Day 87 – 2 Kings: Divided Kingdom

“For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and they had feared other gods, and walked in the statutes of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.” 2 Kings 17:7-8

Reading 2 Kings 1:1 to 2 Kings 17:41

The purpose of Elisha’s ministry was to restore respect for God and His Word, and he stood firmly against the evil kings of Israel. The mighty miracles God performed through His prophet revealed that God controls not only great armies but also events in everyday life. By faith, with courage and prayer. He revealed not only God’s judgment on sin but also His mercy, love, compassion, and tenderness toward faithful people.

Although Israel had the witness and power of Elisha, the nation turned from God and was exiled to Assyria who filled the northern kingdom with people from other countries. There has been no return from this captivity – it was permanent. Such is the end of all who shut God out of their lives.

Prayer: Father, it is sad to read about the captivity of Israel because of their disobedience and hard-headedness towards You. Through Your repeated call for Your beloved nation, as proclaimed by Your prophets, they were deaf to Your call. We pray today for Your nation Israel, Lord, to open their hearts to the call of Your Holy Spirit to accept that Jesus is the Messiah and follow Him with truth and love. Amen.