Today’s reading opens with the book of 2 Kings. As I read, I didn’t get far before a phrase in verse three grabbed my attention. In the NLT, the question is asked, “Is there no God in Israel?”
One of the major themes in 2 Kings is idolatry. Only about twenty percent of Israel’s and Judah’s kings follow after the Lord God; the rest consult and worship false gods. Israel’s new king, Ahaziah, is an idolator. The Bible says he was in his palace and took a tumble (2 Kings 1:2), injuring himself. He sends messengers to the temple of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask if he would recover.
Who is Baal-zebub? The name means “Lord of the Flies.” Hmm, consult the Lord God, who created all things, is all-powerful and all-knowing, or some deity whose kingdom is confined to the flies? Notice Elijah’s answer to the king from God. But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the LORD, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ ” So Elijah went. (2 Kings 1:3–4, ESV) Yes, there was still a God in Israel—the Lord God!
While we may not consult some deity of the flies, is it not easy to forget that there is a God? To go about the business of life, looking for directions and answers, forgetting that the Bible says to pray about everything and seek the Lord’s will in all matters. Sometimes, we are overwhelmed and overlook the One we should look to first. Believers, there is a God! Have we consulted Him for our next decision?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Kings 1-4.