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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.

(340) 7 December : Proverbs 19v6 / 2 Kings 6v24-8v29 / Psalm 78v9-17

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
It's an appalling seige, intended to show how severe the sin of Israel and its king (Joram) must have been to warrant it in judgment (see Deut 28v52-55). Yet rather than acknowledge his sin, the king blames God and Elisha - the only ones who could save. And the Lord does save the city, through his chariots and horses of fire (7v6). What seemed impossible to man was easy for God. Suffering is rarely a specific punishment on an individual's sin, but all suffering reflects God's judgment on the human race in casting it out of Eden. Yet, like the king, we tend to blame God when we suffer rather than acknowledge what has led to it, and fail to look to him for the salvation given us in the gospel. The kings that follow in the south do no better than Joram, following the sins of Ahab. But whereas further destruction in the north is predicted, God preserves Judah because of his promise to David. And in his providence God continues to bless and provide for the faithful Shunnamite, as he will all who remain faithful to him. As you read note what the Lord is able to do.
2 Kings 6:24-8:29

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.