The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

FULFILLING THE PROPHETIC WORD

The king of Aram, Ben-Hadad, was ill and uncertain if he would survive. Word reached him that the prophet Elisha had come to Damascus, so he sent his servant Hazael with forty camels loaded with gifts and asked the prophet whether he would live or die. Hazael did as he was instructed, but he could have never imagined what Elisha would tell him. According to Elisha, God decreed that the king would die and that Hazael would rule over Aram. Earlier God had told this same truth to Elijah, Elisha’s predecessor (1Ki 19:15).

God’s words create and shape reality; they can topple empires and replace kings with servants. At one time, God chose to speak his reality-shaping words through the prophets, people like Elisha and Elijah. Now he has chosen to speak uniquely through his Son, Jesus (Heb 1:1 – 2). And with ultimate authority and power, Jesus’ words pierce the innermost parts of people, revealing their secret thoughts and intentions (Heb 4:12 – 13). By his word, judgment falls upon the unrepentant and mercy comes to those with a contrite heart.

Jesus, I come before you with a humble heart, praising you for your omnipotence and thanking you for your mercy. I am so grateful for you, and I know I would be nothing without you. Amen.