2 Kings 13, 2 Timothy 3, Hosea 5–6, Psalm 119:145–176

DateVersionReading Plan
October 31, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

2 Kings 13

2 Kings 13:20–21 (ESV) 20 So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. 21 And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.

In the midst of the account of conflicts between Israel, Judah, Syria and Moab, we have this miraculous episode in which a man was brought back to life when thrown onto the bones of Elisha. The CSB Notes states that, “God still had one more miracle to certify his work through Elisha”. How amazing this is that even after his death, God used this chosen prophet to demonstrate His ultimate power and ability to bring life out of death.

2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

A couple of things stand out in these verses in which Paul provides attributes that will be displayed among men in the last days. First is the degree to which these attributes are already present within our modern culture. It is difficult to avoid the connection of these qualities being made manifest with the understanding that we are living in the last days.

Second is how v. 5, Paul speaks of those who have the “appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” There is a strongly implied need for diligent watchfulness and firm rooting in the Scriptures because we are sure to encounter individuals who appear as faithful followers of Christ but are lacking Spirit-transformed hearts. It is a sobering reminder how deceiving externals can be and to adhere to Paul’s admonition to avoid such people

Hosea 5–6

Hosea 5:14–15 (ESV) 14  For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue.

15  I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.

This is dramatic imagery of God as a lion carrying its prey to its den, a “picture of God’s departure” (CSB Notes). He would depart and return to His place and wait for Judah and Israel to realize their guilt and return to Him in earnest contrition. In the presence of the Lord there is life and fullness of joy and apart from Him death and sorrow. The very worst thing God can do is depart from us and leave us to our own devices. Our natural state is inclined toward autonomy—to be our own god—but this ends in disaster. May we then acknowledge the guilt of our sin and selfishness, to seek the face of our Lord and the glory of His presence.

Psalm 119:145–176

Psalm 119:171–174 (ESV) 171  My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172  My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. 173  Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174  I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

LORD, may my lips praise you all my days because you teach me your statutes. I will sing of your word, for how righteous are your commands. May my speech ever be faithful to your truth. LORD, please help me by your mighty hand for my having chosen your precepts over worldly wisdom. It is your salvation for which I await, for which I long, O LORD, and what delight your law brings to my heart.

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