So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them. And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab! But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. And Jehoshaphat said, The Word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. (2 Kings 3:9-14)
Moab revolted against Israel because of the tribute tax imposed upon them and Jehoram enlisted the aid of the king of Judah and the king of Edom to put down the rebellion. When they encountered trouble a week into their journey and run out of water, they enquired of the Lord through Elisha. Elisha only does it because of the king of Judah. Elisha gives them the Word of the LORD and of their impending victory over Moab. The princes of Moab came against Israel and the battle went against Moab causing the king of Moab to sacrifice his eldest, his heir to gain favor with his gods.
When the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom were in need during this battle, they came to Elisha who brought the Word of the LORD because of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. God gave them water and then victory over the Moabites with a great slaughter, so much so that during a final push which was unsuccessful, the king of Moab sacrificed his own son and heir to their gods.
As Christians we will run into challenging times both as a result of living in this broken sinful world and because of that which the enemy brings against us from time to time. Natural events, our own choices, or the works of those who oppose our God will cause trouble, difficulty, calamity, and disaster. In all these we turn to our God who gives us strength and peace despite the storms of life which come upon us all. We do not need to turn to the ways of those who do not follow God to overcome for our God has already given us victory over sin and death, provision during times of need, and the calm assurance of His presence and power in all things. Our faithful response and trusting resilience during individual trials and tribulations and our rest and reliance on Him who sustains us not only reflects on our God but will draw many to want that peace and assurance. We can worship as Paul sang when in jail or pray as Jehoshaphat sought the LORD when in need and give thanks in all things. Our walk by faith will give us an opportunity to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach the Word in ministry, missions, and discipleship until He is done with us.
Until that day, God has commanded those of us who are His saints and know Him to go out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.
God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
When the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom were in need during this battle, they came to Elisha who brought the Word of the LORD because of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. God gave them water and then victory over the Moabites with a great slaughter, so much so that during a final push which was unsuccessful, the king of Moab sacrificed his own son and heir to their gods.
As Christians we will run into challenging times both as a result of living in this broken sinful world and because of that which the enemy brings against us from time to time. Natural events, our own choices, or the works of those who oppose our God will cause trouble, difficulty, calamity, and disaster. In all these we turn to our God who gives us strength and peace despite the storms of life which come upon us all. We do not need to turn to the ways of those who do not follow God to overcome for our God has already given us victory over sin and death, provision during times of need, and the calm assurance of His presence and power in all things. Our faithful response and trusting resilience during individual trials and tribulations and our rest and reliance on Him who sustains us not only reflects on our God but will draw many to want that peace and assurance. We can worship as Paul sang when in jail or pray as Jehoshaphat sought the LORD when in need and give thanks in all things. Our walk by faith will give us an opportunity to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach the Word in ministry, missions, and discipleship until He is done with us.
Until that day, God has commanded those of us who are His saints and know Him to go out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.
God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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