There is a God in Israel
Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baalzebub? (II Kgs. 1:3)
II Kings 1:1-18; I Kings 19; Jas. 5:16-18
What Is God Saying?
This is the last recorded confrontation of Elijah with the kings who disgraced the throne of Israel. Although Elijah's name is synonymous with courage, James says that he was a man subject to passions just as we are (Jas. 5:17), or more simply put, Elijah was just like us. That means he had moments when his guard was down. He could be discouraged and frightened. (Read I Kgs. 19) He could go from triumph on Mt. Carmel to deep depression of Beersheba in the time it takes to tell the story.
But it was his success in prayer that caught the attention of James, ‘The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects’ (Jas. 5:16). This was the man who was used by God to stand against incredible evil in high places, rousing the anger of kings. He disturbed their comfort enough to send them into a rage and set them on a search for revenge. Ahaziah was the last king whose godless reign was so challenged by Elijah. He had injured himself by falling through the lattice in his upper chamber. In his mind, twisted by incessant evil, he thought his wound was too severe to be entrusted to the God of Israel. So he sent for the advice of Baalzebub, a god of the Philistines.
God sent a message through Elijah, ‘Is there no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baalzebub, god of Ekron?’ The question convicted Ahaziah, who decided to rid himself of Elijah once and for all. So he sent not one, but two companies of fifty men, and they were all consumed by fire from Heaven. The third company he sent begged for mercy from the king. In the end, he could not evade the God of Elijah. Ahaziah found, too late, that there was a God in Israel who could not be ignored.
How Does This Apply To Us?
Elijah was a person of prayer and courage, a person subject to swings of mood, and who trusted God to the very end. He knew there was a God in Israel. He had the wisdom to discern His word and the courage to speak. We want to think that we would do the same, but the fact is that there are things in our lives that make it seem as though we don't believe there is a God in Israel. Apply this problem to our nation, homes, minds, and hearts. To you and me, is there a God in Israel?
Pray With Me
Dear Lord, I need to face your question. It makes me stop, makes me strong, and is your merciless way of being merciful.
Is it because there is no God in our nation that we resort to weapons that destroy and hearts that hate? Is it because there is no God in our country that we tremble before the threats of those who would tear Him from the skies above and the conscience within? Is it because there is no God in our home that we allow ourselves to be encumbered with luxuries while many in the larger family of God suffer great lack? Is it because there is no God in my mind that I allow doubts and evil thoughts? Is it because there is no God in my heart that I do not serve day and night for the love of Him who delivered me from the power of death and set my feet on the path of life?
I must own my guilt, God of all righteousness and truth. I am encouraged by your willingness and power to enter and make yourself known. That country, that home, that mind, and that heart which shows even a mustard seed of honest faith will find in You, dear Lord, One who not only is but is available; One who not only is available but can do more abundantly than all we ask or think.
In faith, I seek. In Your faithfulness, give. To the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
There is a God in Israel. A priest lives and intercedes for us, and the Holy Spirit is present to guide us. There is a Son at God's right hand. ‘The prayer of a righteous man has great power.’ Listen to Him. Pray in His name. Walk in His love.
Let us bring Him all the desires, all the longings, all the doubts, all the burdens, all the problems, and then let us leave them there. There is a God in Israel. There is a Christ who cares.
