2 Kings 9
The Lord had proclaimed his judgment on Israel to Elijah back in 1 Kings 19:15-17 and we are watching now as it is carried out. Hazael began in 2 Kings 8 and now Jehu comes. With this we also see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Elijah that was given in 1 Kings 21:20-24 but has been delayed because of Ahab. But there’s more that we can see than just an execution of promised judgment from God to change history—even though much could be said about that.
The events in this chapter and those particularly involving Jezebel are graphic. But the careful reader will catch the reason: God avenges His people. Jezebel had brutally killed the prophets and worshipers of God. So God says to his instrument Jehu,
“And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord.” (2 Kings 9:7 ESV).
The vindication and exaltation of God’s people is his heart’s aim. So God does not take the persecution and death of his people lightly. In fact, the violence against God’s people is taken as if they were attacking God himself. Jesus attests to this in Matthew 25:40. And God does not paint a merciful picture either here with Jezebel in the Old Testament nor with the New Testament deceiver of his people, who will have a millstone hung around their neck and flung into the sea. It should be a fearful thing to be an adversary of God or his people.
We still live in a world that will gladly malign, brutally persecute, and even slaughter God’s people. Be assured that God sees, takes note, and will not forebear injustice forever. We know how the story ends and we can be comforted by Revelation 6.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” (Revelation 6:9-11 ESV)
Assistant Pastor Evan Webster
1 Timothy 6
How we live is ultimately motivated by whom we serve and the knowledge of the future that awaits the faithful servants of God. God’s excellences motivate us to live lives of spiritual excellence. Paul’s awe-filled vision of God is transformative. He is,
…the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16 ESV)
In contrast to those whose lives are only focused on the pleasures and glory of this life, Paul reminds us that Jesus is coming back (verse 14). Therefore, we are called to be people of God who live as distinct from the surrounding culture. We are not to live as those greedy for gain, but rather as those eager to give and serve. True lasting pleasure and treasure is found in Christ’s presence, not in what we can scavenge in this life.
Paul addresses Timothy, his son in the faith, using strong military terminology. Timothy is charged to faithfully fulfill his ministry calling (verse 12). He is to guard what has been entrusted (verse 20), and he is to,
Fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV)
Timothy indeed has a fight on his hands; he is fighting against the influence of greedy false teachers. He is fighting for the preservation of sound doctrine. Paul commands Timothy to contend for the faith and for the flock. Timothy, the man of God, is to fight not only for the faith, but also for his faith. He is to run from the love of money and the influence of the false teachers. Timothy is to run towards the pursuit of,
…righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11 ESV)
Material riches do not lead to happiness. We are rich in this life, not because of what we have but because of whose we are. Sincere ministry is not motivated by greed but by the realization that we are not owners, but stewards of the call, gifts and promises of God. Our pursuit is not for possessions but for character and conduct that glorifies God.
As we live for Christ, let’s be humble, contented, and set our hopes on God who richly provides. Let’s be rich in good works and generous in our service. In doing so, we have a rich future ahead of us. Grace be with us all.
Associate Pastor Jody Cross
Hosea 1
The first chapter of the book of Hosea lays out for us the themes that we are going to find in the book. It starts out with God’s command for Hosea to marry an unfaithful wife who bears him three children with weird names. It goes on to explain why God wants them named in that way, then promptly ends with a prophecy of the coming Messiah and God’s blessing.
Hosea was preaching in the northern kingdom of Israel under the reign of a horrible king. God commands Hosea to name his children according to the consequences of Israel’s sin. His first child ‘Jezreel’ is named for the destruction that was coming on the people. The second child, a daughter, was named ‘No Mercy’ because God had enough of Israel’s sin. And the last child was named ‘Not My People’. What can we glean from this? I would encourage us to make sure that we are living in obedience. Our God is a patient God. He works with us, He calls us, He forgives us. However, a day is coming that His patience will run out with humanity, and on that day many people who thought they were followers of God will realize that they were not.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:22-23 ESV)
That will be a fearful day for those who do not truly follow the God of the Bible. But there is hope! At the end of this chapter Hosea points out that our God is a God who saves. God will call to Himself a remnant, He will give those children a new heart, and Jesus will be their head and He will save them.
Associate Pastor Jon Welch
Psalm 119:73-96
In verse 89 there is a comforting word for the people of God.
Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. (Psalm 119:89 ESV)
Consider what the psalmist has said. God’s word is fixed, which is not to say that it is stuck in the heavens like a kite caught in a tree. It is unchanging and enduring. God creates by His word (Gen. 1:3), sustains by His word (Heb. 1:3), and saves by the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
Fittingly, the next verse (v.90) explains God’s faithfulness to all generations. The reason the believer can count on the faithfulness of God is because the word of God is fixed.
It is this word that gives the psalmist confidence in the midst of the trials that he faces.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. (Psalm 119:95 ESV)
This psalm teaches us that God’s word has established the world (v.90) and that everything in creation therefore is subject to God (v.91). Because all of this is true, we can have a faith that endures even the fiercest of storms. We can endure hostility from the world. Go forth in confidence because the same word that created the world is the word that sustains it! Nothing will touch you that has not first passed through the hands of our sovereign LORD!
That being said, God does allow us to endure hardship. On this side of eternity, we don’t yet know why the wicked are allowed to experience moments of victory (v.87). We can’t know. But we can remember and trust and meditate on the truth that God’s word is fixed – it is unchangeable, immovable and perfect. The trials and the storms that we face only serve to further the perfect plan of the perfect God who holds the universe in the palm of His hand. And so we can say with the Apostle Paul,
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28 ESV)
Associate Pastor Levi denBok
Lord God, our faithful Defender, you are holy and you are just. You come to the aid of your beloved children and you vindicate them. Vengeance is yours. Evil never has the final say. The Lamb has overcome! Victory in Jesus is the triumph song of the redeemed. Blessed and Sovereign King of kings we set our hope on you. Strengthen us with your power and might to walk as people shining bright. Help us to fulfill our charge as children of the light in a dark world. Help us be content as we find our deepest satisfaction in you. Lord give us tender hearts, sensitive to the conviction of your Holy Spirit, eager to humble ourselves before you in repentance. Merciful God, you are our confidence in trials. You hold us fast in the storms. Our hope is in found in your holy Word, and in your perfect and loving care. May your grace be ours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Associate Pastor Jody Cross
N.B. RMM Roundup assumes the Bible reading guide also known as “The M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan”. You can find a single page version of the 1 year plan here: http://www.edginet.org/mcheyne/year_classic_single_letter.pdf and a version of the 2 year plan here: http://www.edginet.org/mcheyne/year_carson_a4.pdf