2 Kings 1 – INTERRUPTION!
Life is filled with interruptions. In the course of a day we can be interrupted by phone calls, visitors, questions, problems and a host of other things. Sometimes our lives have major interruptions. A divorce, an illness or the sudden loss of a job or a loved one has interrupted many people. Some interruptions are good because they help us to grow our faith.
In 2 Kings 1, life in the royal court of Israel was interrupted by the illness of the king. In this passage we find:
THE KING WHO MADE THE WRONG DECISION Vss. 1-8
King Ahaziah had an accident.
He needed some advice as to the seriousness of his injury.
His mistake was not in asking for the advice. His mistake was asking a false God, and not the Lord God of Israel.
Elijah was dispatched by God to bring the news that he would not recover.
THE CAPTAINS WHO MADE THE WRONG DEMAND Vss. 9-12
The king had figured out that it was Elijah who had made the proclamation concerning his health.
He decided to have the prophet brought to the court.
Twice the king sent out a captain and 50 soldiers.
Both times, the captains, in their arrogance, demanded that Elijah come down off the hill on which he sat. Twice, Elijah called down fire from Heaven to destroy them. It is obvious the harm was planned against Elijah.
THE CAPTAIN WHO HAD THE RIGHT DEMEANOR Vss. 13-15
A third captain was sent to bring Elijah in.
This captain had a different attitude.
He actually went up to the top of the hill and humbly begged Elijah to spare him and his soldiers.
God told Elijah that it was safe to go see the king with this captain.
THE PROPHET WHO HAD THE RIGHT DECLARATION Vss. 16-18
Elijah delivered the same health message to the king in person.
He simply told the king what God had told him.
What Elijah had prophesied actually came to pass.
Those who speak for God today must know the Word of God so they can speak for Him accurately.