40 Weeks of your Life: 2 Kings
06-22-2006
by Vicky Beeching

I love movies that open with a gripping scene! 2 Kings does just that, as it begins with an amazing story - Elijah is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire! Elisha, his successor, watches with wonder as this scene plays out before his very eyes! After Elijah's departure, Elisha then takes up his mantle and position of prophetic leadership.

Following this, 2 Kings is a series of snapshots of the many leaders of the people of God. Each man steps into the spotlight, leaves a legacy either of good or evil, and then passes the baton to the next man waiting in the wings.

As we read many of the sad stories of leaders choosing evil, my heart longs to be someone who honors God with their days on this earth. As one leader goes and another one follows it shows us that our lives are 'like a breath'. Life is short and we have one opportunity on this earth to leave a legacy of good. This book inspires me to want that, every time I read it!

In the pages of 2 Kings we get to know Elisha well, and see many things that God accomplished through him - such as the beautiful miracle of the widow's oil where God provided and saved the lives of a widow and her only son.

The other story I love is that of Naaman. He suffered from leprosy, and heard that Elisha could heal him with God's power. Naaman shows humility and obedience by listening to Elisha's instructions. He goes and bathes in the appointed river, and comes out completely healed. This is an encouraging story - when we obey God's leadings He will help and heal us as he did for Naaman.

As we've read through the books of Kings there have been many stories and references to battles and wars. I like to see that as a reminder that God is fighting for each of us, in our personal battles may be. He is stronger than our enemy and will win the victory for us. If you feel overwhelmed or afraid by any challenge or battle in your life, remember that we serve a God who fights for His people and will not leave us or forsake us!