July 2, Day 183 – International and Individual Affairs
- Dr. Eric Stricker
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
2 King 3:1 opens with “Joram, son of Ahab, became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.” This is the second son of Ahab to sit on the throne, and he reigned twelve years – doing evil in the eyes of the LORD” (verse 2). In verses 4-7, we see that Mesha, the king of Moab, “rebelled against the king of Israel” (verse 5). God has included this section in Scripture to show us that God is concerned about international affairs – especially as they affect His people, Israel. The Moabite revolt was documented on the Moabite Stone by Mesha, the king of Moab. That stone, which refers to King David, has been excavated, translated, and is now visibly displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is a secular source that certifies the accuracy of this battle in 2 Kings. Here we see that Joram formed a coalition with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and with the king of Edom, to fight against Mesha and the Moabites, and he led these armies in such a “seven-day, round-about” campaign that they actually ran out of water (verse 9). Jehoshaphat asks, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?” (verse 11). This is the same question he asked of Ahab in their earlier battle against the Arameans (cf., 1 Kings 22:7). They consult with Elisha who, through his fourth miracle by the Lord and on behalf of Jehoshaphat, supernaturally provided abundant water for these armies. By the fifth miracle, Elisha prophesies that the Lord will hand over Moab to them (verses 17-27). Foolishly, Mesha sacrifices his son – “who was to succeed him as king” (verse 27). In chapter 4, we see that God is also concerned about individual affairs. Elisha performs his sixth miracle by providing oil to help the widow pay her debts. His seventh miracle promises the Shunammite a son, and later, when the same boy dies – with his eighth miracle – Elisha restores the boy to life. In this chapter, Elisha’s interactions with the miraculous elements of the oil, the provision of a son, the resurrection of the boy, the famine, and the flour, etc., – all foreshadow and point to the Person and work of the future Bread of Life – Jesus Christ.
Today we come to the end of Psalm 78 (verses 56-72). In this Psalm, we have seen an overview of God’s historical work among the Israelites – from the Exodus to David. Repeatedly, the Israelites were disobedient and disloyal – infuriating God – Who “was very angry” (stated twice in verses 59 and 62). Nevertheless, God remained faithful to His covenant with them. In verse 67, we are told that “He rejected the tents of Joseph,” but in verse 68, we see that “He chose the tribe of Judah, and then [He chose] David, who shepherded Israel with integrity of heart and with skillful hands” (verses 69-72). We recognize that it was God’s plan to accomplish this so that from David’s Descendent – our Lord Jesus Christ – would become the Good Shepherd of Israel. The reason for God’s choice is clearly revealed in verse 72: integrity – the exact same characteristic for which Jesus Himself was both honored and recognized (cf., Mark 12:14).
In Acts 21:1-26, Luke describes his company’s travel scene like a diary entry. They “tore themselves away from them, and they put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos” (verse 1). From there to Rhodes … to Patara … to Phoenicia … passing Cyprus … on to Syria, … and landing at Tyre” (verses 1-3). Here, we see how the Holy Spirit drew Paul ever closer in his evangelistic journeys toward Jerusalem, which – eventually and ultimately meant – toward Rome. And yet, “through the believers, the Holy Spirit was urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem” (verse 4). This reveals the tension of the missionary call – the call into the unknown and the potentially dangerous. But Paul answered, “Why are you breaking my heart? I am ready to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus … and he would not be dissuaded” (verses 13-14). This is our struggle. By God’s will, Paul is going to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and to the Emperor, and this will result in the world-wide outreach of the gospel. For this, Paul was ready to die. Every missionary faces that commitment as a part of his or her individual summons to the foreign field.
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