Daily Reading Week 47
Sunday
Job 1
DISCOVER
What qualities in Job’s character do you find most admirable?
How might Job’s story change the way you approach the challenges in your life?
All of us at some point have probably asked, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” How does this chapter challenge or affirm your understanding of why bad things happen to good people?
Think of the ways this chapter invites you to reflect on your relationship with God, particularly during times of adversity.
RESPOND
It might seem easy to trust God when your life is going well. But when life is relatively easy and everything is pleasant and there are no difficulties, is there really any trust required in that kind of situation? It’s when trouble comes and pain is present and real in your life and when it looks like you’re losing and when it seems that God even hates you because of what he’s allowed you to suffer – it’s situations like those that call for faith and trust in the Lord who sends those hard realities into your life.
In the midst of the situations previously listed, we meet a man named Job. Job is introduced as a wealthy, righteous man. Satan challenges Job’s integrity, suggesting he is faithful only because of his prosperity. God allowed Satan to test Job. Satan destroys Job’s possessions and children, yet Job remains faithful. Job teaches a great lesson on trust in the Lord, even when we don’t understand the “why.” Job even declared, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job recognized God’s right to give and to take.
Maybe you can identify with Job’s hurt and pain. Perhaps you’ve not suffered to the same extent as Job. Each one of us does know what it is like to lose something or someone precious to us. Allow Job to challenge us to respond in ways that are definitely difficult, but also in ways that honor the Lord.
Monday
2 Kings 4
DISCOVER
How does the widow’s story in verses 1-7 encourage us to trust in God’s provision during desperate times?
Based on verse 6, when did the oil stop flowing for the widow and her sons?
The widow in the story was tenacious in her desire for help. When hard times come your way, are you naturally inclined to fight or flight? Endure the pain or work like crazy to find a way out?
If you were Gehazi, how would you react to Elisha’s instructions and the miracles you witnessed?
RESPOND
2 Kings 4-7 make up the heart of what is often known as the Elisha cycle, being a collection of Elisha’s miraculous deeds and ministry. 2 Kings 4 demonstrates the compassionate and miraculous power of God working through Elisha. It challenges us to live a life of faith and to always trust God’s providence, especially during adversities.
The first of these records the special case of a widow who, because her husband had been a prophet, came to Elisha for aid (v.1). The death of her husband had brought on desperate circumstances; and outstanding indebtedness she was unable to meet brings creditors to her house and they threaten to take her sons. At this moment in the widow’s life, Elisah performs a great miracle by multiplying oil to help her pay off her debts.
In addition, Elisha raised a Shunammite’s son from the dead. The Shunammite woman's son suddenly dies one day. She places him on Elisha's bed and seeks the prophet without informing her husband about their son's death. Elisha, seeing her coming, sends Gehazi to meet her. She insists on seeing Elisha who then sends Gehazi ahead to lay Elisha's staff on the boy's face. When Gehazi's attempt fails, Elisha arrives, prays to God, and lays on the boy. The boy sneezes seven times and comes back to life.
2 Kings 4 brings to light the compassionate and miraculous ministry of the prophet Elisha. Amidst adversity, faithfulness is rewarded, prayers are answered, and the impossible becomes possible, highlighting God’s boundless love and power.
Tuesday
2 Kings 5
DISCOVER
How did the Israelite servant girl’s faith in God impact Naaman’s life? In what ways can our faith influence others in our lives today?
What does Naama’s initial reaction to Elisha’s instructions tell us about his expectations? How can our expectations sometimes hinder our ability to receive help or blessings?
What lessons can we learn from the comparison of Naaman’s and Gehazi’s responses to God’s power and grace?
In today’s world, how can we identify and correct when we, like the King of Israel, misinterpret or react poorly to a situation due to fear and/or anxiety?
How does the servant girl’s faithfulness inspire you to act in your current circumstances, regardless of how insignificant you might feel?
RESPOND
2 Kings 5 is a compelling chapter that beautifully illustrates God's miraculous healing power, the virtue of humility, and the grave consequences of greed. The chapter tells the story of Naaman, an esteemed Aramean military commander afflicted by leprosy, and his transformation through his encounter with Elisha. It also provides an insightful look at the missteps of Elisha's servant Gehazi, revealing the dire consequences of dishonesty and greed.
Naaman was sick with leprosy so he goes and seeks guidance and hearing from Elisha. Elisha told him to go wash seven times in the Jordan River and he would be cured. Naama became mad at Elisha. He thought Elisha would cure him in a big hoopla and display of God’s power. Naaman’s servants told him to follow Elisha’s orders, which he did. He was cured.
God doesn’t always work in the ways we think He should. When we submit ourselves to God in obedience, whatever He does for us is complete and is well done. God never leaves anything partially done. If you’re all in, God is all in as well. For many of us, we’re a bit like Naaman in that we struggle with complete obedience. Henry Blackby said, “If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it.”
Wednesday
2 Kings 6
DISCOVER
How does the miracle of the floating ax head demonstrate God’s care for even the small problems in our lives?
In the story of the siege of Samaria, how does the King of Israel’s response to the crisis contrast with Elisha’s faith in God?
How can we discern God’s voice and guidance in the midst of conflict, as Elisha did?
When you read back over the chapter and see it as a whole, we see Elisha was a man of great faith and relied on God’s power. What are some areas in your life where you are really challenged to allow God to show His power?
RESPOND
In this chapter Elisha demonstrates his calling as God’s prophet by pointing to see God for who He truly is in every situation. Despite the pressure from the attacks against God’s people and the desperate outward circumstances, Elisha remains calm and confident because of his faith in the Lord. The key verse in this chapter is found in verse 17 as Elisha prays for God to open the eyes of his servant. He cries out to the Lord and asks God to give him (the servant) the vision to see that even in the scary moments of life, God is with us.
Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and since God is impartial (Acts 10:34), we can have trust and confidence that He will grant the same kind of protection and understanding to His servants today. None of this is meant to imply that God's servants have a guarantee against suffering or even martyrdom. Rather, whatever happens to His people is according to His strict allowance. And God will always use His infinite power in our best interests.
Spend a few minutes in prayer asking God to “open your eyes” to what He has for you. In the middle of whatever season you’re in, ask the Lord to show you His greatness and unfailing love over you.
Thursday
2 Kings 7
DISCOVER
The actions of the lepers benefited the entire city. Can you think of a time where a small action had a large impact in your own life or the lives of others?
Can you recall a situation where God provided for you when all seemed lost, just like in Samaria?
Why was it significant for the lepers to share their discovery with Samaria, and what does that suggest about our responsibilities to our communities?
The lepers, despite being social outcasts, played a significant role in God’s plan. How does this impact your view of every person’s worth and contribution?
RESPOND
In 2 Kings 7 we meet 4 lepers who are in the midst of a great famine and trying to figure out who they are going to survive. They have no food to eat, they are surrounded by Syrians who want to kill them…but the Syrians happen to have some food in their camp. After a short period of reasoning, they decided to get up and head to the Syrian camp and find some food. When they get there the find that the Syrians have left and they didn’t take any of their stuff with them. They left their tents, their animals and all kinds of food.
These four lepers start feasting on all the food. They then look at each other and say, “We’re not doing right.” This is a day of good news. Here are 4 people who have found something good and at first they are keeping it to themselves. Here is a picture of people who are so overwhelmed by good news, that they have discovered that they cannot keep it to themselves, they can no longer stay silent.
This is the same idea we later see in Luke 2 when lowly shepherds are out taking care of their sheep. In one brief moment an angel shows up declaring good news. What did they do with the good news? According to Luke 2:15-18 their reaction was to tell others. God has indeed provided a Savior for this world. This news is too important and too good to keep to ourselves.
Friday
2 Kings 8
DISCOVER
How does Elisha’s prophecy and the Shunammite woman’s faith intertwine in the beginning of this chapter? How can you apply such faith in your own life?
In this chapter we meet a man by the name of Hazael who lies to Ben-hadad and then treats him in an unjust way. What does this reveal about his character and how does it challenge our character?
When Jehoram ruled over Israel, we learn that he did evil like the kings before him. Yet, in the midst of his poor leadership, a great promise is given in verse 19. How does this great promise comfort us when we look around and we see leaders/rulers acting in ways that are not pleasing to the Lord?
What lessons can we learn from the actions and consequences of Jehoram and Ahaziah in our personal lives?
RESPOND
This passage here in 2 Kings 8 shows Elisha weeping because he knows the implications of the message he is preaching. He is speaking about evil, sin, injustice, destruction, and death. He’s letting Israel know what awaits them and he’s overwhelmed by the fact that he’s having to share this message with them. He is not disconnected from the words he’s proclaiming. He’s broken because he knows the implications of his message which leads him to the point of weeping. What was it that made Elisha weep? The very same thing that led Jesus to weep (Matthew 23:37-39)…the heart of the people being far from God.
When we read God’s Word we have to challenge ourselves not to become disconnected with the messages, warnings, and promises that are given. Think about the people you are around a lot. Think about those you live with, work with, and go to school with. Think about those who give no thought to God’s Word. Here’s the big question. If Jesus and Elisha care so much about the state of people’s hearts, do we??
Let’s pray to the Lord asking Him to give us a burden for the lost. Ask the Lord to give you a burden for those who are living in willful disobedience to His Word. Ask the Lord to give you a heart for people around you and the desire to proclaim His Word and His truth.
Saturday
2 Kings 9
DISCOVER
Once the young prophet anointed Jehu, the Lord gave the new king an assignment. According to verse 7, what was the assignment given to him?
Jehu was chosen by God to carry out a specific plan. How does this speak to the idea that God uses individuals to accomplish specific tasks? What specific task has God given you? Are you seeking to fulfill that task?
Considering Ahaziah’s fate, how does this chapter reflect the dangers of keeping the wrong company? How does this relate to 1 Corinthians 15:33?
Based on what we’ve read previously about Jezebel, in what ways does her end reflect the biblical principle of “reaping and sowing?”
RESPOND
In 2 Kings 9, King Jehoram dies, just like God said. So does his mother Jezebel, just like God said, Also, Jehu becomes king, just like God said. When you read this chapter, this is the constant refrain throughout. This is a chapter that teaches us about God’s ultimate control.
2 Kings 9 contains the last official act of Elisha and may b e of great significance for both Israel and Judah. Jehu’s ascension to the throne was predicted by Elijah in 1 Kings 19:16. We hear very little about Jehu’s almost 41 year reign. The narrative’s sole purpose is to describe the complete and utter extermination of the house of Ahab. Jehu was a commander in the army when Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint him as king. Jehu then began the palace intrigue that eventually led to his usurpation of Jehoram’s throne and the extermination of the house of Ahab and the elimination of Baal worship.
Jehu’s actions to kill off all of the friends and relatives of Ahab may seem a bit harsh, but unchecked Baal worship was destroying the nation. This is a reminder that sin is serious to the Lord and it must be dealt with. If sin is not taken care of, it can destroy us in so many ways.