Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 1:1-18; 2 Kings 3:1-27; 1 Kings 22:41-49; 2 Chronicles 20:31-37; 1 Kings 22:50; 2 Chronicles 21:1-4; 2 Kings 8:16-22; 2 Chronicles 21:5-7
And Elijah said to the king, “This is what the Lord says: Why did you send messengers to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether you will recover? Is there no God in Israel to answer your question? Therefore, because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will surely die. –2 Kings 1:16
When you have a question about life, where’s the first place you go?
- Your spouse
- Your best friend
- Your pastor
- Your boss
- A teacher
- A counselor
- Facebook, Twitter
- A book on the subject
While these are great areas for support that God uses to minister to us, it’s the “when” that we need to think about.
Ahaziah, Israel’s new king who succeeded Ahab was seriously injured and sent messengers to the temple of Baal to ask the god of Ekron if he would recover. Israel’s God, the one and only living god, was not happy about Ahaziah consulting pagan gods instead of “the God of Israel.” He sent Elijah to tell king Ahaziah that he would not recover because he consulted the wrong god.
God is definitely a jealous God. He wants to have first place, not 10th place.
If you’re like me your probably thinking, “I don’t go to pagan gods!”
In my 20s and 30s I would immediately go to anyone who would listen for prayer, counseling, encouragement, comfort, and guidance—except the Lord. Literally, I didn’t whisper a one-sentence prayer before looking for someone to tell my troubles to.
Then as I got older and harder from life’s difficulties I tried to fix it myself; yes, I would pray…actually it was more like telling God how I thought He should fix it. I’m sure He was thinking, “Dianne, is there no God in your life?”
So I guess from my Heavenly Father’s perspective I’m no better than Ahaziah. I’m so thankful for His patience with me.
We need family, friends, and professionals to support us, But we need to go to God first and seek His guidance and His plan for our lives. This song says it all–He is jealous for me…
Lord, forgive me for all the times I’ve run to other people or things when you have the answer to every question I could ever have. Yes Lord, You are my God and I will seek Your counsel, comfort, guidance and encouragement before I run to people and things! Holy Spirit, help me to seek You early each day before the cares of this world overwhelm me . Thank you for Your patience! You are the God of my life!
In Jesus Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 1:1-25; 2 Kings 4:1-44
Dianne, thank you for today wonderful devotional. Surely, God wants to be first in our lives. He is jealous God, obedience and not sacrifice is what God’s desires for us. May the LORD Jesus Christ bless you always.
Blessings,
Rosa L. Munoz
Rosa, thank you for you kindness. “Obedience not sacrifice.” I love that! Sending blessings your way as well!