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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(337) 4 December : Proverbs 19v3 / 2 Kings 1-2 / Psalm 77v15-20

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
As we saw yesterday, it's a foolish things to act against God's spokesmen - whether prophets or today's preachers, for this is to act against God's representatives. Today's reading begins and ends with judgment on those who do. It's a judgment that affirms two things: First, that the God of Elijah and Elisha is the true God. He should therefore be consulted and served, not the false gods of the nations. Second, God is with his prophets. So when Elijah is taken into heaven "a chariot of fire and horses" appears. Most likely the point is that despite Elijah going, Israel is not left helpless, as he was always a representative of God, and it is God who fights for Israel with his heavenly host. So the Spirit and authority that was on Elijah is now transferred to Elisha who is immediately able to do the things Elijah did. It foreshadows John the Baptist being replaced by Jesus, and Jesus' work then carried on by his apostles. But it also encourages us, that where significant church leaders die, we need not despair. For God remains with, in, and for his church. As you read note how God is seen to be with the prophets.
2 Kings 1-2

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.