Destruction: A Study in 2 KingsSample

What does it say?

When King Ahaziah was severely injured, he sent his servants to ask the Philistine god if he would recover. Elijah pronounced God’s judgment: Ahaziah would die.

What does it mean?

The account of King Ahaziah demonstrates the foolishness of defying God. He insulted the true God of Israel by inquiring of a false god. When Elijah pronounced judgment on the king, it should have caused him to repent. Instead, Ahaziah sent soldiers to arrest Elijah. The first two captains and their men approached the man of God with arrogance and disrespect. Their choice to obey the king rather than the Lord ended in their deaths. However, the last captain humbly acknowledged the Lord’s power and was spared. Ahaziah’s arrogant defiance cost him his life.

How should I respond?

Defying God will never put us in a winning position. We should correct our mindset and behavior anytime we find ourselves in opposition to God’s commands. Pride is the root cause of defiance; it can creep in when we least expect it. What is your present attitude toward God’s will in your life? When was the last time you humbly approached God and simply praised Him for who He is? God shows favor to those who are humble, but He resists the proud. Check your heart: are you giving God the respect and obedience He deserves?