HOLD THE FORT

READING: 2 KINGS 3:11-18

Verse 14: “And Elisha said, ‘As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you.’”

I have been in military training situations when instructors used some extreme effects as “attention getters” to begin their training sessions. Elisha was like that as he delivered a very dramatic attention getter. He would get a high mark for an opening statement, as quoted above, to the kings who went to see him. He clearly made the point that he was tolerating the presence of Jehoram, the ungodly king of Israel, only because Jehoram was with Jehoshaphat the godly king of Judah. It seems Elisha’s position very much represents the state of the world today. King Jehoshaphat can be viewed as corresponding to the godly people of the earth, while King Jehoram represents the ungodly. Like Elisha did for Jehoshaphat, the Lord has favor for the godly. He has no such acceptance of the ungodly. If it were not for the godly, it seems that the judgment of the Lord would surely be executed against those who dishonor Him. In fact, we know that day is coming. I believe this state of affairs carries with it an implication for today’s Christians. It is true that we who have favor also have responsibility. We must faithfully occupy until Jesus comes. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is there about the Gospel that is a special attention getter for you?

2. What is your role as an “occupier”?