith in Him nurtures.
“Father, the Lord’s people are conforming to the ways of the world around. Help me to help them see how we can all benefit from putting our trust in Thee without any hesitation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
2Kings 13:33. “And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast He them from His presence as yet.”
BECAUSE OF HIS COVENANT. Don’t ever take for granted that you have a right to hear. There’s more to this compassion than meets the eye. Way in the past, there were those from year to year, Served God faithfully, nor did His name deny.
There was a cost to make, and they were willing each to pay,
So, the Lord they covenanted with would thus be honored. And the Lord looked on with grace, and in His word did say, “Them that honor Me, I will honor,” is His promise.
When God makes a covenant, with those who He can trust – Then 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.
Though we fail in our choices, and often make grave mistakes – He remains a faithful God, to saints of old. We may act in haste, and sometime, the wrong path take; But God is patiently waiting 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. All around there is failure, and despair in many nations, Yet the God of my salvation, continues faithfully.
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, there are holy happy bands, Who God uses because of the faith of those who start.
With real believing trust, these saints of by-gone days Leave us with a legacy that we should follow. The compassion of the Lord, and the example of their ways By God’s gracious acts of love – His name we hallow.
“Father, I am from a long line of the blessed who lived by faith. I do not, in any way, want to break the chain of blessing their legacy has left for me. I have a dangerous heart that can get turned aside if I am not careful. I am trusting You to empower me and keep me in Your fear lest I do something stupid. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”