September 26 Are You Seeking God?

September 26

Are You Seeking God?

2 Kings 3:14-18 Elisha said, "As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician." And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him. 16 And he said, "Thus says the Lord, 'I will make this dry streambed full of pools.' 17 For thus says the Lord, 'You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.' 18 This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand, 19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones." 20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.

WE come to miracle number four for Elisha. One was God demonstrating his power to judge. The other two, plus this one, center around water.

    The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom have gone off to war against Moab. This is one of the few times, if not the only time, these three nations from Isaac's descendants were allies. Recall Edom's "father" or founder was Esau, Jacob's brother. Israel and Judah were of the 12 tribes from Jacob's line. Most often, these three opposed each other or two of the nations allied against the third.

    These three kings go toward Moab, but they get into trouble. They have no water. In need of relief, they begin to seek God.

    What do you think? Perhaps they should have sought God's leading before they began their campaign.

    Thus they go to Elisha. His reputation as a prophet under God's power has been firmly established. Because of Jehoshaphat, who has begun some reform in Judah, Elisha agrees to seek God's word for the three nations. Then we see the Lord send water to revive the army and to confuse the enemy.

    God has acted to bless his disobedient people again. These kings' lives are filled with sin. They see God perhaps as a good luck charm, or he's their genie they can go to when they are in trouble. Their daily worship is diluted of faith and directed at other gods. They have led their people astray. But because of a few righteous actions by one king, God offers to them a blessing and a victory.

    Do you see God's huge grace here? These are his people. He loves to bless them. Even though they dishonor him, the Lord God honors them.

    Time and again we see God pursuing his people, loving on them when they are adulterous with other gods. He longs to have his own return to him. Too often, they do not, and eventually he judges them. God always, always gives his people the opportunity to experience his blessings.

     Are you in need of life-giving water - the power of God's blessings in your life? Then repent of your sins. And live in the abundant living water of salvation the Lord Jesus as offered to you.

Prayer: Father God, help us to wholeheartedly turn to seek you before we go anywhere or do anything. In Jesus' name, amen.