The reading today was all about being faithful to the Lord and witnessing His love and protection. In Kings and Daniel we watch two great servants of God go and stand before men that could have ordered them killed on the spot, and tell them horrible news. Elijah tells king Ahaziah that he will not recover from the injuries he sustained after a fall. In this account we read how king Ahaziah sent 153 men in groups of 51 to Elijah to have him stand before the king and give him the bad news in person. 102 of those men where consumed by fire from heaven. Just before the fire consumed the soldiers Elijah spoke the following words, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty." Now that is confirmation that he was a man of God. This is also the chapter where we see why the folks in the New Testament thought John the Baptist could have been the return of Elijah.
But the part of the account that jumped out at me was in 2 Kings 1:15 Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, "Go down with him (the last group of 51 soldiers); do not be afraid of him." What would Elijah be afraid of? He just watch God burn 102 soldiers, did he still struggle with trusting God? We have the power of the resurrection within us, yet we like Elijah are often afraid.
The account in Daniel is just as amazing. God writes on the wall and king Belshazzar offers the third highest office in the land to anyone who could read it and interpret for him. Here is the first miracle to me. No one could read it or interpret. Now I'm not sure about you, but there have been times in my life that pretending to know more than I did was not beyond my action. Most of the time it is in an effort to impress someone. Now, if you are one of the many enchanters and astrologers called to interpret, what would you have to lose by making up a reading and then a false interpretation? Who would know if you where right or wrong. But no one did. God prevented everyone of these men, from doing what would have been a natural option. Now that is a powerful God.
Lord, continue to change us by showing our weakness and Your strength.
Thank you for your continued prayers for me. The economy has had an impact on those giving toward my internship and slowed my progress toward the degree. But God is faithful and I will continue working toward completion.
The preaching schedule is out for the rest of the year. Below please find the dates. While you are welcome to join the DaySpring Church family for worship any Sunday at 11:00 AM, it would be great to see you on one of the following Sundays:
- October 31
- November 21
- December 12
- December 26
Dwayne
