Meeting Cultural Challenges - Daniel 1:1-21 - September 2, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Meeting Cultural Challenges – September 2, 2007

This lesson begins a new series of study entitled “Living in Another World in This World.” Our scripture will be taken from the Book of Daniel. Since I am leaving on a mission trip to Poland there will be at least two (2) lessons missing from the study.

September 2 – Daniel 1:3-5, 8-15, 17-21
September 9 – Daniel 2:1-3, 27-29a, 36-44
September 16 – Daniel 3:1-2, 4-6, 12-14, 16-18, 24-26, 28*
September 23 – Daniel 4:4-5, 28-37*
September 30 – Daniel 5:1-6, 22-28, 30-31
* No lesson

Daniel is the author of the Book of Daniel. We do not know about Daniel’s ancestry except Daniel likely came from a royal blood line or nobility as described in Daniel 1:3. One source speculated that Daniel was of royal blood and likely a descendant of King Hezekiah. Regardless, Daniel was chosen to participate in a three (3) year assimilation training program in Babylon.

Daniel was taken captive from Judah to Babylon in 605 BC. He was likely in his mid-teens. The events recorded in Daniel range from 605 to 536 BC. Daniel was a key advisor to the Babylon government for many years during the reign of kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.

Daniel lived in the period GOD told King Josiah would come which we studied in last week’s lesson. The destruction of Jerusalem occurred in 586 BC. Josiah died in 609 BC. GOD delayed the destruction of Jerusalem for about twenty-two (22) years after Josiah’s death. The process of assimilating some of the Jewish people to the Babylon culture began in 605 BC, just four (4) years after Josiah’s death.

Since there is no mention of Daniel having a family, some scholars speculate that Daniel was castrated and made a Eunuch because that was common practice for servants of a king.

Daniel, a man dedicated to GOD, was captured and transplanted into a pagan society. He was placed in a training program designed to assimilate him into the Babylonian culture. What does this have to with us today?

Many of us on the ladder of success will be taken captive by the professional world and we can find ourselves transplanted into a whole new culture. Those of us climbing the ladder of success of careers are not exempt. There is nothing wrong with ambition or working hard to achieve goals and success. The problem comes into our lives when we compromise our values.

Our homes and schools offer another culture that shape our early life. Home and school cultures can vary widely. Once we leave the influence of our homes and schools we encounter a wide variety of cultures – military, college, trade schools, companies, jail, community and the world around us. Each culture has its demands. Often we have to choose whether or not we will comply with the demands of the culture we find ourselves.

Let’s see how Daniel, a very smart young man, handles issues that would compromise his relationship to GOD and his witness to a pagan world.

Let’s read Daniel 1:1-21 (With Comments)

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar[1] Or Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it.[2] 2 Kg 24:1; 2 Ch 36:6; Jr 25:1 2 The Lord handed Jehoiakim king of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God.[3] 1 Kg 7:51 Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon,[4] Lit Shinar; Gn 10:10; 11:2; 14:1,9 to the house of his god,[5] Or gods and put the vessels in the treasury of his god.

In 605 BC Nebuchadnezzar became king of Babylon. In September of that year, King Nebuchadnezzar surrounded Jerusalem and Judah became a vassal state. To show that Judah and Jerusalem had been defeated, along with their GOD, Nebuchadnezzar took vessels out of the temple in Jerusalem and placed them in the temple of his pagan gods in Babylon.

3 The king ordered Ashpenaz (ASH peh naz), the chief of his court officials,[6] Or his eunuchs to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace[7] Isa 39:7 —and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature. 5 The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank.[8] 2 Kg 25:30 They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to serve in the king’s court.[9]

Some scripture translations refer to Ashpenaz as the master of the eunuchs. However the term eunuch can either refer to one who has been castrated or to an official of the court. Any way the king instructed Ashpenaz to select some Jewish young men according the description in verse 4 for a three (3) year training program. Those in the program were to eat the king’s food and drink the king’s wine. The king wanted the best for these young men. Those graduating at the end of the training program would be well versed in the culture of Babylon and speak the Babylonian or Chaldean language. They would be well trained to serve the king.

6 Among them, from the descendants of Judah, were Daniel (GOD judges), Hananiah (The LORD has been gracious), Mishael (Who is what GOD is), and Azariah (The LORD has helped). 7 The chief official gave them [different]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. names: to Daniel, he gave the name Belteshazzar (Bel or Marduk protect the king’s life); to Hananiah, Shadrach (Command of Aku, the Sumerian moon god); to Mishael, Meshach (Who is what Aku is); and to Azariah, Abednego (Servant of Nebo or Nabu).
We know of four (4) candidates for the training program as listed in verse 6. The Jewish men all had names showing their relationships to GOD. Ashpenaz changed their names to Babylon names, which reflected an association with the pagan gods of Babylon.

Faithfulness in Babylon – Decision time.
8 Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself. 9 God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, 10 yet he said to Daniel, “My lord the king assigned your food and drink. I’m afraid [of what would happen]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. if he saw your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age. You would endanger my life[10] Lit would make my head guilty with the king.” 11 So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for 10 days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.” 14 He agreed with them in this matter and tested them for 10 days. 15 At the end of 10 days they looked better and healthier[11] Lit fatter of flesh than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. 16 So the guard continued to remove their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.

Daniel did not want to compromise his relationship with GOD by eating food that would defile him. Daniel likely thought the meat would be meat which had been offered to pagan gods. The meat could have also included pork and other forbidden meats. He had a problem but notice how he handled it.

He does not just refuse to eat it but he approaches his boss so-to-speak and asks permission based upon his religious conviction not to eat the king’s food. The scripture also tells us that Daniel had found favor with his boss. It is always good to be in favor with your boss. Of course Daniel did not have much of a choice about being in Babylon or in the king’s program. So when life hands you lemons you need to make lemonade.

Ashpenaz is concerned for his life if he grants Daniel’s request. Daniel is a very sharp young man. Daniel proposes a ten (10) day trial to his guard, Melzar (MEL zahr). Melzar could have been a proper name or simply guard. Melzar or the guard agreed and the young Jewish men ate vegetables, grains, breads, beans and drank water. GOD honored their faithfulness and at the end of the ten (10) days they were healthier and looked better than the others in the program.

Faithfulness Rewarded
17 God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.[12] Dn 2:19,30; 4:18; 5:11 18 At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times[13] Lit hands better than all the diviner-priests and mediums[14] Dn 5:11 in his entire kingdom. 21 Daniel remained[15] Dn 2:49 there until the first year of King Cyrus.[16] Dn 6:28; 10:1; 2 Ch 36:22

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah represented the GOD of Israel. GOD rewarded their faithfulness and hard work. GOD gave Daniel a special gift for understanding dreams and visions of every kind. GOD equips HIS servants according to HIS plan and purpose. The four (4) when compared to the other members of the king’s training program, the Jewish young men far excelled them by a factor of ten (10).

These young men were blessed of GOD and the king immediately added them to his court. When things go well, the ego usually raises its head. When we serve our LORD, we must not loose our focus on HIM.

There are times when we take a stand for the LORD and things do not work out as we would think they should. We can become disappointed with GOD. Do you remember our study about Naaman? He was disappointed when the prophet Elisha sent his servant to him with a message to dip in the Jordan River seven (7) times and GOD would cure his incurable skin disease. In fact, he left in a rage because Elisha did not come out and cure him as he thought he would.

This study of Daniel is about the sovereignty of GOD. When we are faithful and things do not go as we think they should, remember, they are always according to GOD’S plan and purpose. Trust and confidence in GOD comes about as the result of having the right relationship with HIM. This results from really knowing HIM and comes about by spending time with HIM, studying HIS Word, being honest with HIM and being obedient to HIM. You and GOD are very best friends through JESUS.

We are all on a journey with HIM and continue to learn of HIM.

When our culture dictates compromise, how will we respond? Ask GOD to reveal to you, what HE wants you to do when you are faced with compromise.

Wehn Society Abandons Godly Ways - 2 Kings 22:1-20; 23:2-3, 4, 24, 26-27 - August 26, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – When Society Abandons Godly Ways – August 22, 2007.

This is our final lesson in our series of study.

Our background scripture is 2 Kings 22:1-23:30.

Our focus scripture is 2 Kings 22:1-20; 23:2-3, 4, 24, 26-27.

Leadership of any country is vital. In our lesson today we see a young king, Josiah, trying to correct a serious spiritual problem in his country. Josiah’s great-grandfather, Hezekiah, was one of Judah’s best kings. However, his son Manasseh was one of the worst kings. Manasseh rebuilt the high places of pagan worship. He worshipped the sun, moon and stars. He practiced child sacrifice. He allowed the practice of the occult. He built pagan alters in the temple. He ruled for fifty-five (55) years. As a result the people of Judah had fallen into the worship of pagan gods.

Then his son Amon became king and he continued to follow in the foot-steps of his father. Amon only ruled for two (2) years. Then Amon’s son Josiah became king at the age of eight (8) years old. One of our grandson’s will be eight (8) in February 2008.

Let’s see how he ruled his country. Notice that Josiah’s mother, Jedidah (jih DIGH duh), is mentioned. It could be that his mother was very influential in his life.

2 Kings 22:1-20:

1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king; he reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah; [she was]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the Lord’s sight and walked in all the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn to the right or the left.[1] 2 Ch 34:1–2
We see that Josiah is compared to King David. Scholars believe that since his mother is mentioned she may have been the primary one to shape his life spiritually. His dad followed in his father’s foot-steps, however Josiah did not. Godly parents are vital in any child’s life. In this case it seems to be his mother.

Josiah Repairs the Temple
3 In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent the court secretary Shaphan (SHAY fan) son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, to the Lord’s temple, saying, 4 “Go up to Hilkiah (hil KIGH uh) the high priest so that he may total up the money brought into the Lord’s temple—[the money]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the doorkeepers have collected from the people. 5 It is to be put into the hands of those doing the work—those who oversee the Lord’s temple. They [in turn]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. are to give it to the workmen in the Lord’s temple to repair the damage.

King Josiah is twenty-six (26) years old. He sends Shaphan (SHAY fan) to the temple to pay those who are restoring the temple. Money had been collected from the people and this money will be used to pay the workers.

This is important and sets a principle followed today. We as members of a congregation contribute to the building, upkeep and repair of our place of worship.

The Book of the Law Found
8 Hilkiah the high priest told Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the book of the law in the Lord’s temple,”[3] Dt 31:24–26 and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it.

Hilkiah (hil KIGH uh), the high priest, shows Shaphan the book of law or a scroll they found during the restoration of the temple. It had been lost. Shapan reads the scroll. He finds it very interesting and shares it with the king.

In this case the scroll had been physically lost but we can loose the scripture today through neglect, compromised preaching and teaching, trying to interpret GOD’S Word according to what society wants and the list goes on. It is critical that we read, study and meditate on GOD’S Word and teach it to our children so it will not be lost.

10 Then Shaphan the court secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book,” and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.[5] Dt 17:18–20 11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. 12 Then he commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and the king’s servant Asaiah: 13 “Go and inquire of the Lord for me, the people, and all Judah about the instruction in this book that has been found. For great is the Lord’s wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.”[6]

Shapan reads the scroll to King Josiah. The king has an immediate reaction. He knows that the words recorded are very serious and are the words of GOD and fit his situation to a tee.

Scholars are not sure what book or scroll was found in the temple. Speculation is that it was Deuteronomy. The Book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses and we find these words written in Deuteronomy 31: 16-21:

16 The Lord said to Moses, “You are about to rest (die) with your fathers, and this people will soon commit adultery (spiritual adultery) with the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will abandon Me and break the covenant I have made with them. 17 My anger will burn against them on that day; I will abandon them and hide My face from them so that they will become easy prey.[13] Lit will be for devouring Many troubles and afflictions will come to them. On that day they will say, ‘Haven’t these troubles come to us because our God is no longer with us?’ 18 I will certainly hide My face on that day because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods. 19 Therefore write down this song[14] Dt 32 for yourselves and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it,[15] Lit Israelites; put it in their mouths so that this song may be a witness for Me against the Israelites. 20 When I bring them into the land I swore to [give]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. their fathers, [a land]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper.[16] Lit be fat They will turn to other gods and worship them, despising Me and breaking My covenant. 21 And when many troubles and afflictions come to them, this song will testify against them, because[17] Lit because the mouths of their descendants will not have forgotten it. For I know what they are prone to do,[18] Or know the plans they are devising even before I bring them into the land I swore [to give them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .” 22 So Moses wrote down this song on that day and taught it to the Israelites.

When King Josiah heard these words he immediately knew GOD was talking about his country. Josiah wants to know if anyone else knew of the existence of this scroll. He knew they had not obeyed the instructions of the scroll.

When you recognize that you have made a mistake, what do you do? You check it out and if it is a mistake, then you try to straighten it out.

Huldah’s Prophesy of Judgment
14 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas,[7] 2 Ch 34:22 reads Hasrah keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem in the Second District. They spoke with her. 15 She said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘Say to the man who sent you to Me: 16 This is what the Lord says: I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, [fulfilling]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read, 17 because they have abandoned Me and burned incense to other gods in order to provoke Me with all the work of their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.[8] Dt 29:22–28 18 Say this to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord: This is what the Lord God of Israel says: As for the words that you heard, 19 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse,[9] Dt 28:15 and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I Myself have heard you—declares the Lord. 20 Therefore, I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster that I am bringing on this place.’”[10] 1 Kg 21:29; 2 Ch 12:5–7; 32:26 Then they reported[11] Lit returned a word to the king.[12] 2 Ch 34:22–28

WOW!!! When you are the leader and you see what needs to be done, it is good when you respond. GOD was ready to bring destruction to Judah while Josiah was king. No leader wants to be known as the leader when his country was destroyed. Josiah repented for not following the covenant as recorded in the scroll and his heart was changed. His response pleased GOD. GOD knew Josiah’s heart and HE knew that Josiah was a man of action. Josiah would lead the people to see the error of their way.

GOD spoke this through Huldah, a woman prophet. How about that for 600 BC? GOD calls all people to serve HIM.

Let’s read 2 Kings 23:1-3:
Covenant Renewal
1 So the king sent [messengers]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and they gathered to him all the elders of Jerusalem and Judah. 2 Then the king went to the Lord’s temple with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people from the youngest to the oldest. As they listened, he read all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the Lord’s temple. 3 Next, the king stood by the pillar[1] 2 Ch 34:31 reads platform and made a covenant in the presence of the Lord to follow the Lord and to keep His commandments, His decrees, and His statutes with all his mind and with all his heart,[2] Dt 6:4–6 and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book; all the people agreed to[3] Lit people took a stand in the covenant.[4] Ex 24:3–8; Jos 24:14–28; 2 Ch 34:29–32

The king himself takes the leadership role and calls all the people to the temple. He reads the scroll to them. The king stands at his appointed place in the temple and he dedicated himself to the LORD. He vows to follow the LORD and to be obedient to the LORD.

It does not appear that he forced anyone to make the same commitment but the people responded on their own.

GOD did not demand anything from Josiah or the people. But GOD knew Josiah’s heart and he knew the action he would take. Josiah and his people had just had a close call with disaster.

Let’s read 2 Kings 23: 4:
Josiah’s Reforms
4 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second rank and the doorkeepers to bring out of the Lord’s temple all the articles made for • Baal, • Asherah, and the whole heavenly • host. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel.

King Josiah cleaned house. He meant business. He had his men to throw everything out of the temple that was connected with the worship of false gods, including the sun, moon and stars (heavenly host). He had them burned and carried the ashes to Bethel, where these false gods had also been worshipped. These acts defiled the items of worship and sent a clear message to all who had been worshipping these false gods that such worship would not be tolerated any longer. This also showed that the false gods were powerless to prevent what was happening. The true GOD of Israel is the only GOD.

Let’s read 2 Kings 23: 24-27:

24 In addition, Josiah removed the mediums, the spiritists,[26] 2 Kg 21:6; Lv 19:31 household idols, images, and all the detestable things that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this in order to carry out the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the Lord’s temple. 25 Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his mind and with all his heart and with all his strength[27] 2 Kg 23:3; Dt 6:4–9 according to all the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him.[28] 2 Kg 18:5; 1 Kg 3:12 26 In spite of all that, the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath and anger, which burned against Judah because of all the provocations Manasseh had provoked Him with.[29] 2 Kg 21:11–13 27 For the Lord had said, “I will also remove Judah from My sight just as I have removed Israel. I will reject this city Jerusalem, that I have chosen, and the temple about which I said, ‘My name will be there.’ ”[30] 2 Kg 21:4; Dt 12:11; 1 Kg 9:3

King Josiah goes a step further by removing those who promoted such worship of these false gods. He further had any representation of these false gods removed from Judah, Jerusalem and even the personal households. Josiah was serious about what needed to be done. But were the hearts of the people changed? Likely some of the peoples hearts were changed but force can change one to act a certain way outwardly but not inwardly.

As a result of Josiah’s action GOD delays the pending destruction of Judah and Jerusalem for about fifty (50) years after Josiah’s death. But GOD did not change HIS mind or HIS plan even though Josiah and his people worshipped HIM. Repentance and dedication delayed the inevitable. I think it is because the hearts of the people remained unchanged.

In 2008 Americans will be electing those who will lead our country for the next 2-4-6 years. It is vital that we elect those who will be obedient to our LORD. Our future depends upon it.

To summarize our four (4) week study, relate the circumstances in each lesson as circumstances in the life of a Christian. The activity of GOD, whether in the lives of people, a country or both, in the Old Testament allows us to visibly see the interaction of GOD in the lives of Christians. We all are the king, queen or military commander of our own lives. GOD never overrides our right to choose. We all have natures that guide us toward certain decisions both good and not so good or often just plain bad. In the Bible we get to see how these decisions impact a person, persons or a country.

We began our series of study with King Solomon. He began his reign seeking the help and guidance of GOD. He allowed his flesh to rule his life. He collected things and wives. He allowed his wives to bring their gods to Israel. He compromised his dedication to GOD. He was a wise man and near the close of his life he discovered that all he had achieved meant nothing except his relationship with GOD. We too can being our journey with our LORD with good intensions but compromise our relationship with HIM. Even though we fall away from HIM, HE never leaves us. If we think GOD is not as close to us as HE once has been, guess who moved?

Our next lesson was Elijah, a prophet of GOD and his encounter with the pagan gods, their priests and a king that had compromised by marrying a pagan woman. The compromise of the king led to the spiritual compromise of his country. GOD demonstrated to all that HE is the True GOD of Israel. Even though Elijah saw and was part of the hand of GOD at work, when his life was threatened, he fled. He felt like he had failed and seemingly thought GOD was not concerned with him as an individual. GOD revealed Himself to Elijah and touched his life by speaking to his heart in a small whisper. Even though Elijah had fled, GOD was not through with him. In fact we know that Elijah was on the Mount of Transfiguration with JESUS, along with Moses. GOD had a plan for Elijah even thought Elijah though he was through with him. Never give up on GOD. You are HIS child, CHRIST died just for you. HE never gives up on you.

Last Sunday we studied Naaman. Naaman is coming from a pagan society seeking a cure for his skin disease in a country that worshipped GOD. A young Jewish girl who had been taken captive told Naaman’s wife about the prophet Elisha. Naaman travels to meet with Elisha only to discover that he would not meet with him personally but sent his servant out to him with a message. The servant told him that he was to wash or dip in the Jordan River seven (7) times and he would be cured. Naaman’s first reaction was one of rage. This did not make sense to him. He could wash in the clean rivers in his country of Syria. The Jordan River was muddy. His servants urge Naaman to do as Elisha had instructed him. What did he have to loose?

So Naaman dips seven (7) times in the muddy Jordan River. When he came up out of the river on the seventh time, two (2) miracles occurred (1) He was healed physically (2) He was healed spiritually. His physical healing opened his eyes to the fact that the GOD of Israel was genuine. Naaman renounced his old gods and embraced the GOD of Israel. A pagan encountered GOD. And all who witnessed the miracle also saw the hand and power of GOD working. This even included the king of Israel and his subjects. GOD uses many ways to reveal Himself to those who seek HIM.

This Sunday we studied Josiah who came from Godly society years earlier that had turned pagan. Josiah’s great grandfather was a Godly king but his father and grandfather allowed paganism to replace the worship of GOD. When the book of law was read to him he immediately realized that his country had missed the mark in being obedient to the true GOD. He repented and led his country to repent. As a result GOD delayed the sure destruction of Judah and Jerusalem for about fifty (50) years after his death. Those coming from families who have not honored GOD once they see the truth can be used mightily by GOD.

What does this mean to us today?

In the Old Testament GOD was in the temple. Since CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross to pay the penalty for the sin of mankind, was resurrected from the dead, revealed Himself to over five hundred (500) people on earth, ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the FATHER and sent the HOLY SPIRIT back to earth, GOD indwells every believer.

What goes on within each believer is between GOD and the believer. However the action of GOD in the lives of various people in the Bible gives us a clue about how GOD works in the lives of HIS children.

We are the king or queen of our body or country. We have various natures within us because of our life before CHRIST and heredity. The extent we commit our lives to CHRIST and allow HIM to guide us will be reflected in the rule of GOD in our lives. GOD never takes away our right to choose. We decide who rules our country. The ruler can be our flesh or GOD or some hybrid. We see from the study of the Old Testament where our lives will head if we allow the flesh or some hybrid rule our lives. The only way to please GOD is for us to allow HIM to rule, guide and control our lives.

It is impossible for us to live a committed life to GOD in our own strength. The only way to live a committed life to GOD is by having the right relationship with HIM. It is not us trying every way we can to please GOD but it is us getting to know GOD. To really get to know HIM and understand HIM, we must spend time with GOD through HIS Word, talk to HIM through prayer and obey HIM. As we develop the right relationship with HIM, HE will reveal to us HIS plan and HIS work. During the process of developing the relationship with HIM, HE prepares us for the work HE has in mind for us. At the appropriate time, HE will give us an opportunity to join HIM in HIS work. When we have the proper relationship with HIM, we are at the center of HIS will.

When Sickness Strikes - 2 Kings 5:1-19 - August 19, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – When Sickness Strikes – August 19, 2007

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study.

Our background and focus scripture is 2 Kings 5:1-19.

The title of our lesson “When Sickness Strikes” raises a critical question. When sickness strikes and we know we will get better is one thing. But when sickness strikes and we know we will not get better, it is quite another thing. When our loved ones get sick with an illness that they will have to live with or will be terminal, it is traumatic, as it should be.

We immediately seek a cure and money is no object to find a cure or to make life better, again this is normal. We do not want to suffer neither do we want to see our loved ones suffer, which is normal.

In our lesson today we get to see the life of a person who had an incurable disease. We see the hand of GOD working in his life by curing him, which made him a witness too many others then and now.

Healing is a question I have pondered with our LORD for many years. I know in the Book of James, written by the brother of our LORD, James writes in James 5:13-15:

13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

James tells us to pray for the sick. I believe the LORD can and does heal. My expectations of the LORD were that HE would heal. I prayed for healing for some people, anointed them with oil and nothing happened. I considered the reason they were not healed was because my faith was weak. Other versions of the above scripture are more direct than the one copied. Other versions of the above scripture say the person will be healed.

I prayed for a number of years trying to understand healing. Then one day I was praying and pondering this question about healing. And this is what the LORD revealed. When the sick are prayed for HE always heals – HE heals with HIS touch, through doctors, medicine or therapy. If the person is not physically healed, then HE heals the mind of the person by helping him or her accept the condition they are in.

We should always ask the LORD to heal the sick. How HE heals is left to HIM.

Let’s examine the journey of Naaman (NAY muhn) as he seeks healing for an incurable skin disease.

Let’s read 2 Kings 5:1-7:

1 Naaman, commander of the army for the king of Aram (A ruhm), was a great man in his master’s sight[1] Lit man before his master and highly regarded because through him, the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man was a brave warrior, but he had a skin disease. 2 Aram had gone on raids and brought back from the land of Israel a young girl who served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to[2] Lit master was before the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his skin disease.” 4 So Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5 Therefore, the king of Aram said, “Go and I will send a letter [with you]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to the king of Israel.” So he went and took with him 750 pounds[3] Lit 10 talents of silver, 150 pounds[4] Lit 6,000 [shekels] of gold, and 10 changes of clothes. 6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, and it read: When this letter comes to you, note that I have sent you my servant Naaman for you to cure him of his skin disease. 7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life that this man expects me to cure a man of his skin disease? Think it over and you will see that he is only picking a fight with[5] Lit only seeking an occasion against me.”[6] 1 Kg 20:7
8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel tore his clothes, he sent [a message]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Have him come to me, and he will know there is a prophet in Israel.”

Naaman is the commander of the army for the king of Aram or Syria. Scholars believe the king of Aram or Syria is either Ben-hadad (860-841 BC) or Hazael (841-800 BC) Naaman was a great conqueror and protector of Aram. But he had an obvious incurable skin disease.

Some think Naaman had leprosy but many think he had a serious skin disease, not leprosy. Yet others believe it was leprosy.

It is interesting that Naaman made a raid in the land of Israel and captured a young Jewish girl. It was common that the conquering army would take captives. Naaman being the commander had first choice from among the captives. He sees this young Jewish girl and chooses her to be his wife’s servant. Even here we see the hand of GOD working in both the life of the young Jewish girl and Naaman.

Serving the LORD, at times, may cost us our freedom. This young Jewish girl is instrumental in leading Naaman to GOD. Apparently Naaman’s wife was a kind woman and Naaman was a kind man because the Jewish girl could have remained silent and watched Naaman suffer. But she tells Naaman’s wife that there is a prophet in Samaria that could cure Naaman.

Naaman goes to the king and tells him what the Jewish girl told him. The king is very supportive. He says go and in fact he will send a letter to the king of Israel. It is interesting that Naaman had just raided the king of Israel’s country and now he is going back to seek a cure for his disease. But the king of Aram is also sending 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold and 10 changes of clothes to the king of Israel. Not a bad peace offering.
Naaman takes the letter to the king of Israel. But notice what the letter says. It appears that the king of Aram expects the king of Israel to heal Naaman.

It has been speculated that the king of Aram thought the prophet of Israel would be the king of Israel. We are not sure who the king of Israel was at the time. It is again speculated that the king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel could be Joram (852-841 BC) or Jehu (841-814 BC). Whoever is the king, he freaked out. Elisha dies about 800 BC and this occurs toward the end of his life. So the king is likely Jehu.

The king thinks this is a trick devised by the king of Aram to wage war against him because he knew he could not cure Naaman. And it is obvious that Naaman has a serious skin disorder. The king of Israel makes an important connection. He recognizes and acknowledges that only GOD can heal. So the king of Israel does the only thing he knows to do. He tears his clothes to indicate he is helpless.

To the rescue comes the true prophet Elisha. Elisha hears about the situation the king of Israel is in. What a relief that must have been to the king when Elisha told him to send Naaman to him.

This is important for Naaman but it is also important to the king of Israel plus all who are hearing about this situation.

Let’s read 2 Kings 5:9-12:

9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean.” 11 But Naaman got angry and left, saying, “I was telling myself: He will surely come out, stand and call on the name of • Yahweh his God, and will wave his hand over the spot and cure the skin disease. 12 Aren’t Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and left in a rage.

Naaman goes to Elisha’s house. Naaman had to make a series of decisions early on in his journey to be healed – (1) believe the Jewish girl, was she telling the truth? (2) to risk telling the possibility to his boss, the king of Aram (3) to go to the king of Israel (4) then go to the prophet’s house versus the prophet coming to him – These are a few decisions he had to make early on. A poor decision at any step would have likely resulted in a different result. Naaman still has more decisions to make as his journey continues to unfold.

We have to keep in mind that Naaman is a mighty military man and he is used to people catering to him.

I can envision Naaman and his entourage pulling up to Elisha’s house - dust flying and horses snorting and swords clanging. Without a doubt Elisha knows they have arrived. Naaman knows that Elisha knows that he has arrived. Naaman expects the prophet to run out and greet him. After all it is an honor that such a great man has come to his house.

Naaman waits. He sees someone coming. Could it be the prophet? No! It is just a messenger. So let’s hear what he has to say. It may be that the prophet is deep in prayer for me and cannot come out at this moment?

The messenger delivers the message, “The prophet Elisha asked me to tell you to”, ““Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean.”” You can almost see Naaman bristle. Did Naaman think, “This so called prophet sends his servant out to give me a message rather than come out to greet me himself? This is embarrassing. What is going on with this prophet?”

Does this cast doubt in Naaman’s mind whether or not the prophet can heal him? Is the prophet afraid to show his face in fear of his life should Naaman not be cured?

Naaman had already figured out what the prophet would do. This gets many of us in trouble when it comes to GOD working in our lives. We anticipate how GOD is going to do something and then when HE does not follow our plan of action, we get angry. Well Naaman is not any different, he gets angry.

Naaman is further frustrated when Elisha tells him to do a simple thing, “Wash in the Jordan River.” If he was going to wash in a river, he wanted to wash in the rivers that run through Aram – Abana (AB uh nuh) and Pharpar (FAHR pahr). In fact historians tell us that these rivers in Aram were cleaner than the Jordan. Scholars tell us that the two (2) rivers in Aram were clear because of the source of their water, whereas the Jordan was muddy.

So Naaman leaves in a rage.

Let’s read 2 Kings 5:13-16:

13 But his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more [should you do it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. when he tells you, ‘Wash and be clean’?” 14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the command of the man of God. Then his skin was restored [and became]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. like the skin of a small boy, and he was clean. 15 Then Naaman and his whole company went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel. Therefore, please accept a gift from your servant.” 16 But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, I stand before Him. I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.

Naaman’s servants are taking all this in. Are they curious and want to see what would happen? Are they hoping with all hope that their master would be healed? Are they searching for the true GOD and if the GOD of Israel is the true GOD they want to know? Are the servants Israelites and know that GOD will heal Naaman which could result in him becoming a believer? Then there are the soldiers who know what is going on. They are also candidates to see the hand of GOD working in the life of Naaman and they too can become believers.

What ever their reason, they approach Naaman in a very respectful manner and reason with him. This shows the type of man Naaman is. They are not afraid to approach him. They are not afraid of being wrong if he is not cured.

How often do we hold back because we are afraid of failing or afraid of our boss? Wrong attitudes can result in serious consequences. But this is not the case with Naaman.

Washing in a river seven (7) times is a simple thing to do. If Elisha had asked him to do something difficult he would have responded. But simple was just not appealing to him.

Naaman is obedient to the command of the man of GOD. Naaman acknowledges that Elisha represents GOD. This is a vital connection for Naaman to make. He dips one time. He still has his skin disease. Likely thinking, “This is ridiculous my men must think I am a complete idiot. Will I ever regain their respect?” He dips the second time. Nothing. The third time. Still nothing. I have to get this over with quick. Fourth, fifth, sixth and now for the seventh. WOW!!! Look at me!!! Surprise!!! Surprise!!!

There had to be a loud shout from his men. They must have said “Wow, how good you look. Your skin is just great. Your disease is gone. The GOD of Israel has healed you!!!”

Naaman made the connection that it was GOD who healed him.

The entire entourage returns to Elisha’s house. This time with great excitement that they have encountered GOD!!!

Verse 15 is awesome. Naaman says to Elisha, “I KNOW.” WOW, this is awesome. When we accept JESUS CHRIST as our SAVIOR, we know we have encountered the living LORD. We know HE has come into our lives.

Think of the comparison of Naaman being cleansed of a terrible disease by simply being obedient to the command of GOD through Elisha. It was simple to dip seven (7) times in the Jordan River. The key is being obedient to GOD’S command. When Naaman was obedient he was cleansed of his disease and restored.

Likewise think of us today. JESUS, the sinless LAMB of GOD gave HIS life that all that are obedient and ask HIM to forgive them of their terrible incurable disease, SIN, are washed by HIS shed blood and made whiter than snow. GOD’S plan to cleanse mankind of sin is so simple yet so hard.

If the LORD is asking you to be obedient and ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life, do it now. Encounter the living CHRIST and let HIM cleanse you of all sin and restore you. HE will, just ask.

Naaman was overwhelmed with gratitude. When CHRIST comes into our lives, we are also overwhelmed with gratitude and thanksgiving for what GOD has done for us through HIS SON JESUS. Naaman wanted to give Elisha money but Elisha refused. Salvation is free. Naaman was cured of his disease and acknowledged GOD as the true GOD. Naaman encountered a physical healing and a spiritual healing at the same time. Naaman’s heart was changed at the moment he was healed. How do we know that? Let’s look at the following scripture.

Let’s read 2 Kings 5:17-19:

17 Naaman responded, “If not, please let two mule-loads of dirt be given to your servant, for your servant will no longer offer a • burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but Yahweh. 18 However, in a particular matter may the Lord pardon your servant: When my master, [the king of Aram]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship and I, as his right-hand man,[7] Lit worship, and he leans on my hand, and I bow in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow[8] LXX, Vg read when he bows himself in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 So he said to him, “Go in peace.”

When we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR we want to be obedient to GOD and serve HIM. Naaman’s heart was changed. He wants to do something. So he asks if he can take two (2) mule-loads of dirt back to Aram. He wants to build and altar so he can worship the true GOD. He vows never to worship any other god. He sees the truth. The eyes of his heart have been opened and he has encountered the living GOD.

He does have one request. As the commander he has to go into the pagan temple of Rimmon with the king. He knows the ritual is to bow. He realizes it is wrong, but he has to do it. Elisha tells him to go in peace.

This raises a whole new subject for consideration. Elisha understands what Naaman must do. Why does he say go in peace? When we realize what we do is wrong and we know we have encountered the true GOD, it is a matter of time until we also know that our life style will have to change. We do not know what Naaman did after he returned to Aram. But we do know he was a changed man and a witness for the GOD of Israel. Did his new life with GOD influence the king and others to follow the GOD of Israel? We do not know but likely. Only eternity will reveal what happened.

When we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR our lives are changed as well. We are witnesses of our encounter with our LORD as we go about our daily routine. Naaman was a witness to the power of the GOD of Israel and it was evident to all who had known Naaman. There was no doubt. Every time anyone who had known Naaman encountered him, he was a witness to them.

When sickness strikes, James in the Book of James tells us to pray for the sick and to anoint the sick with oil. Oil was a medicine at that time. We are to pray, anoint with oil and seek GOD’S guidance. Yes, GOD is still in the business of healing with HIS power. HE is also in the business of healing through doctors, medicine and therapy. HE will be with us or our loved ones as we or they go through the circumstances life brings.

GOD is sovereign and we also must acknowledge that GOD has the best in mind for HIS children and HIS purpose.

Pray, seek and trust! Naaman was healed but Naaman also died some time later. All the people that JESUS healed or brought back from the dead, also died later. Physical death is the ultimate end point for all of us but when we have encountered the living CHRIST, we have been cleansed of our sin, made righteous, born-again in our spirit and have eternal life at that moment. We have already received eternal life through GOD’S grace and we step into HIS presence the moment we exit this physical body (Or earth suit as I like to think of our body.)

Rejoice in the LORD always and again I say rejoice! We have been healed of an incurable disease, death.

When You Are Discouraged - 1 Kings 18:20-46; 19:1-18 - August 12, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – When You Are Discouraged – August 12, 2007

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study.

Our background scripture is 1 Kings 18:1-46; 19:1-18.

Our focus scripture is 1 Kings 18:20-46; 1 Kings 19:1-18.

The journey of the Prophet Elijah gives us insight into the journey of many Christians as we journey with our LORD.

Here are the characters in our lesson:

King Ahab is the king of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. King Ahab was a weak follower of the LORD.

Queen Jezebel – King Ahab married a pagan princess who is a dedicated worshipper of the fertility god Baal. This action angered GOD as we see recorded in 1 King 16:33: 33 Ahab also made an • Asherah pole. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

Prophet Elijah – The Prophet Elijah came into King Ahab’s life with a message from GOD as recorded in 1 Kings 17:1 - 1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from the Gilead settlers,[1] LXX reads from Tishbe of Gilead said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, I stand before Him, and there will be no dew or rain during these years except by my command!”

GOD is sending King Ahab a message to get his attention and to wake him up to let him see that he has compromised his commitment to the LORD. Israel had become a Baal worshiping country. Baal was considered to be the god that provided the rain and the bountiful harvest. So THE TRUE GOD of Israel will deliver the first blow to show Ahab that the god Baal is powerless. GOD will not let it rain for several years until HE says the rain can come.
GOD often tries to get our attention to get us to realize that we as Christians are missing the mark HE has set for us. Compromise is devastating to a Christian.

If you read on in 1 Kings 17 you will see how GOD took care of Elijah and those who came to his aid.

GOD continues to send a message to King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, the false prophets and the people. 1 Kings 18 is GOD proving to all the people that HE is WHO HE SAYS HE is, through HIS servant Elijah.

We see the miracles that GOD had performed through Elijah. No rain for several years, GOD sustained Elijah through the famine, GOD raised the widow’s son from the dead and GOD burned up the sacrifice Elijah had made to HIM to prove GOD IS THE GOD of Israel. These are powerful demonstrations of GOD’S presence and power.

Then as many of us who have seen the hand of the LORD work in our lives, Elijah is fleeing for his life.

Let’s read some background 1 Kings 18:20-46:
Elijah at Mount Carmel
20 So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and gathered the prophets at Mount Carmel. 21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If • Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Yahweh. The God who answers with fire, He is God.” All the people answered, “That [sounds]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. good.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Since you are so numerous, choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first. Then call on the name of your god but don’t light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull that he gave them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound; no one answered. Then they did their lame dance around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah mocked them. He said, “Shout loudly, for he’s a god! Maybe he’s thinking it over; maybe he has wandered away;[1] Or has turned aside, possibly to relieve himself or maybe he’s on the road. Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” 28 They shouted loudly, and cut themselves with knives and spears, according to their custom, until blood gushed out on them. 29 All afternoon, they kept on raving until the offering of the evening sacrifice, but there was no sound, no one answered, no one paid attention.[2] 2 Kg 4:31 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near me.” So all the people approached him. Then he repaired the Lord’s altar that had been torn down: 31 Elijah took 12 stones—according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Israel will be your name”[3] Gn 35:10 — 32 and he built an altar with the stones in the name of Yahweh. Then he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold about four gallons.[4] LXX reads trench containing two measures of seed [5] Lit altar corresponding to a house of two seahs of seed 33 Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, and placed it on the wood. He said, “Fill four water pots with water and pour it on the offering to be burned and on the wood.” 34 Then he said, “A second time!” and they did it a second time. And then he said, “A third time!” and they did it a third time. 35 So the water ran all around the altar; he even filled the trench with water. 36 At the time for offering the [evening]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached [the altar]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. 37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the • burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, “Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!” 40 Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let even one of them escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the • Wadi Kishon and slaughtered them there. 41 Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a rainstorm.” 42 So Ahab went to eat and drink, but Elijah went up to the summit of Carmel. He bowed down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 Then he said to his servant, “Go up and look toward the sea.” So he went up, looked, and said, “There’s nothing.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” 44 On the seventh time, he reported, “There’s a cloud as small as a man’s hand coming from the sea.” Then Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Get [your chariot]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ready and go down so the rain doesn’t stop you.’ ” 45 In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour. So Ahab got in [his chariot]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. and went to Jezreel. 46 The power of the Lord was on Elijah, and he tucked his mantle under his belt and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

GOD proves to all that HE IS GOD and there is NONE OTHER!!!

These are some of my favorite recordings of the presence and power of GOD and of the faith of Elijah in GOD.

I love the statement when Elijah asked his servant, “What did you see?” “I saw a cloud the size of a man’s hand.” Elijah in essence then says. “Quick!!! Let’s get out of here because a rainstorm is coming.” This always blows my mind. Would I get this excited and have the confidence in GOD that HE is going to provide the needed rain if it was reported that there is a cloud the size of a man’s hand? To me this shows the faith of Elijah in GOD to provide. Yet why did Elijah flee when his life was threatened?

Remember Elijah had told Ahab that it would not rain until GOD said it would rain. Ahab was right there with Elijah.

All these events also got the attention of King Ahab.

Let’s read 1 Kings 19:1-18: (With Comments)
Elijah’s Journey to Horeb
1 Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.

It seems to me that King Ahab is reporting to the Queen the power of GOD over Baal. Baal was exposed as a false god and clearly defeated. I think he reported to her in hopes it would result in Jezebel seeing that the GOD of Israel is the true GOD and not Baal. Jezebel does not take this news well.

To give you another view on this verse, some scholars point to the fact that King Ahab is focused on what Elijah did and not on what GOD did. And this shows that King Ahab’s heart has not been changed toward GOD. I question this because King Ahab accompanied Elijah after the events leading up to the moment Ahab reports to Jezebel.

2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!”

She does not budge. She is ticked because her prophets were killed. She sends a message to Elijah, that she will have him killed. So how does Elijah respond to this news?

3 Then Elijah became afraid[1] Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Vg; MT reads he saw and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, 4 but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “[I have had]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my fathers.”

Elijah became afraid. I can understand this reaction. Many of us see the power and presence of GOD working in behalf of HIS plan and purpose and think this same power is not available to us personally. So Elijah escapes. But GOD has a plan to reveal truth to HIS Prophet Elijah. Elijah is ready to die but GOD intervenes.

5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the Lord returned a second time and touched him. He said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” 8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 He entered a cave there and spent the night.

Elijah finds a broom tree or a juniper tree. GOD sends an angel to minister to Elijah. Does this remind you of CHRIST in the desert? CHRIST was in the desert for 40 days before HE launched HIS ministry. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before they entered into the Promised Land. It seems to me that GOD allows HIS children to go through the desert or wilderness when HE is preparing them for ministry. Elijah needs to refocus his ministry. Elijah goes to the Mountain of GOD and enters a cave to rest and sleep.

Elijah’s Encounter with the Lord
Then the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of • Hosts, but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.”

Elijah is discouraged. There is a difference between being discouraged and depression. Depression is a mental disorder that needs attention. Discouragement needs attention as well. However that which can change us from being discouraged to becoming encouraged can turn quickly.

Elijah feels like he is a failure and he let GOD down. He is discouraged to the max. In fact I think Elijah may even think GOD is out to get him through the hand of Jezebel. Notice that Elijah gives GOD the same answer as first recorded in verse 10. It seems like Elijah is reminding GOD that he has been doing his best for HIM and he is the only one left. He has been faithful so why allow him to be killed?

GOD is preparing to reveal truth to Elijah. As mentioned earlier, Elijah seems to think that GOD is not interested in him, personally. GOD is about to change that notion.

11 Then He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.

GOD instructed Elijah to go out of the cave and stand on the mountain. GOD wanted Elijah to have an unobstructed view. When HE is obedient to GOD’S command, GOD passed by. GOD passed by Moses and now GOD is passing by Elijah. Why? Did GOD want Elijah to see where HE was as GOD reveals the power of the wind, earthquake and fire?

These are the things Elijah had witnessed earlier in his ministry – there was a drought, fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice and rain to end the drought. Did GOD want to separate signs and wonders designed to get the attention of a broad number of people versus the soft whisper which is personal? GOD wanted Elijah to see that the wind, earthquake and fire as tools HE uses to accomplish HIS purposes but they are not HIM.

Elijah observed the power of the wind, the power of an earthquake and the power of fire but GOD was not in any of these. GOD was showing Elijah that these are powers that impact earth broadly but the power that impacts HIS servant is specific and comes as a soft whisper. It is individual. There are manifestations of GOD’S power for everyone to see and behold but there is the power that is personal and individual. Elijah had heard GOD’S voice because GOD had been instructing him.

13 When Elijah heard [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

It seems as soon as Elijah heard the soft whisper he knew and understood that GOD was speaking to him personally. GOD was interested in him as an individual.

It seems that GOD is saying to Elijah, “You saw MY power and presence at work in Israel, do you now see that I can take care of you? I am interested in you personally.” So Elijah, why are you here when you are supposed to be back in Israel serving ME? Elijah responds to GOD’S question.

14 “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they’re looking for me to take my life.”

Elijah gives the same answer he had already given to GOD. It is an honest answer to GOD’S question. Again, Elijah feels like he failed GOD. He was afraid for his life, which indicated that he did not trust GOD to protect him. Through the question GOD asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Notice GOD calls him by name, which indicates to Elijah that HE knows him personally. This is also a message from GOD to Elijah. “Why are you here? Because I still have work for you to do. You may think you failed but that is MY judgment and not yours. I am not through with you and I will take care of you.” So with this understanding GOD gives Elijah instructions about the next step HE wants Elijah to take.

15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go and return by the way you came to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu. 18 But I will leave 7,000 in Israel—every knee that has not bowed to • Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Often when we don’t trust the LORD, HE wants us to retrace our steps. HE tells Elijah to go back the same why you came and here is what I want you to do. GOD tells Elijah that HE has a plan to put HIS people in control and Elijah will be the one to put this into action.

Then GOD makes an important statement to Elijah. GOD always leaves a remnant behind to carry on HIS work. Elijah thought he was the only one who was faithful to GOD but GOD revealed to him that there are seven thousand (7,000) who have not bowed a knee or kissed Baal.

I think GOD revealed this fact to Elijah again to reinforce the fact that GOD is interested and cares for the individual. GOD knew each of those who had not served Baal. GOD always knows our heart.

It is easy for us to become discouraged. When we are discouraged with GOD we try to get away from HIM. But HE shows us that HE is where we are and cannot escape HIM. So we need to be honest with HIM and tell HIM why we are discouraged with HIM. Then HE will reveal to us truth. Never give up on GOD and do not hide your disappointment or discouragement with GOD. HE will place your feet upon the solid rock of JESUS.

My wife and I were discussing this lesson and the LORD revealed to her that often we look for signs and wonders. Elijah had been immersed in signs and wonders – no rain for several years not until GOD brought the rain, GOD rained down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice to prove HE is the GOD of Israel and HE ended the drought by sending rain. Elijah had been intimate with all that was going on but when it came to him and his life, he was afraid. He felt like he was a failure. GOD had to show him that HE did care for him as an individual. HE warmed Elijah’s heart by speaking to him in a still soft whisper.

Signs and wonders do not sustain us when we are journeying through life and serving GOD. It is our personal relationship with GOD that sustains us. It is the quite reassurance of the still small whisper of GOD that we are HIS children. It is CHRIST in us with the calm reassurance of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives that brings comfort during difficult times in our lives.

Many of us become discouraged as we journey with our LORD but HE is not in the wind, the earthquake or the fire but HE ministers to us through the still soft whisper of HIS voice, I will be with you always. Come unto HIM all who labor and find rest. My prayer is that all who need a touch of the hand of CHRIST to be refreshed, reassured and restored will receive it.

When Overwhelmed by Responsible - 1 Kings 3:1-15 - August 5, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – When Overwhelmed by Responsibilities – August 5, 2007

This begins a new series of study entitled “Looking Up When Life Gets You Down.”

Our Bible study will be in 1 Kings 3:1-15, 1 Kings 19:1-13a, 15-18, 2 Kings 5:1-5, 8-16 and 2 Kings 22:1-5; 23:2-4, 24, 26-27.

If we look at the entire life of King Solomon, we can see how the LORD worked in his life. His life can give us a glimpse of our journey with our LORD as a Christian. We see how GOD, even though HE has the foreknowledge to know how we will choose, HE allows us to make wrong decisions. HIS foreknowledge allows HIM to see the end result. GOD does not make us or want us to be robots. HE always gives us the right to choose.

Our background scripture is 1 Kings 3:1-28.

Our focus scripture is 1 Kings 3:1-15.

Today’s lesson is typical of many of us. When we begin our careers, we are inexperienced, nervous and insecure. Often we seek GOD’S help when we launch into the unknown. “LORD I really want this job.” “LORD I will do so and so, if YOU will just ____.”

GOD knows our hearts and HE knows the end result of our pursuit of life and certain career paths.

Often GOD grants our requests and it results in any number of results. So let’s look at a young king named Solomon. King Solomon was made king after the death of his father King David. Yes, King Solomon is the son of King David and Bathsheba. This is also the linage of JESUS.

When you are faced with an overwhelming task, seek GOD’S help.

Let’s read 1 Kings 3:1-4:

1 Solomon made an alliance[1] Lit Solomon made himself a son-in-law with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying Pharaoh’s daughter.[2] Dt 7:3; 2 Ch 18:1; Ezr 9:14 Solomon brought her to the city of David until he finished building his palace, the Lord’s temple, and the wall surrounding Jerusalem. 2 However, the people were sacrificing on the • high places, because until that time a temple for the Lord’s name had not been built. 3 Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon (GIB ih uhn) to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered 1,000 • burnt offerings on that altar.[3] 1 Ch 1:3,6 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?”

King Solomon became king at just the right time. Israel was strong and the surrounding neighbors were weak. So King Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying the Pharaoh’s daughter. This shows the strength of King Solomon because the king of Egypt would not enter into such an alliance unless he was weaker.

King Solomon brought his new bride to the City of David or Jerusalem.

The people were sacrificing on high places. High places are also where the pagans also sacrificed.

We learn that King Solomon went to Gibeon (GIB ih uhn) to make his sacrifice. King David had also made sacrifices on this same high place. King Solomon walked in the statutes of his father King David. It is vital that we as parents teach our child in matters of the spirit and for us to practice what we teach. King David had sinned in his life’s journey but we also see that GOD had forgiven him. David had to face the consequences of his sin. But we see that GOD can forgive and restore even after grievous sin. David did not loose his love for the LORD.
King Solomon went to Gibeon to make a sacrifice. This shows King Solomon’s heart in seeking guidance from the LORD for his new responsibility.

King Solomon made 1,000 sacrifices. We are not sure if he made the 1,000 over a short period of time or if this is to say that he made a lot of sacrifices over a long period of time. The key point is that he was sincere in seeking the guidance from GOD that he needed to be the type of king GOD wanted him to be.

Notice that Solomon goes to Gibeon. He takes a pilgrimage to Gibeon. We as Christian are also on a pilgrimage as we journey through life. We are making decisions each moment that shape our future. Do we make these decisions on our on or do we seek GOD’S guidance? Are we willing to admit that we need help?

When we admit our weakness and seek GOD’S help, HE can lead us. Often HE allows us to do things our way until we give up so HE can reveal to us HIS way. Then when we see victory, we cannot point to our achievements but can only say, look what GOD has done.

The Apostle Paul gives us insight into how GOD uses our weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10:
Sufficient Grace
1 It is necessary to boast; it is not helpful, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. 3 I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak. 5 I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses. 6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger[1] Or angel of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power[2] Other mss read My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Let’s read 1 Kings 3:5-9:

5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?” 6 And Solomon replied, “You have shown great and faithful love to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and[4] Lit and with You integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 “Lord my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership.[5] Lit am a little youth and do not know to go out or come in 8 Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a[6] Lit chosen many people too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

King Solomon went to sleep and had a dream. The fact that King Solomon was sleeping at Gibeon indicates, again, his sincerity in seeking the guidance of GOD. He wanted to stay close to the place where he thought he had the best opportunity to receive a word from GOD.

Solomon does receive a word from GOD. GOD asks him a very broad question, “Ask, What I should give you?” If GOD asked us this same question what would our answer be?
Again we get to see the heart of Solomon. He begins with what he knew about GOD through his earthly father’s journey with GOD. Solomon had seen the faithfulness of GOD as HE dealt with David.

Solomon recognizes and acknowledges that GOD has placed him on the throne of his father to rule HIS people. He took this responsibility seriously because he recognized that he is young. This means he could be in his teens to his twenties. Solomon is overwhelmed with the awesome responsibility he now has. He recognizes that he needs help and he seeks his help from GOD.

GOD has asked him what he should give him. It is now Solomon’s opportunity to ask the creator of the universe for anything his heart desired. Solomon uses the words “your servant” and “your people” which shows that Solomon knew WHO was in charge and the magnitude of his responsibility.

Realizing that GOD is in charge of all things and we are simply stewards is an important step toward serving GOD and being obedient. Solomon realizes that he needs to have leadership skills to be the leader GOD wants for HIS people. Solomon realizes that there are a lot of people he is responsible for.

Don’t we wish that all Presidents and CEO’S today realized the awesome responsibility they have in running companies and making a legitimate profit to keep the employees employed. Some leaders do realize their responsibility but some are looking out for themselves.

The fact that Solomon comes to GOD for help reveals that he in essence is saying, “I recognize that YOU oh LORD are the source of all wisdom and knowledge and I want to be just like YOU.”

WOW!!! What a compliment to GOD or any father when HIS/his son says I want to be just like YOU/you – DAD/dad.

It is vital that Solomon have the wisdom to judge correctly and to be able to discern between good and evil. Solomon makes the statement “For who is able to judge this great people of YOURS?”

Solomon acknowledges that the people are HIS and he needs GOD’S wisdom in order for him to judge the people as GOD would. The word “judge” means to “rule.”

So how does GOD react to Solomon’s request?

Let’s read 1 Kings 3:10-15:

10 Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had requested this. 11 So God said to him, “Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life[7] Lit for many days or riches for yourself, or the death[8] Lit life of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to understand justice, 12 I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again.[9] 2 Kg 18:5; 23:25 13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no man in any kingdom will be your equal during your entire life. 14 If you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments just as your father David did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant, and offered burnt offerings and • fellowship offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.[10] 2 Ch 1:7–13

Without question, GOD is PLEASED!!! What father is not pleased when their children recognize their ability and their judgment?

Recognizing and acknowledging GOD as the example we want to follow and to be like still pleases GOD. The scripture tells us that GOD’S desire is for all HIS children, through the miracle of rebirth, to be made into the image of HIS ONLY SON JESUS. HE wants us to be like HIM.

Solomon’s request pleased GOD and since he was not selfish, GOD granted HIM discernment, wisdom, understanding heart, plus riches, honor and a long life. But notice there is a provision in verse 14 – Provided you ------.

GOD always places the responsibility for us to keep our eyes, minds and hearts focused upon HIM. We will se later that King Solomon starts out with good intentions but the flesh leads him astray. This is true with many of us. We start out with good intentions but we let the things of life crowd out the things of GOD. GOD allows us to chase these things to teach us a lesson. HIS hope is that eventually HIS children will return to complete obedience and service to HIM.

We see that Solomon woke up but he realized that he had had an encounter with GOD and he immediately went to Jerusalem to worship. When GOD grants our request we need to always thank HIM. Solomon held a feast to share the joy of his encounter with all his servants.

Solomon is off to a good start.

Solomon recognizes his inexperience. It takes a humble heart to acknowledge that you are in need and are not afraid to ask for help.