Day 85 – 2 Kings: Introduction

“Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: ‘Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and decrees – the entire law I commanded your ancestors to obey, and that I gave you through my servants the prophets.’ But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God.” 2 Kings 17:13-14 NLT

Imagine the crystal-clear water of a river rushing and cascading its way towards the ocean. The current grabs, pushes, and tugs at leaves and logs dragging them downstream. Suddenly, a silver fish breaks the surface and darts in the opposite direction. Then another shining salmon jumps out against the direction of the water. They must go upstream, and nothing will stop them from reaching their destination. Likewise, the current of society’s river is fast and furious, pulling downward everything it can. It would be easy to float along with the current, but God calls us to swim against the flow.

In the book of 2 Kings, we read of evil rulers, rampant idolatry, and complacent people – certainly pulled along by the current of their society. Despite the pressure to conform, to turn from the Lord and to serve only self, a minority of chosen people moved in the opposite direction towards God. As we read 2 Kings, we will meet a few individuals like the Bethel prophets and two kings who went against the current of the world, courageously spoke God’s Word and stood for Him in obedience.

Prayer: Father, it’s difficult to understand how the mighty nation of Israel who accepted You as their Lord at the foot of Mount Sinai and later be so swept away by the evil of this world and only a remnant willing to love, serve, and worship You. Give us courage, Lord, to go against the current of this world and move towards You. Amen.