June 25
2 Kings 8:1-9:13 | PS 143:1-12 | Prov 17:26 | Acts 16:16-40
We often consider a prophet one who foretells future events, but a prophet simply "spoke forth" the word of the Lord. These were God's chosen vessels given the task to speak often unpopular messages to powerful individuals. They were often misrepresented, mischaracterized, and worse than that often beaten or even killed. We get a glimpse of how they were viewed as an unnamed prophet, sent by Elisha approaches a group of army commanders of Israel in 2 Kings 9:11, "Jehu went back to his fellow officers, and one of them asked him, “What did that madman want? Is everything all right?” “You know how a man like that babbles on,” Jehu replied." This needs to be understood by all of us commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to dispense His commands to the populace now. We have been given the Word of God. We have been given the power through the Holy Spirit. We are often even compelled with the words to use. May we all move forward in boldness, yet, may we not be surprised if we are treated like the prophets of old. We must remember we are called to obedience not look at the outcomes to see if it was worthwhile. When Paul and Silas were persecuted and beaten severely in Philippi, notice their response when this same jailer having seen the miracle of their release asks what needs to be done to be saved in Acts 16:31-32, "They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household." No grudges, just continuing to move in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have seen so much in the way of Anti-Semitism of late, and though we have heard about this in the past with Nazi Germany, many of us are shocked to see it again in the aftermath of October 7th. But it is alive and well on our college campuses, on the streets of every major city, etc. Most are quiet. Others are ambivalent. Many others justify the actions of these anti-Semites. This should not surprise us as this demonic move of Anti-Semitism is nothing new. It has always been, but we must realize this is indeed demonic as the armies of Satan have always hated God's chosen people. We read in Acts 16:20-24, " “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.” A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks." Nothing new. I have heard so much wrong banter against the Jewish people and pushed back every time. I happen to appreciate the boldness of their current leader, but for those who question him or dislike him, and doubt God's hand on the Jewish people because of him, please simply look at the history of the bible and realize that they remained God's people throughout the history of both good and bad kings. This is a nonsensical argument and Anti-Semitism must be refuted and shown for the evil that it is each and every time. Quietness in the face of evil comments is cowardice.
On an another note, never minimize our choice of spouse. When we bind ourselves to another that individual will either help our walk in faith or pull us away. we must never deem ourselves so strong that our faith will not be influenced. We read in 2 Kings 8:16-18, " Jehoram son of King Jehoshaphat of Judah began to rule over Judah in the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. But Jehoram followed the example of the kings of Israel and was as wicked as King Ahab, for he had married one of Ahab’s daughters. So Jehoram did what was evil in the Lord’s sight." It seems as though everyone lifts up looks, education, ability to communicate, with one's faith somewhere at the bottom of the list. We should not be surprised when faith which at one time seemed so strong winds up dismantling when one is yoked together with one with no heart for God. In all that we do may we place God first and foremost in our walk and all of our decisions. If one becomes a believer after marriage may we look for continuous opportunities to plant the seeds of the gospel, patiently and lovingly, to one’s unbelieving spouse.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: