18 Pentecost

18 Pentecost – Sunday

first posted 09/17/05

1 Kings 19:8-21, Elijah at Mt. Horeb

Acts 5:34-42, Gamaliel’s Advice

John 11:45-57 Caiaphas’ Prophecy

Elijah had fled for his life from Jezebel, the idolatrous wife of Ahab, king of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Elijah had traveled forty days and nights from Beersheba in southern Judah to Mount Horeb (Mt. Sinai; where Moses received the Ten Commandments) in the southern wilderness. Elijah lodged in a cave in the mountain, and the Lord’s Word came to him, asking Elijah what he was doing there. Elijah replied that he was jealous for the Lord God because the people of Israel had broken their covenant with God and had destroyed the altars and prophets of God. Elijah was the only one remaining loyal to the Lord, and the people were seeking to kill him.

The Lord told Elijah to go and stand upon the mountain in God’s presence. “The Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent (tore) the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small voice (1 Kings 11b-12).

When Elijah heard the voice he came to the entrance of the cave, and again the Lord asked what Elijah was doing there. Elijah gave the same answer again, and the Lord told him to return to the wilderness of Damascus (the Syrian Desert). The Lord told Elijah to anoint Hazael King of Syria, Jehu to replace Ahab as King of Israel, and Elisha to replace Elijah as prophet. Jehu would slay the idolaters of the northern Kingdom of Israel, that had escaped destruction by Hazael, and Elisha would slay the rest; but the Lord would preserve seven thousand people of the northern kingdom who had not worshipped the idol, Baal.

Elijah left Mt. Horeb and came to Abel-meholah (on the Brook Cherith, near Tishbe, east of the Jordan River), where Elisha lived, and found him plowing a field with a yoke of oxen. Elijah put his mantle on Elisha as he passed. Elisha left his plowing and ran after Elijah. Elisha asked permission to kiss his mother and father goodbye, and then Elisha would follow Elijah. Elijah said, “Go back again; for what have I done to you?” Elisha returned to the field and slaughtered the yoke of oxen, made a fire from the wood of the yoke, boiled the meat and distributed it to the people of the village to eat. Then he went after Elijah and became his servant.

The Apostles (“messengers” of the Gospel; the eleven of the original Twelve disciples, minus Judas, the betrayer; Luke 6:13-16) were arrested a second time (first: Acts 4) for preaching the Gospel in the temple in Jerusalem, after the Jewish Court (Sanhedrin) had previously ordered them not to preach in Jesus’ name. The members of the court wanted to execute them, but Gamaliel, a Pharisee, a highly-regarded teacher of the law and member of the court, recommended, while the Apostles waited outside, that the court should be careful how they dealt with the Apostles. He cited two examples of revolutionaries, Theudas and a Galilean named Judas, who had gained some popular support, but were killed and their followers were scattered.

Gamaliel advised the court to leave the Apostles alone, because if their movement was not the will of God it would fail, but if it were of God the Jewish leaders would be unable to prevent it and they might be found to be opposing God. The court accepted Gamaliel’s advice. They called for the Apostles to be brought in and ordered them to be beaten and released with orders not to preach in Jesus’ name. The Apostles “left the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” of Jesus (Acts 5:41). They continued to preach Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) daily in the temple and at home.

Jesus had just raised Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany, from the dead. Many of the people who had witnessed the resurrection believed in Jesus as the Christ, but some reported to the Pharisees (a strict, legalistic division of Judaism who believed in resurrection) what Jesus had done. The Pharisees convened the Jewish court (Council; Sanhedrin) to decide what to do about Jesus. The Jewish leaders were afraid that because Jesus was doing many “signs” (miracles signifying his authority), everyone would believe in him, and the Romans would destroy the Jewish temple and their nation.

The high priest, Caiaphas, who presided over the Council said “You know nothing at all; you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish” (John 11:49b-51). This was the prophetic Word of God which he spoke by the inspiration of God, as the high priest. He predicted Jesus’ death for the nation of Israel and to unify all the people of God throughout the world. From then on, the Council made plans to kill Jesus.

Jesus no longer appeared publicly in Judea, but stayed in a town called Ephraim, about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem, near the wilderness. The celebration of Passover was approaching and many people in the outlying areas went to Jerusalem beforehand for ritual purification in preparation for the celebration. As people gathered in the temple there was much speculation among them whether Jesus would attend the feast. The religious authorities had ordered that anyone who knew Jesus’ whereabouts was to notify them so they could arrest Jesus.

King Ahab led the northern kingdom to break their covenant with God and turn to the worship of the idol, Baal. God’s covenant relationship with Israel was like husband and wife, and Israel’s affair with idolatry was spiritual adultery. Elijah was faithful to God and he confronted the sin of Ahab and the people. As a result Jezebel and the people of Israel sought to kill Elijah.

Elijah was protected and sustained by God in the wilderness as Elijah sought refuge in God’s presence at Mount Horeb. God revealed himself to Elijah and gave him the courage to return and carry on God’s purpose, and Elijah trusted and obeyed God’s Word. There were more faithful followers of the Lord than Elijah realized, and God’s plan would be carried out by people God placed in positions of authority, regardless of their belief or faithfulness to God.

The Apostles were carrying on God’s mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Jewish religious leaders had broken their covenant with God, and had turned from obedient trust in the Lord to idolatry of self, wealth, power, and worldly honor. Jesus was God’s Son and appointed bridegroom, and Israel, the people of God were to be his bride.

The Jewish leaders were adulterers jealous of the bridegroom and trying to claim the bride for themselves. The Apostles threatened the Jews’ religion (“their” religion; they had left God out) as Elijah had threatened Jezebel’s, and they sought to kill the Apostles, but the Apostles trusted and obeyed God’s Word. Gamaliel warned the leaders of Judaism that they might find themselves in opposition to God’s will and unable to prevent its fulfillment and that is what happened.

The leaders of Judaism had responded the same way to Jesus himself. The Sanhedrin had plotted and carried out the execution of Jesus out of jealousy (Matthew 27:18). They wanted to be the rulers of God’s people, rather than Jesus, God’s anointed eternal king. The Jewish leaders were afraid the Jewish people would believe Jesus to be the Christ, and that the Romans would destroy the nation and the temple. In having Jesus crucified they fulfilled God’s plan, rather than hindering it. They also caused the destruction of the nation and temple, by the Romans in 70 A.D., which they had feared would be the result of faith in Jesus.

Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in 70 A.D. and the people were scattered throughout the world. Israel ceased to exist as a nation until it was reestablished following World War II; the temple has never been rebuilt. The Old Covenant of Law was dependant on the temple sacrificial system. That destruction was caused not by acceptance of Jesus, but by his rejection by Israel. They lost the grace and protection of God. Judaism effectively ended at the crucifixion of Jesus, when the curtain of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing a new way into God’s presence through Jesus Christ (Luke 23:45).

God’s plan has always been to create an eternal kingdom of people who trust and obey him. This life is our opportunity to seek and come to a personal relationship with God (Acts 17:26-27) through Jesus Christ, by his indwelling Holy Spirit; Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our forgiveness, restoration to fellowship with God, and salvation from eternal destruction (Acts 4:12, John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Jesus has been God’s plan from the beginning of Creation and has been “built into” its very structure (John 1:1-5, 14). We will either accept Jesus as God’s anointed eternal King or we will be in opposition to God’s will. Are we willing to accept Jesus as our Lord or do we want to be the lords of Creation?

In many ways America (and other “Christian” nations) and the Church today are in circumstances very similar to Israel and Judaism at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. America is the “New Israel” and the Church is the “New People of God.” We’ve allowed idolatry to grow within the Nation and Church.

In many instances our leaders profess to know Christ but run their offices as personal kingdoms. In many instances our leaders, instead of pointing the people toward discipleship and obedience of Jesus, are seeking popularity for themselves. God’s Word is eternally true and is fulfilled over and over as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. The history of God’s dealings with Israel has been recorded in scripture for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:6-11). If we insist on repeating the mistakes of Israel we will suffer the same consequences.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Alternative Entry

first posted 10/11/03

1 Kings 19:8-21 God Revealed to Elijah

Acts 5: 34-42 Gamaliel’s Advice

John 11:45-57 Caiaphas’ Prophesy

Elijah fled from Jezebel’s threat to have him killed, and took refuge in a cave on Mt. Horeb. The Lord asked why Elijah was hiding in the cave, and Elijah expressed his feeling that he was the only one left in Israel who was faithful to the Lord who had not been killed, and that his life was in danger. The Lord told him to go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord. There was a great wind, and then there was a great earthquake, and then a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those things. Then there was a still small voice, and when Elijah heard it he went and stood at the entrance to the cave.

The voice came to him asking what Elijah was doing there, so Elijah gave the same explanation he had given before. The Lord told Elijah to return to the wilderness of Damascus and there he was to anoint Hazael to be king of Syria, and Jehu to be king of Israel, and Elisha to be prophet in Elijah’s place. The Lord also said that between Hazael, Jehu and Elisha all the unfaithful would be destroyed, but that there would be a righteous remnant of seven thousand who had not bowed to, or kissed, Baal.

So Elijah departed from Mt. Horeb; he found Elisha as Elisha was plowing with twelve oxen, and Elijah threw his mantle upon Elisha as he passed. Elisha left the plowing and ran after Elijah and asked to first say goodbye to his parents. So Elisha returned and slew the team of oxen and boiled their flesh over a fire made with the wood of their yokes, and gave the food to the local people for a feast, and then Elisha followed Elijah and became his “disciple.”

The apostles were arrested a second time (5:12-33; see Acts 4, for the first instance) and tried before the Jewish council. Again Peter declared the apostles' intention to be obedient to God at the risk of defying the Jewish council. The council was enraged and wanted to have the apostles killed, but Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the Law, advised the council to be careful what they did with the apostles. He reminded them of several other rebels who had arisen who had amounted to nothing, and Gamaliel suggested that likewise, if the apostles were not operating by the will of God they soon fade away, but that if they were of God (as they claimed) no one would be able to stop them, and whoever tried would be guilty of opposing God. The council decided to follow Gamaliel’s advice; they had the apostles beaten and ordered not to preach in the name of Jesus, and then let them go. The apostles left the council, rejoicing that they had been faithful to God's will, and continued preaching Jesus publicly, as well as privately, every day.

Many who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus (11:1-44) believed in Jesus, but others reported the event to the Pharisees, who sought to get rid of Jesus, fearing that Jesus would upset the status quo, and bring down repression from the Roman occupiers. Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, prophesied by the Holy Spirit that, rather than causing the destruction of the nation, Jesus should die so that the nation would not perish; and not for the nation only, but for all children of God.

Elijah was hiding, in a cave, from Jezebel’s threats. He felt alone in his ministry. The Lord revealed himself to Elijah not with the great manifestations of power in the earthquake, wind and fire, but in the still small voice, reassuring Elijah that the Lord was still in control, and that he had a plan. Although Jezebel‘s power seemed formidable, she represented no threat to God. Elijah was thus reassured and was able to do as the Lord directed.

After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2) the disciples, who had scattered and hidden in fear at Jesus arrest and crucifixion, had become transformed and emboldened, so that they were fearlessly preaching Jesus contrary to direct orders from the Jewish council. Gamaliel’s advice to the council was a warning to be careful not to line up on the wrong side of God’s will.

Before Jesus crucifixion, The Jewish council feared that their “holy place and their nation” would be destroyed; they plotted to have Jesus killed to prevent that from happening. The Temple was destroyed and the nation was scattered anyway. [With Jesus resurrection, it is no longer those who are Jews, by birth or by religion, who are the children of God, but those who are the spiritual descendants of Abraham by faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:6-9, 14, 26-29)]. Caiaphas prophesied by the Holy Spirit, and fulfilled that prophesy, even though he rejected Jesus as the Messiah (Christ; God’s Anointed)

Jesus IS Lord whether we accept him as our Lord or not. God’s will WILL be done, whether we do His will or not. The Jewish religious leaders wound up accomplishing God’s purpose by having Jesus crucified although they rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Jesus IS going to return to judge the world. Those who have rejected Jesus will be condemned to eternal death and separation from God, with Satan and all the wicked, in Hell. Those who have trusted in Jesus and have obeyed him as Lord will receive eternal life with Him in heaven.

18 Pentecost – Monday

first posted 09/18/05

1 Kings 21:1-16, Naboth’s Vineyard

1 Corinthians 1:1-19, The Wisdom of God

Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus’ Temptation

Ahab was the king of northern Israel. His capital was Samaria, but he had a second residence in Jezreel. A vineyard adjoining Ahab’s land in Jezreel belonged to Naboth, but Ahab wanted it for a vegetable garden because of its close proximity to Ahab’s house. He offered to trade land or buy outright Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth refused to sell it for legal and spiritual reasons. Each tribe and family had been given an inheritance in the Promised Land which was to remain perpetually with the heirs.

Ahab was so angry at Naboth’s refusal that Ahab went to bed and refused to eat. Jezebel, Ahab’s heathen wife, asked why Ahab was so angry and he told her of Naboth’s refusal. Jezebel reminded Ahab that he was king of Israel. She told him to get up and eat, and be cheerful; she would give Ahab Naboth’s land.

Jezebel wrote letters to the city leaders of Jezreel and signed and sealed them in Ahab’s name, ordering them to proclaim a fast to be presided over by Naboth. They were to get two unscrupulous fellows to falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king, for which Naboth was to be stoned to death immediately. The city leaders carried out the instructions, and Naboth was stoned to death. When Jezebel heard that Naboth was dead, she told Ahab to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard, and Ahab did so.

Paul was called to be an apostle (messenger) of Jesus Christ by God’s will, and was in partnership in the Gospel with Sosthenes (perhaps the ruler of the synagogue at Corinth; Acts 18:17), writing to the Church in Corinth, to those who are sanctified (consecrated and purified by and for the Lord by the indwelling Holy Spirit) in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace are traditional greetings in Greek and Hebrew, respectively, but true grace and peace can be received only from God the Father through Jesus Christ. Paul constantly thanked God for the grace (unmerited favor; free gift) which had been given the Corinthians, and all Christians, in Jesus Christ. Paul prayed that they would grow spiritually in the knowledge and ability to communicate the Gospel through the spiritual gifts which accompany and confirm the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit of Christ within us.

This is our mission as we await the revealing of Christ’s return on the Day of Judgment. It is the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit of the risen Jesus which sustains us and keeps us blameless in the Day of Judgment. That is God’s call and promise in Jesus Christ and God is utterly faithful.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Paul urges Christians to be in harmony and agreement in the ministry of the Gospel. The Corinthian congregation had been experiencing dissention over the popularity and authority of various teachers and leaders. All Christians are to be disciples of Jesus and guided by his Holy Spirit, rather than becoming cult-members of individual human personalities.

Paul’s call from the Lord was not to be acclaimed by the world as a great baptizer, healer or even preacher. Paul’s commission was to preach the full scriptural, apostolic Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not with eloquence or (worldly) wisdom, because the power of the cross of Christ resides in God. The word of the cross seems foolish to worldly people who are perishing, “but to those who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). God has promised to bring to nothing worldly wisdom and human cleverness.

After his baptism by John the Baptizer, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. Jesus fasted forty days and nights, and at the end of the fast he was hungry.

Satan came to him and suggested that “if” Jesus were the Son of God he should command the stones around him to become loaves of bread. In reply Jesus quoted scripture, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

Then Satan transported Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem and suggested that “if” Jesus were the Son of God he should jump from the pinnacle, because God’s Word promised that the angels would protect him from injury (Psalm 91:11-12). Jesus again quoted scripture: “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16).

Satan then took Jesus to the top of a tall mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and offered them to Jesus, if Jesus would worship Satan. Jesus said, “Begone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13). Satan departed, and angels came and ministered to Jesus.

Ahab and Jezebel are examples of leaders who rely on worldly cleverness and use their positions for selfish and wicked acts. Ahab was not interested in how Jezebel got results, and he allowed her to appropriate the powers of his office to do evil. They are examples of leaders who deprived a citizen of his kingdom, of his God-given rights in the Promised Land and his spiritual inheritance through their greed and selfishness. They weren’t satisfied with the wealth and power they already had as leaders.

The King of Israel was intended by the Lord to be his representative, reigning in his name over God’s people on earth, and upholding his subjects’ spiritual as well as civil interests, but Ahab had turned away from obedient trust in the Lord to idolatry. As a result, God’s people lost their civil rights and their spiritual inheritance.

Paul is an example of a spiritual leader of Christ’s Church. He was fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which Jesus gave his disciples after his resurrection, to make disciples and teach obedience of Jesus’ teachings. He was teaching the congregation under his supervision to grow spiritually to maturity in the knowledge of and communication of the Gospel, developing and using the gifts received through the “anointing” of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He was making “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples and teaching them to make disciples (2 Timothy 2:2).

The Corinthian congregation was experiencing disunity because of rivalry among leaders and their influence over the members. Instead of pointing the members toward a personal relationship and discipleship with Jesus by his indwelling Holy Spirit, the leaders were creating cults of their own personality (1 Corinthians 1:11:13).

The “anointing” or “gift” of the indwelling Holy Spirit accompanies and confirms the “rebirth” of a disciple of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is the Holy Spirit within disciples who guides and empowers them to accomplish the Lord’s purpose, and the evidence of that guidance and empowerment will be seen in the disciples’ lives. Christ’s mission cannot be accomplished in one’s own human strength and wisdom (Zechariah 4:6). God’s Word declares that worldly wisdom and human cleverness will ultimately count for nothing.

Satan is the ultimate personification of worldly wisdom and cleverness, and of rulers of this world who use their power and position for their own purposes in opposition to God’s will. He can seek to influence and manipulate us by worldly, human desires, appealing to the lusts of the eye (covetousness), the lusts of the flesh (hedonism), and human pride (personal sovereignty; selfishness). He used these very temptations against Jesus, the Son of God, but Jesus resisted by using God’s Word to overcome temptation.

Satan knows God’s Word, and he even tried to use God’s Word against the Son of God, the “Word of God” in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14). Jesus is our example of how to resist and overcome temptation. We must accept and commit to serve Jesus as our Lord and then proclaim that in the face of temptation (Matthew 4:10b), and we need to know the Bible, so that the Holy Spirit can call the appropriate Word of God to our remembrance in situations of temptation. Any average reader can easily read the Bible from cover to cover in one year, and there are many 1-year schedules available (see Free Online Bible Study tools, sidebar, top right).

The history of God’s dealing with Israel has been recorded in the Bible for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:6), and it should be a warning to America and the Church today. In a democracy the majority of the people get the government they “deserve.” Members of congregations in a democracy sometimes erroneously think that what they believe is subject to majority vote, rather than obedience of God’s Word.

Alternative Entry
first posted 10/12/03

1 Kings 21:1-16 Naboth’s Vineyard

1 Corinthians 1:1-19 The Wisdom of God

Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus’ Temptation

Naboth of Jesreel had a vineyard next to the palace of King Ahab. King Ahab wanted the vineyard for a vegetable garden because of its proximity, and offered to buy or trade for it, but Naboth declined to part with it, since it had been his inheritance. (Legally and religiously, Jewish ancestral property was required to remain in the family in perpetuity.) Ahab was frustrated by Naboth‘s refusal and sulked in his room and refused to eat.

Ahab’s foreign wife Jezebel, who had no respect for the laws or religion of Israel, taunted Ahab, asking him in effect “are you the ruler of Israel or not?” She arranged that capital charges be brought against Naboth by false witnesses (two were required to sustain the charges), so that he might be eliminated by execution Her plan was implemented; Naboth was falsely convicted and stoned to death, and Ahab was able to take possession of the vineyard.

Paul points out that it is by the grace (free gift) of God that we are blessed, through Jesus, with eloquence and knowledge. Therefore these should not be an occasion for division and quarreling. Paul himself preaches the gospel unadorned by his own eloquence, and without any personal claim of great understanding, because the gospel itself is wisdom and eloquence; God’s wisdom is far above man’s power to understand or express it. The world thinks that God’s wisdom is foolish, but God’s wisdom is so superior to men’s that men’s wisdom will seem foolish by comparison.

Jesus had submitted in humility to the baptism of repentance by John the Baptist, and had received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of his validation by God. He was tempted by the Devil in the three main categories of temptation: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and pride of life. In each instance, Jesus resisted the temptation by citing God’s Word on the appropriate subject. The result was that the Devil was unable to gain a foothold and was forced to flee.

Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard. Rather than submit to God’s Word on the subject, he sulked and wouldn’t eat, and was easily persuaded, finally, to commit murder and robbery in order to obtain his desire. What started as lust of the eye (he saw the vineyard and coveted it) progressed to lust of the flesh (he desired it so much that it interfered with his natural desire to eat) and finally was fully actuated by his pride of life (Jezebel’s taunt as to whether Ahab was ruler of Israel or not). No doubt Jezebel and Ahab thought themselves very clever to have come up with a way to obtain Naboth’s vineyard for free. Ultimately, though, it cost them their immortal souls; would they have considered the vineyard worth spending eternity in Hell?

The wisdom of the world ultimately proved to be folly, compared to the wisdom of God. By contrast, Jesus provides the power and the example we need to resist temptation. Jesus was tempted in each of the three main categories to which we are vulnerable: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life [and these are the very temptations which led to the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted Adam and Eve by showing them that the apple was good to eat ( the lust of the flesh) pleasant to look at (the lust of the eye) and would cause them to be like God, knowing good and evil (pride of life) ( see Genesis 3:5-6)] Satan tempted Jesus with bread to satisfy his physical desire, the kingdoms of the world to satisfy the lust of his eye, and the temptation of his pride to prove himself to be the son of God by throwing himself off the temple

Only by applying God’s Word in the name and power of Jesus are we able to resist the temptation to sin, and when we resist, the Devil will flee from us. (James 4:7) Are we willing to trade our inheritance of eternal life in Jesus for the momentary pleasures of sin?

first posted 09/19/05

1 Kings 21:17-29, Elijah Confronts Ahab

1 Corinthians 1:20-31, The Wisdom of God

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee

Ahab, King of northern Israel, had coveted a vineyard of Ahab’s neighbor Naboth’s inheritance in the Promised Land. Ahab was so unhappy that Naboth would not sell or trade Ahab for it that Jezebel, Ahab’s heathen wife arranged for Naboth’s murder. As Ahab was in Naboth’s vineyard taking possession of it, the Lord sent Elijah to confront Ahab for the murder of Naboth. The Lord told Elijah to tell Ahab that he would die where and in the same manner as Naboth had, with dogs licking up his blood.

Elijah confronted Ahab and declared that Ahab had sold himself to do what was evil in God’s judgment, and Ahab and his dynasty would be destroyed as Jeroboam’s (the first king of northern Israel) and as Baasha’s (the third king of northern Israel) had been destroyed, because Ahab had led the people of the kingdom to sin against God. Jezebel, the heathen wife of Ahab, would be eaten by dogs within Jezreel (the city of Ahab’s second residence; the capital was Samaria).

Ahab was the most wicked of the kings of northern Israel (1 Kings 16:30; 21:25). He was as wicked as the Amorites who the Lord had driven from the Promised Land to allow Israel to possess it.

When Ahab heard the prophecy of Elijah, he tore his cloths and put on sackcloth (the ritual garb of repentance) and fasted and mourned. The Lord told Elijah that because Ahab had repented and mourned for his sin, the Lord would allow him to live, and would bring judgment on his descendants instead.

Those who have or teach worldly wisdom are no better off, from an eternal perspective, than ignorant fools; both will perish eternally. God, who is all-wise and all-knowing makes worldly wisdom and knowledge foolish in comparison. God’s wisdom is confirmed by the fact that he designed Creation so that it is impossible to know God through wisdom.

God offers salvation to those who trust and obey God’s plan even though it seems foolish to those who have worldly wisdom. “Jews demand signs (miracles which point to divine authority), and Greeks (Gentiles) seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,” (1 Corinthians 1:22-23) but to those who respond to God’s call in faith (obedient trust), both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the wisdom and power of God. “For the folly of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Most responsive to God’s call are those who are not wise, powerful, wealthy or famous by worldly standards. God chose the poor, humble and weak to shame those who are rich, exalted and powerful in this world. God chose what is regarded as nothing by this world, to bring to nothing worldly things and values. No human creature has any reason for boasting in God’s presence. God is the source of true, eternal life in Jesus Christ, whom God has made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. We have no reason to boast in ourselves; only in what Jesus has done on our behalf.

When Jesus heard that John the Baptizer had been arrested, Jesus withdrew from Judah to Galilee, and moved from Nazareth to Capernaum, on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali (because the people of Nazareth rejected his teaching and authority; Luke 4:16-31). This was in fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-2, that those who have been waiting in the darkness of this sinful world and in the shadow of physical death have seen the dawn of the light of righteousness and eternal life in Jesus Christ, the promised Savior and eternal King. From the time of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus began to preach a call to repent in order to receive the kingdom of heaven which was coming at that moment.

The Lord was the intended true King of Israel. When God’s people insisted in having a human king like the surrounding nations, God warned them of the disadvantages but they insisted and God allowed them to create a monarchy. The king was intended to rule God’s people in God’s name and in accordance with God’s Word. As the rulers of Israel turned away from obedient trust in God’s will and pursued self-interest, wealth, power and other idolatries, the nation of Israel began to break up. It divided into two kingdoms.

The northern kingdom drifted farther and farther from God, and refused to hear God’s Word from his prophets, until Samaria was conquered by Shalmeneser of Assyria in 721 B.C. The people were transported to other lands conquered by Assyria, and other conquered people were brought into northern Israel who mixed with the remnant of the ten northern tribes. The ten northern tribes ceased to exist; the remnant became the Samaritans, of mixed race and religion.

Naboth was a citizen of the northern Kingdom of Israel, who lost his civil rights, his physical and spiritual inheritance, and his opportunity for physical life in the earthly Promised Land, because of a wicked leader of God’s people. Ahab had sold his inheritance in God’s kingdom by disobedience of God’s Word. It was the spiritual condition of the kingdom of the northern tribes that allowed King Ahab to arise, and they went along with his idolatry. The King and the people had become as wicked as the original inhabitants which God had driven from the land because of their wickedness.

As bad as the situation was, God showed his mercy and grace to Ahab when Ahab heeded Elijah’s prophecy and sincerely repented and humbled himself before God. Fortunately there was time for Ahab to repent. If the whole kingdom had truly repented they could have avoided their ultimate condemnation and destruction, but they waited until disaster was upon them.

The eternal kingdom belongs to the Lord. If eternal life could be possessed by worldly wisdom, human cunning or deceit, worldly wealth or power, the same people who are running this world would be in authority in the eternal kingdom, and it wouldn’t be Heaven; it would just be eternally more of this fallen, sinful, unjust world. The standard God has set for his eternal kingdom is obedient trust in Jesus Christ, not from fear of punishment but from love in response to God’s love for us in Jesus.

God is the source of our physical life and he’s the only source of true, eternal life in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). God has made Jesus Christ the source of divine wisdom, through the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17; Luke 24:45). Jesus is the source of true righteousness; not a righteousness of our own by doing good deeds, but the righteousness of God which is only through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22). Jesus is the only source of sanctification (the process of purification and spiritual growth to maturity by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit). Only Jesus gives the gift (“anointing;” “baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which he gives only to his disciples, who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17, 21).

Jesus is the only sacrifice acceptable to God for forgiveness of disobedience of God, salvation from eternal death and condemnation, and restoration to fellowship with God. Jesus provides our redemption from bondage to sin and eternal death; he paid the price for our forgiveness and release from the sentence of eternal death (Hebrews 9:12-15; Ephesians 1:7-8, 14).

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s Word. He is the personification of God’s Word in human form (John 1:1-3; 14). He is the light of the world and the light of righteousness and eternal life (John 1:4-5; 8:12). The Day of Judgment will come suddenly; at a time we don’t expect. (Mathew 24:44; 25:13).

Now is the Day of Salvation; today is the day to repent and prepare to receive the Kingdom of God in Heaven (2 Corinthians 6:2; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Jesus died to pay for our salvation and eternal life. Are we willing to sell or exchange eternal life for worldly wisdom, power, wealth or pleasure; the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25)?

Alternative Entry

first posted 10/13/03

1 Kings 21:17-29 Elijah’s Prophecy Against Ahab

1 Corinthians 1:20-31 The Wisdom of God

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee

The Lord told Elijah to go and confront Ahab in the vineyard that Ahab had killed Naboth to possess. Ahab prophesied the Lord’s judgment against the House of Ahab (his household; descendents). When Ahab heard the Word of the Lord by Elijah, Ahab repented and put on sackcloth and fasted (the traditional garb and behavior of repentance), so the Lord had mercy on Ahab and reduced the punishment he had intended.

In God’s wisdom, he designed the world so that the world cannot know God through wisdom. Instead, God's plan was to give salvation to those who believe the Gospel of Jesus. That Gospel sounds like foolishness to the world. The world wants evidence; it pursues wisdom; the Gospel of Christ seems like folly, and it becomes an obstacle to their acceptance. But to those who believe, the Gospel reveals the wisdom and power of God. The world exalts itself through its wisdom, not recognizing how vastly superior God is in wisdom and power. In his wisdom, God favors the humble, and through Jesus, gives them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption (a verdict of rightness, purity and forgiveness on the Day of Judgment).

After John the Baptist had been arrested, Jesus left Nazareth and moved to Capernaum, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus began to preach, saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 17)

Ahab had been guilty of great wickedness. He had married a foreign woman, Jezebel, against God’s command, and had greatly expanded the practice of idolatry in Israel (1 Kings 21:25-26). Then his covetousness led to the murder of Naboth and theft of Naboth's vineyard. (1 Kings 21:1-19). But even after all this wickedness, when Ahab listened to God’s Word, took it to heart, humbled himself and repented, God forgave Ahab and showed mercy toward him.

John the Baptist was, according to Jesus own words, the “Elijah” who was prophesied to come before the coming of the Christ (Matthew 11:13-14). John’s message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John’s preaching pointed to Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 3:2, 11-12, 14; John 1:35-37). Jesus began his ministry with the same call to repentance. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10).

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “The wages (penalty) of sin is death” (eternal destruction; separation from God)(Romans 6:23). “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). “But God showed his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God- not because of works (of law) lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “To all who received him, who believed in his name he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12). “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him" (have a close personal fellowship) (Revelation 3:20).

18 Pentecost – Wednesday

first posted 09/20/05

1 Kings 22:1-28, Micaiah Prophesies the Truth

1 Corinthians 2:1-13, Spiritual Wisdom

Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus Calls his Disciples

The northern Kingdom of Israel had formed an alliance with Syria to resist conquest by the Assyrians. Ahab, the king of the northern kingdom, also arranged for his daughter to marry Jehoram, the son of Jeoshaphat, king of the southern Kingdom of Judah, creating an alliance between the two kingdoms.

After three years of alliance with Syria, Jeoshaphat was visiting Ahab, who asked him to join him in battle against Syria to regain Ramoth-gilead (southeast of the Sea of Galilee) which had earlier come under Syrian domination. Jeoshaphat agreed, but asked that they seek the counsel of God’s Word first.

Ahab gathered the four hundred prophets of Israel and asked them whether Israel and Judah should fight Syria for possession of Ramoth-gilead, and the prophets all told him that the Lord would give them victory. Jeoshaphat asked if there were any other prophets, and Ahab said there was one prophet, named Micaiah, whom he hadn’t consulted because his prophecies were always against Ahab. Jeoshaphat asked Ahab to consult Micaiah.

Micaiah was summoned, and the messenger advised the prophet to reply favorably as all the other prophets had, but Micaiah declared that he would speak only the words that the Lord gave him. In the presence of the kings and the prophets of Israel, Micaiah at first answered as the other prophets had, but Ahab told him to tell the truth. So Micaiah described a vision of Israel as sheep without a shepherd, scattered on a mountain. The Lord said that they had no master and that each should go home in peace (rather than waging war).

Ahab told Jeoshaphat that Micaiah’s answer confirmed Ahab’s opinion that Micaiah always prophesied against Ahab. So Micaiah replied that if Ahab really wanted to hear God’s Word, Micaiah would speak it. Micaiah told Ahab that it was God’s will that Ahab be deceived and thus go into battle against Syria, where Ahab would be killed. God had allowed Ahab’s prophets to be deceived by a lying spirit. Micaiah said it wasn’t he who spoke evil (bad news) against Ahab, but God.

One of the other prophets, Zedekiah was insulted, and struck Micaiah and ridiculed him, but Micaiah prophesied against him that there was a day coming when Zedekiah would be hiding in fear for his life. King Ahab ordered Micaiah imprisoned on starvation rations until the King returned, and Micaiah replied that the people were his witnesses; if Ahab returned then the Lord had not spoken by Micaiah.

Paul’s preaching was not his attempt to impress his hearers with great oratory, wisdom or knowledge, except for the knowledge of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. The power of Paul’s preaching of the Gospel was not from any confidence in his own human ability, or any logical argument, but in demonstration of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, so that the faith of believers would not rely on worldly wisdom, but in the power of God.

“Yet among the (spiritually) mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification” (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). If the rulers of this world had possessed this divine wisdom, they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus.

God has prepared a future for his people who trust and obey him. which has never been seen or heard of by humans and is beyond our ability to imagine, except as revealed to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. As only the spirit of a person knows that person’s deepest inner thoughts and feelings, so the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God.

“Born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciples like Paul “have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit of God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).

Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee. As Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon (Peter) and his brother, Andrew, fishing with throw-nets, and he called them to follow him, saying he would make them “fishers of men,” and they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. Continuing down the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John. They were in their boat mending nets, with their father, Zebedee. Jesus called them and they left their father and the boat and followed Jesus.

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and healing every illness and disability he encountered. News of his healings spread throughout Galilee and the surrounding area of the Roman Province of Syria (which included the Mediterranean coast north of Caesarea), and people throughout the region brought the sick, disabled and demon-possessed to Jesus and he healed them all. Great crowds followed Jesus, coming from Galilee, and from as far away as Judea and Jerusalem, and from the Decapolis and other lands east the Jordan.

Ahab liked “yes men;” prophets who told him what he wanted to hear instead of God’s truth. Although he told Micaiah that he wanted to hear the truth, once he had heard it he disregarded it and did what he wanted to do anyway. Ahab wanted to coerce God to do Ahab’s will, rather than submitting to what God wanted Ahab to do. The hallmark and test of God’s Word (and his prophets) is its fulfillment; God’s Word is always fulfilled.

God has intended from the beginning of Creation to create an eternal kingdom of his people who trust and obey him, and he’s given us free choice. We are all eternal (John 5:28-29), and this temporal life is our opportunity to seek and come to personal knowledge of and fellowship with God (Acts 17:26-27) and to choose where we want to spend eternity. In order to provide freedom of choice, God had to provide alternatives, so creation contains not only good but also the possibility of evil; not only what is true but also the possibility of what is false. Creation was created “good” (Genesis 1:4; 31); evil is the result of mankind’s choice.

Worldly wisdom is a “lying spirit.” Those who rely on worldly wisdom cannot see and accept the wisdom of God in the crucifixion of Jesus. Attempts to come to knowledge of God by worldly wisdom and knowledge are impossible. The gift of the Holy Spirit is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is received only by disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17), are we able to know and experience God’s wisdom and goodness.

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). “...No prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). Jesus warns that the Day of Judgment will come for everyone: “Do not marvel at this, for the time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his (the Son of man’s; Jesus’) voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment (condemnation; eternal destruction) (John 5:28-29).

Jesus calls each one of us to follow him. We must choose to lay down whatever would keep us from following him and submit to his leading. Only Jesus can heal us and free us from bondage to the “lying spirits” of this world.

Are you willing to hear God’s Word in order to do it? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Alternative Entry

first posted 10/14/03

1 Kings 22:1-28 Micaiah’s Prophecy Against King Ahab

1 Corinthians 2:1-13 Spiritual Wisdom

Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus Calls His Disciples

After three years of peace between the northern kingdom of Israel, and Syria, there was a quarrel between them over the possession of Ramoth-gilead (south-east of The Sea of Galilee). Israel had formed an alliance with the southern kingdom, Judah, and they were preparing to attack Syria to reclaim Ramoth-gilead. King Jehoshaphat of Judah asked King Ahab of Israel to consult his prophets before the attack. All the prophets advised them to attack, saying that the Lord would give them victory. But there was one prophet, Micaiah, who had not been consulted because he always gave Ahab unfavorable prophecies. Jehoshaphat wanted to hear Micaiah’s advice also, so the prophet was summoned.

The messenger who summoned the prophet warned him that all the other prophets had already advised the attack, and that Micaiah should do the same. At first Micaiah did so, but when Ahab pressed him to know what he really thought, Micaiah prophesied against the attack. King Ahab told Jehoshaphat “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” (v.18b) Then Micaiah told Ahab that all the other prophets had been deceived by a lying spirit; Micaiah alone had spoken the Word of the Lord. One of the other prophets, Zedekiah was insulted, and struck Micaiah and ridiculed him, but Micaiah prophesied against him that there was a day coming when Zedekiah would be hiding in fear for his life. King Ahab ordered Micaiah imprisoned on starvation rations until the King returned, and Micaiah replied that the people were his witnesses; if Ahab returned then the Lord had not spoken by Micaiah.

Paul did not try to impress the Corinthians with wisdom or rhetoric; his preaching was the simple proclamation of the truth, so that the Corinthians’ faith might be based on God’s power, rather than on worldly wisdom. Those who have been trained by the indwelling Holy Spirit receive a spiritual wisdom which is deeper than worldly wisdom. That spiritual wisdom, secret and hidden in that it cannot be understood apart from the gift of the Holy Spirit since it is spiritually discerned, is God’s plan of redemption through Christ’s death and resurrection. If God’s plan had been understood by worldly wisdom, the worldly rulers would not have allowed it to be brought to fulfillment by crucifying Jesus.

Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, calling people to follow him and become his disciples as he passed by, and as he traveled around Galilee he preached the gospel and healed every disease and infirmity. His reputation quickly spread throughout a wide area, beyond Galilee, so that people came from all Syria and Judea also.

King Ahab was rich and powerful, and he didn’t want to hear anything unfavorable, so he surrounded himself with prophets who were willing to compromise God’s Word so that they could enjoy the King’s favor. Ahab thought he could ignore Micaiah because Micaiah always preached things King Ahab didn’t want to hear anyway. But while entertaining a neighboring ally whose help he needed to accomplish his interests, the guest pressured Ahab to seek Micaiah’s prophecy.

Micaiah dared to tell the King the truth, although it made him the enemy of the other prophets who had the King’s approval, and resulted in Micaiah’s harsh imprisonment. Ahab chose not to accept the truth because it was not what he wanted to hear. Paul didn’t try to sugar-coat his message; he wasn’t trying to win a popularity contest. He just proclaimed the truth and let God’s power work through him. His hearers were free to accept or reject his message. Jesus taught the truth that God is Lord in the present age, although not all acknowledge him, and that there is a coming age when there will be a Day of Judgment when his Lordship will be established beyond question for all eternity.

There are plenty of “prophets” today who are willing to tailor the message so that people don’t have to hear anything that makes them uncomfortable. There are lots of people who think they they’re so well-educated, prosperous, and powerful to that they don’t have to listen to unpleasant messages. There are lots of people in churches today who think that the interpretation of scripture should be a matter of democratic vote. [Adam, Eve and the serpent voted 3 to 1 to eat the apple; God “lost” that vote (Genesis 3).] “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). “...No prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). Jesus warns that the Day of Judgment will come for everyone: “Do not marvel at this, for the time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his (the Son of man; Jesus’) voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment (condemnation; eternal destruction) (John 5:28-29). Jesus is passing by and he’s calling us to follow him and become his disciples. Where will we choose to spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

18 Pentecost – Thursday

first posted 09/21/05

1 Kings 22:29-45, Ahab’s Death

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15, Unspiritual People

Matthew 5:1-10 The Beatitudes

Ahab and Jehoshaphat, the kings of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, had agreed to fight Syria to regain Ramoth-gilead (southeast of the Sea of Galilee). Micaiah was the one prophet of the northern Kingdom who warned Ahab not to fight the Syrians or Ahab would die in the battle (1 Kings 22:17-20).

Both kings went to Ramoth-gilead to fight the Syrians. Ahab did not wear his royal robes, but told Jehoshaphat to wear Jehoshaphat’s royal robes. The king of Syria told his thirty two captains of chariots to not engage anyone but Ahab, the king of Israel. Seeing Jehoshaphat in royal robes they thought he must be the king of Israel, but when Jehoshaphat cried out, they realized he wasn’t Ahab so they didn’t pursue him. But “at a venture” (by “chance”) a Syrian archer shot Ahab with an arrow in a gap in his armor. Ahab told his chariot driver to turn away from the battlefield because Ahab was wounded.

Ahab sat in his chariot facing the Syrians until he died that evening, fulfilling Micaiah’s prophecy. At sunset the armies disengaged. Ahab’s blood had flowed onto the floor of the chariot. Ahab was buried in Samaria, and the chariot was washed out at the pool of Samaria. Dogs came and licked Ahab’s blood as the prophet Elijah had said (1 Kings 21:19). Ahab’s son Ahaziah became king of Israel.

Jehoshaphat was king of Judah for twenty-five years, and he did what was right in God’s judgment, as had his father Asa. But the people continued to worship and sacrifice on the high places (instead of the temple in Jerusalem), and he made peace with the king of Israel.

“The unspiritual (unregenerate; “unreborn;” John 3:3, 5-8) man does not received the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Spiritual people have spiritual discernment because the Holy Spirit is the mind of Christ, but spiritual people should not be judged by unspiritual people. Paul quoted Isaiah 40:13 to show that humans are not qualified to teach the Lord anything, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, the mind of Christ, teaches and guides “born-again” Christians.

The Corinthian Christians demonstrated that they were not spiritually mature by their rivalry over the popularity and authority of their leaders and teachers. They needed to start living according to what they already knew from Paul’s elementary instruction before they could go on to more spiritually advanced teachings.

All spiritual leaders and teachers in the Church are to be servants of the Lord. Like farmers who have a servant who plants and another who waters, Church leaders have various roles but work together to produce results under the guidance and empowerment of God. We carry out our roles, and are rewarded for our labor, but only God can cause spiritual growth. Church leaders are merely laborers, but the Church is God’s garden.

The Church is God’s spiritual building. Paul was commissioned to lay the spiritual foundation for the congregation at Corinth. Others then built upon that foundation. The foundation is the scriptural, apostolic gospel of Jesus Christ. Each person must build upon that foundation. The workmanship and the quality of materials will be revealed on the Day of Judgment, so we are warned to take care how we build upon the foundation. Our materials and workmanship will be tested by fire. If a person’s work survives the test of fire, he will be rewarded. [Those whose materials and workmanship were shoddy will be ashamed.]

Great crowds of people were coming from all over Israel and the surrounding areas to hear Jesus. Jesus would sit on a hillside and teach his disciples.

He began by saying that those who realize that they are spiritually poor will be blessed, and the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Those who mourn (now, in this sinful, fallen world), will be comforted, now and eternally. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled and satisfied. The merciful will receive mercy. Those who are pure in their hearts (sincere, obedient, and trusting) will see God. Those who live peaceably and work for peace will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Ahab had sought the Word of God, not to obey it; but to receive God’s blessing on Ahab’s plan. When he heard the true Word of God from Micaiah, Ahab thought he could defy it and avoid the consequences by his worldly wisdom. Ahab thought he could disguise his true identity, and set up Jehoshaphat to be killed instead of Ahab. The Syrian archer who released his arrow “at a whim” was fulfilling God’s Word, completely unaware.

Jehoshaphat was generally a righteous, obedient and trusting servant of God. Reversion to worship and sacrifice on the high places represented a reversion toward pagan practices, a perversion of the centralized worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Reform was needed but Jehoshaphat didn’t lead the reform. Jehoshaphat also made peace with Ahab, the most wicked king of the northern Kingdom, who had allowed idolatry to grow and thrive in his kingdom. Jehoshaphat also joined Ahab in a military campaign which was contrary to God’s Word.

Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) is the example of a modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ. He had acknowledged and repented of his spiritual blindness (on the road to Damascus) and had received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 9:1-9, 17-19). He was guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be an apostle (a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ). Paul built spiritual foundations of the Church throughout the Roman world.

Paul is an example of the leaders the Church needs. Paul was fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) which the risen Jesus had given to his disciples before Jesus ascended into heaven. He was a “born-again” disciple making “born-again” disciples. Paul was telling the Corinthian congregation where and how they needed to grow spiritually. He was telling the congregation the full Gospel truth that they needed to hear in order to grow spiritually.

It isn’t the comfortable and satisfied of this world who seek and find the kingdom of God. We can’t see the truth of the Gospel until we recognize and repent of our spiritual blindness. We have to be willing to hear the full truth even though it makes us uncomfortable, in order to be healed and comforted. Working for peace does not mean going along with wickedness and corrupt worldly leaders and people.
Jesus came to offer genuine peace, not what the world calls peace (John 14:27). Jesus came to offer peace, but he makes a lot of people angry.

Christian disciples have to be willing to be unpopular, and they must be willing to accept correction from God’s Word. Do we really want to know God’s Word in order to live it, or are we just seeking God’s blessing on our worldly lives? Are we willing to hear the full Gospel or do we just want our ears ‘tickled” with what makes us feel good (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? Will we ignore God’s Word and hope to avoid the consequences, or will we build on it and make it the unshakable foundation of our lives?

Alternative Entry

first posted 10/15/03

1 Kings 22:29-45 Ahab Killed in Battle

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15 Unspiritual Men

Matthew 5:1-10 The Beatitudes

King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went up with their armies to reclaim Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. Because of Micaiah’s prophesy against him, King Ahab decided to disguise himself, while letting King Jehoshaphat remain in kingly apparel. The Syrians had orders specifically to strike the King of Israel, so when they saw Jehoshaphat they thought he surely must be the King of Israel. But when Jehoshaphat cried out they recognized from his voice that it wasn’t Ahab, so they let him live. But, by chance, Ahab was wounded as he rode in his chariot. His chariot withdrew from battle, and Ahab lay wounded in the chariot until he died at sunset. Then the armies withdrew, and the body of King Ahab was brought to Samaria where it was buried. Ahab’s blood had pooled in the chariot as he lay dying all afternoon, and in Samaria the chariot was washed out and dogs licked up Ahab’s blood, as Micaiah had prophesied. Ahab’ son Ahaziah reigned in his place. Jehoshaphat was faithful to the Lord’s ways and continued to reign in Judah for twenty five years.

Paul taught that the unspiritual person doesn’t receive the gifts of the Spirit, because they seem like foolishness to him, and he can’t understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The Corinthians were not ready for more advanced instruction, because they lacked spiritual maturity, as their factionalism demonstrated. Paul used the analogy of a building to illustrate how the basic foundation of a Christian is Jesus himself, but the Christian must build upon that foundation to bring his life to spiritual maturity, and that the quality of the materials and workmanship which he puts into that process will be tested. He will have to give an account for what he has done in his life as a result of receiving the Gospel.

God will show his favor toward those who strive to live in obedience to his will. Those who recognize their need for spirituality (spiritual maturity) and strive for it will receive its reward, which is eternal life in the kingdom of God. Those who long for righteousness and those who are sincerely seeking God will be obtain their goal. Those who mourn now will be strengthened and comforted. The meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed.

Ahab didn’t obey the Word of God spoken through Micaiah (but wearing a disguise indicated that he thought he could avoid the consequences of his disobedience). Ahab didn’t value God’s Word; he had lots of other people willing to tell him what he wanted to hear (see Journal for yesterday, Wed. Oct 15, immediately below). God’s Word is reliable; it always has its fulfillment. King Ahab died in battle, and dogs licked his blood, just as Micaiah had foretold. Those who hear the gospel and take heed and apply it to their lives will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven. Those who reject the gospel will be condemned to eternal death. Will we ignore the Word of God and then hope to escape the consequences, or will we make it the unshakable foundation of our lives and build upon it to spiritual maturity?

18 Pentecost – Friday

first posted 09/22/05

2 Kings 1:2-17, Ahaziah’s Death

1 Corinthians 3:16-23, God’s Temple

Matthew 5:11-16 The Witness of Disciples

Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, became king of the northern Kingdom of Israel when Ahab died in battle against Syria. Ahaziah had an accident in the palace in Samaria, apparently falling through a lattice which had been intended to prevent such accidents. He was confined to bed, so he sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub,* the pagan god of Ekron (a town of the Philistines, about twenty-five miles west of Jerusalem), whether he would recover from his injuries.

An angel of the Lord told Elijah to go out and meet the messengers as they were leaving, and ask them why they were going to enquire of Baal-zebub; was there no God in Israel for them to ask? Elijah told them to return to Ahaziah and tell him what the Lord had said through Elijah. Elijah declared that because Ahaziah had sought pagan counsel instead of God’s Word, Ahaziah wouldn’t leave the bed and would die there of his injuries.

The messengers returned to Ahaziah and told him what Elijah had said. The king was surprised that the messengers returned so soon. The messengers did not know Elijah’s name, but they described him as wearing a haircloth garment and a leather belt, and Ahaziah knew it had to be Elijah.

The king sent a detachment of fifty soldiers to fetch Elijah, and they found him sitting on a hilltop. They acknowledged Elijah as a man of God and commanded him to come down. Elijah replied that if he were a man of God, fire from heaven would consume the detachment, and immediately they were struck down by fire from heaven.

The king sent another detachment of fifty, and they were also destroyed by fire from heaven. The king sent a third detachment and the commander of this detachment fell on his knees and prayed for the lives of his men and himself to be spared. The Lord told Elijah to go with this group without fear. Elijah was brought to the king and Elijah told Ahaziah, in person, that because Ahaziah had sought pagan counsel he would die in the bed he was in.

The Word of God spoken by Elijah was fulfilled. Ahaziah died, and his brother Jehoram became king of Israel, since Ahaziah had no son. (Jehoram, son of Ahab, reigned in the kingdom of Israel about the same time that his brother-in-law, also named Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, reigned in the kingdom of Judah).

The Church and individual “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciples are the temple of God by the indwelling Holy Spirit. God will destroy those who destroy his Church or his spiritual children. God’s temple is holy (purified and consecrated to God’s use), and the Church and its members, as God’s temples, are to be holy (see 1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 11:44-45).

Paul warns not to put faith in worldly wisdom or education, and to evaluate ourselves honestly, so as not to be self-deluded. In order receive true divine wisdom we must be willing to disregard worldly wisdom and education. “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19a; compare 1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

God “catches the wise in their craftiness” (1 Corinthians 3:19b; Job 5:13-14). “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile” (1Corinthians 3:20; Psalm 94:11). We have no reason to boast of human abilities or accomplishments.

The Corinthians were boasting of the authority and popularity of individual leaders and teachers in the Corinthian congregation, and claiming to belong to them. Instead of belonging to Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas (Simon Peter), those teachers belonged to the members of the Church. All things belong to Christians because Christians belong to Jesus who has received authority over all things from God (Matthew 28:18).

Jesus told his disciples that we will be blessed when people revile and persecute us for Jesus’ sake. We can rejoice and be glad in persecution, knowing that this is what the world has always done to the prophets of the Lord.

Disciples are to be like salt in this world, A little salt changes the taste of everything around it, but salt has to maintain its basic character. If salt lost its saltiness it would be worthless; it could not do what it was created and intended to do.

Disciples are to be like light in this world. A city on a hilltop would be visible by its light at night for a great distance all around. People don’t light a candle and then put a bucket over it; they put it on a stand so that it will provide light to all that surrounds it.

Our light is the light of Christ’s righteousness which is only received through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Our light is also the light of spiritual understanding, which we receive through Christ’s indwelling Holy Spirit within us (John 14:15-17, 26). Disciples are to live according to Jesus’ teachings and spiritual wisdom so that others may see the light of Christ within us and praise God the Father in heaven.

Ahaziah was the son of King Ahab, the most wicked of all the kings of the northern Kingdom Israel (1 Kings 16:30), and Ahab’s pagan wife Jezebel, who established Baal-worship in the northern kingdom. He had hardly been raised to trust and obey the Lord. His first reaction when things started to go wrong in his life was to seek worldly, demonic counsel.

Elijah, the man of God, proclaimed God’s Word and warned Ahaziah that seeking such counsel would destroy him but he wouldn’t listen. Ahaziah thought his power as king could be used to manipulate Elijah to obtain God’s favor; to reverse the prophecy against Ahaziah. But Ahaziah’s power was insignificant compared to the Lord’s power working through Elijah.

The destruction of Ahaziah’s military detachments is a warning to worldly people that if they persist in human arrogance against God and God’s children they will be destroyed. The third detachment was saved because the captain was willing to recognize the truth and kneel and pray for mercy and salvation.

God in his wisdom has designed creation so that humans cannot come to know God by worldly wisdom or education (1 Corinthians 1:21). Faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ is the only way to come to a personal relationship with God (John 14:6) through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17, 21, 23). In order to receive divine wisdom we must be willing to disregard what the world falsely considers wisdom.

If we trust and obey Jesus, we will receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9; note the Trinity), who will teach us everything and help us remember Jesus’ teachings (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). Worldly leaders exalt themselves over others, but the leaders in God’s kingdom are the servants of others (Matthew 20:25-28).

Christians by definition are disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts11:26d). Discipleship is not an optional category of “Super-Christian.” “Christians” who are not experiencing trouble and persecution for the Gospel of Jesus Christ are doing it wrong! Watch out when people are praising us (Luke 6:26)!

Disciples are called to be “salt” and “light.” Christians who are not affecting the people and world around them are not fulfilling their commission. Salt stings a cut, but promotes healing. People who do what is right welcome public scrutiny, but those who do what is sinful don’t want their activities spotlighted for others to see. Those who have not seen the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are walking in spiritual darkness. Only through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit are we able to understand divine wisdom and divine truth.

People are still seeking their spiritual well-being in all the wrong places, among gods who cannot save them, and dying rather than turning in repentance to the true and living Almighty God who can. Those who have experienced a personal relationship with the Lord are called to be led by the Spirit of the Lord and to speak his Word even thought it may not be popular.

Are you seeking divine wisdom and counsel? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

________________________________________________________________________

*Baal-zebub means “lord of the flies;” it is a mocking distortion of Baal-zebul, meaning either “lord of the divine abode,” or “Baal the prince;” one of the names and manifestations of the great Baal…Later, ...a synonym for Satan” –The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, pg. 454, 2 Kings 1:2-5 n, Oxford University Press, New York, 1962

_______________________________________________________________________

Alternative Entry

posted 10/16/03

2 Kings 1:2-17 Elijah Prophesies Against Ahaziah

1 Corinthians 3:16-23 The Temple of God

Matthew 5:11-16 Salt and Light

Ahaziah was King of the northern kingdom, Israel. He was seriously injured in a fall from the upper chamber of his house in Samaria. As he lay sick, he sent a servant to enquire of Baalzebub* whether Ahaziah would recover. At the Lord’s direction Elijah intercepted the messenger and sent him back with Elijah’s message rebuking Ahaziah for seeking word from a demon, and prophesying that Ahaziah would die of his injuries.

When the King received the message, he sent a detachment of fifty soldiers and their commander to arrest Elijah and bring him to the King, but Elijah called down fire from heaven which destroyed the detachment. Again the King sent another unit, and again Elijah called down fire from heaven and destroyed them. The King sent a third detachment, but this time the officer pleaded with Elijah not to destroy them. So Elijah went with them at the guidance of the Lord, and told the King directly. The King “died, according to the Word of the Lord which Elijah had spoken.” (v.17) and his brother Jehoram (son of Ahab) became king in his place, since Ahaziah had no son. [Jehoram (son of Ahab) is not to be confused with Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, who was King of Judah at the same time.]

Believers are (individually and collectively) the temple of God. Anyone who destroys God’s temple will be held accountable by God for great desecration. Those who think that they’re smart and clever, according to the standards of wisdom of this world, are foolish, and are really revealing their ignorance. Paul’s point is that comparisons and boasting about human leaders among factions of the church is divisive and harmful. Human leaders belong to the church; the church does not belong to them. All belong to God in Christ.

The world has always persecuted the prophets of God. Those who are persecuted for speaking God’s will be blessed. Believers, as disciples of Jesus, are called to be spokespersons for God. Their activities need to be noticeable, and they will “spice things up,” by stirring up controversy. If that isn’t happening they’re not doing their jobs. A disciple cannot adjust his message so as not to offend anyone without loosing the message.

Elijah had defeated the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel during Ahab’s reign. (He had prayed to God, who sent fire down from to kindle the sacrifice on the altar of God, while the priests of Baal proved ineffective) (1Kings 18:17-40). Now, after Ahab’s death, his son Ahaziah reigned. (Ahaziah’s mother may have been Jezebel, Ahab’s foreign wife who had brought the Baal-worship with her.) Ahaziah, seriously injured, sought spiritual advice from Baal. Ahaziah sent a third group of soldiers after Elijah had called down fire from heaven to destroy the first two groups.

Ahaziah was employing the wisdom of this world. What he did made sense from the worldly point of view, but turned out to be foolish. He died, rather than turning to the living God in repentance. People are still doing that today. People are still seeking their spiritual well-being in all the wrong places, among gods who cannot save them, and dying rather than turning in repentance to the true and living Almighty God who can. Those who have experienced a personal relationship with the Lord are called to be led by the Spirit of the Lord and to speak his Word even thought it may not be popular. Do you know the Lord who is?

*Baal-zebub means “lord of the flies; it is a mocking distortion of Baal-zebul, meaning either “lord of the divine abode,” or “Baal the Prince,” one of the names and manifestations of the great Baal…” –The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, pg. 454, 2K1.2-5note, Oxford University Press, New York, 1962

18 Pentecost – Saturday

first posted 09/23/05

2 Kings 2:1-18, Elijah’s Ascension

1 Corinthians 4:1-7, Servants of Christ

Matthew 5:17-20 Christ’s Gospel Versus Moses’ Law

It was known throughout the prophetic community that Elijah, the prophet, was about to be taken up into heaven by a whirlwind. Elisha had been designated by the Lord to succeed Elijah. Elijah and Elisha were walking from Gilgal (near Shiloh, north of Bethel). Elijah had suggested that Elisha stay in Gilgal since the Lord was directing Elijah to go on to Bethel, but Elisha vowed to stay with Elijah until the Lord took him into heaven.

They arrived in Bethel and were met by some “sons of the prophets” (disciples who were taught by the prophets). They asked Elisha if he knew that Elijah was to be taken into heaven that day by the Lord, and Elisha said that he knew. Elijah again suggested that Elisha stay, in Bethel, and Elisha again vowed to continue with Elijah until he was taken up.

They went on to Jericho, and again were met by sons of the prophets who also asked Elisha if he knew Elijah would be taken up that day. Again Elijah suggested that he stay, in Jericho, but Elisha went on with him to the Jordan River, and about fifty sons of the prophets went with them. At the Jordan, Elijah took off his mantle (cloak), rolled it up and struck the water, and the Jordan River parted so that they walked across on dry land.

When they had crossed the river, Elijah asked what Elisha would like Elijah to do for him before he ascended, and Elisha asked for a double measure of Elijah’s “anointing” (with the Holy Spirit). Elijah told Elisha that he wasn’t sure he could do that, but if Elisha saw Elijah as he was taken up his request would be granted.

As they went on, a chariot of fire with fiery horses separated Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah was carried into heaven by a whirlwind. Elisha shouted to Elijah, addressing him as “father,” that he had seen the chariot and its horsemen, and then Elijah disappeared.

Elisha returned to the Jordan, where the sons of the prophets from Jericho were still waiting. He took Elijah’s mantle that had been left behind as Elijah ascended, and rolled it up and struck the Jordan and it parted as it had for Elijah. The sons of the prophets acknowledged that Elijah’s anointing of the Spirit rested on Elisha, accepting Elisha as their leader.

The sons of the prophets suggested that they search the area for Elijah; he might have been picked up by the Spirit of the Lord and cast down again. Elisha told them not to bother searching but they kept insisting until Elisha gave in. They searched for three days, and returned without finding Elijah, and Elisha reminded them that he had told them so.

The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthian Christians that leaders of the Church are to be “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). Trustworthiness is an essential requirement for stewards. What the Corinthians thought of Paul or even what Paul thought of himself was not nearly as important as the Lord’s judgment of Paul.

Further, even Paul did not know everything about himself, but the Lord does. We are cautioned not to make judgments prematurely, before the Day of the Lord, because it is impossible for us to know all the facts. On that Day, the Lord “will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every (person) will receive his commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Paul had used Apollos and himself as examples, so that Christians could learn to live according to scripture, so that the Church would not be divided by arrogance, jealousy, or partisanship. If we have been changed by the Gospel it is not our own human accomplishment. Whatever we have received is a gift (from the Lord); why should we expect any credit for it?

Jesus has come not to abolish the Law of Moses and the Prophets (Jewish scripture; the Old Testament) but to fulfill them. Jesus said that until the end of the world (this present creation) God’s law will stand. Those who disregard God’s Word and teach others to do so will be least in the kingdom of heaven; those who keep God’s Word and teach others to do so will be great in the kingdom of heaven.

The hallmark and test of God’s Word is its fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:22); God’s Word is eternally true and is always fulfilled, as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. The prophetic community knew that Elijah would be taken into heaven that day, as Enoch had (Genesis 5:24), without experiencing physical death.

Elisha was an eyewitness to Elijah’s ascension, and he became the leader of the prophetic community, filled with the same Holy Spirit which had filled Elijah, in fulfillment of God’s Word (1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 2:10), witnessed and attested to by the parting of the Jordan River and the testimony and acknowledgment by the fifty sons of the prophets. Just to make sure Elijah had really left earth alive, fifty men spent three days looking for him.

In Elisha’s time the gift of the Holy Spirit was given only to a few chosen by God.

The sons of the prophets were people who recognized and acknowledged that the prophets were speaking God’s Word by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and they were disciples of the prophets, being taught God’s Word. Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven made it possible for Jesus’ disciples to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (John 14:15-17, 21, 23-24; 16:7-11).

Paul had received the Holy Spirit following his radical conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20). He is the prototype and example of a modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ. Paul was fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus had given to his disciples, to make disciples and teach them to obey all Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus’ teachings are God’s Word (John 14:24). Paul was discipling the Corinthian Christians, teaching them to live according to scripture (1Corinthians 4:6 RSV).

Jesus taught his disciples to trust and obey God’s Word and to teach others to do so. Jesus is the fulfillment and personification of God’s Word in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14). The Church is to be the modern equivalent of the sons of the prophets. It is to be led by authentic Spirit-filled leaders who are making disciples of Jesus Christ, as contrasted with cults of a particular “preacher” as the Corinthians had been.

Church members are to be disciples seeking God’s Word and the gift of his Holy Spirit to guide and enable them to trust and obey God’s Word. Born-again Christians, have personally experienced the risen and ascended Jesus and testify to that truth.

Too often the nominal “Church” has failed to make disciples, settling instead for making “members;” “fair-weather Christians.” The Church often has not taught its members to wait within the Church for the gift of the Holy Spirit before going out into the world as witnesses and evangelists (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). One cannot be a witness unless one has personally experienced what one is testifying about.

A church that doesn’t make “born again” disciples won’t have ‘born-again” apostles and leaders. Are congregations seeking spiritual growth or just numerical growth? Are we seeking Bible-based preaching and teaching, or are we settling for entertainment, comfortable facilities and friendly people (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? Are we really seeking God’s will with the commitment of doing it, or are we seeking his blessing on our will and personal agenda.

Alternative Entry

first posted 10/17/03

2 Kings 2:1-18

1 Corinthians 4:1-7

Matthew 5:17-20

The Lord was about to take Elijah, the prophet, up into heaven. [According to scripture, there was only one other man in history, Enoch, who was worthy to be taken up into heaven without dying (Genesis 5:24). Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection, according to Acts 1:3, but he had to die on the cross first.] Elijah and Elisha, Elijah’s disciple and potential successor, were on their way from Gilgal to Bethel ( This Gilgal is near Shiloh, north of Bethel; not the other Gilgal which is close to Jericho). Elijah suggested that they part there, but Elisha insisted on going with him, knowing that the Lord was going to take Elijah that day.

At Bethel the members of the prophetic order who were there asked Elisha if he knew that the Lord was about to take Elijah and he said that he did. Again Elijah suggested that Elisha stay behind while Elijah continued on to Jericho, but Elisha insisted on going with him. At Jericho the local prophets again asked Elisha if he knew what was about to happen and Elisha answered affirmatively, and again Elijah suggested that they part there, but Elisha continued on with him to the Jordan River. Fifty of the prophets followed along at a distance as they came to the Jordan River.

Elijah rolled up his mantle and struck and parted the water of the Jordan so that they could cross over. Once across, Elijah asked Elisha what he would request before they parted, and Elisha asked for a double measure of Elijah’s “anointing.” Elijah told him that if Elisha saw Elijah as he was taken up, he would receive his request. Then they were parted and Elisha watched Elijah taken up into heaven by a whirlwind.

Afterward Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle, which had been left behind when Elijah was taken up, and returned the way they had come. Elisha was able to part the water of the Jordan, as Elijah had. The other fifty prophets who had followed them to the River had not crossed but were waiting there. They insisted, over Elisha’s objection, on mounting a three-day search for Elijah, in case he had been dropped again by the whirlwind, but Elijah could not be found.

Paul says that church leaders are servants of Christ and stewards of the Gospel, accountable ultimately to the Lord. People should be careful not to judge one another because they cannot know their hidden motives. Paul has tried to show his hearers that neither boasting nor judgmental criticism of others is appropriate behavior.

Jesus came not to do away with the Law and the Prophets (the Jewish scriptures) but to fulfill them. Those who disregard the Bible or portions of it and teach others to do so are not in accord with the Lord’s will.

Elijah was obedient to God’s will, continuing to follow the Spirit of the Lord until the moment he was taken up. (Enoch had been taken up into heaven because he had "walked with God" in obedience.) Elisha was faithful to follow his teacher until that moment, and then to continue faithfully in the way he’d been taught. “The sons of the prophets” (the members of the prophetic order under Elijah, and subsequently under Elisha), knew God’s Word that Elijah was going to be taken up, but they still insisted on looking for Elijah for three days after it had happened, contrary to what their new acknowledged leader told them.

Paul’s point is that leaders should be examples for their members, living in accordance with the scriptures and teaching them to do likewise. Members should be careful not engage in divisive behavior such as favoring certain leaders over others on the basis of personality but rather the standard of conduct of all should be in accordance with scripture. All will be accountable to God for their own conduct. Jesus did not negate or make irrelevant the Old Testament. We are saved by grace (God’s free gift) through faith in Jesus, but we are to live out that faith by obedience to God’s Word (Ephesians 2:8-10). We do not “earn” salvation by doing good works, but our conduct demonstrates our faith. (James 2:18)

It is not enough to believe that Jesus is the Son of God; even demons believe that. (Mark 5:7; James 2:19) Jesus says “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46) A Christian is one who has learned Jesus’ word and is obedient to him.