“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 2:
When things go from bad to worse, it isn’t long and someone is accused of creating the problem. People today find it much easier to point a finger at another individual blaming them for a situation they are in rather than taking personal responsibility. In 2 Kings 6:24-33 we find Samaria surrounded by the vast army of Aram preventing the Israelites from going outside the city to purchase food.
This stunt caused a famine so severe inside the walls of Samaria that people were eating donkey’s heads, doves dung, and mothers were reported eating children. When cities like Samaria faced famine, it was no small matter. While the farmers grew enough food to feed the people for a specific season, they did not have enough to maintain them for prolonged times of emergency when all supplies were cut off. Ironically, this famine was predicted (prophesied) in Deuteronomy 28:49-57. It will be worth your time to look up and read.
As the famine and troubles for Israel got worse, the king of Samaria blamed the prophet of God, Elisha, for all the problems. Some commentators believe Elisha must have told the king to trust God for deliverance. The king did this, even wearing sackcloth (6:30), but at this point the situation seemed hopeless. Apparently, the king felt he had been given bad advice and believed God couldn’t or wouldn’t help them.
During tough times we run out of people or things to blame, so it must be God’s fault. As we observe the pain and suffering around our world, we see God being mocked, Christians being persecuted, the Bible being ridiculed or compromised, and violence of protestors across the land. These events should not shock us, as 2 Timothy chapter 3 warns us of such a time.
Conflict between the kings of Israel and the prophets of God were not unusual. The prophets predicted doom for the king’s evil doing, so they saw the prophets as troublemakers. Like Israel’s king who was lashing out his frustrations at Elisha, so loved ones and friends may deny the God we serve. Rather than argue or get upset with them, let’s be faithful in showing love, grace, and mercy. Our greatest testimony to them is the life we live (actions) not our words.
Pastor Carnes
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