Christian Devotional – August 18, 2016

Read 2 Kings chapter 1

VERSE:

2 Kings chapter 1:13–So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. This third captain went up and fell on his knees before Elijah. “Man of God,” he begged, “please have respect for my life and the lives of these fifty men, your servants.”

TRUTH:

This is such an interesting story. We have an evil king who has gotten injured, has been told by God that he will die, and now is seeking to capture or kill the prophet who pronounced God’s plan. The king send people to come get the prophet, but each group sent is burned alive by fire from heaven, until this third group. This man recognized the power of God and while it is unclear whether he believed and followed God or not, he certainly respected Elijah and respected God. He learned from the mistakes of those around him. We can learn from the things that people do well, but we can also learn from the areas where people are falling short and are wrong. Will we give God the honor and respect that He is due? If we are following God, will we stand for him even when others come and try to change our mind?

RESPONSE:

Father, I pray that You will help me to follow You even when people stand against me and try to convince me to do otherwise. I know that You are greater than anything else. You are the only One worthy of my focus and my obedience. Help me to learn from the mistakes of others as well as the obedience.