David Bahn – Reflections

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These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 2 Kings 7-9, Psalm 12.

2 Kings 7:1-15 (selected verses)

But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” But the captain on whose hand the king leaned said, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Elisha answered, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

Now there were four lepers at the entrance to the gate. They said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? If we stay here, we die. Let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us, we shall but die.”

So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and horses, the sound of a great army, so that they fled in haste, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and supplies.

When the lepers came to the camp, they ate and drank and carried off silver, gold, and clothing. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news [emphasis added]. If we are silent, punishment will overtake us. Let us go and tell the king’s household.”

The king at first suspected a trap, but messengers went as far as the Jordan and found the way littered with garments and equipment the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. And the messengers returned and told the king.

There is an old joke that is sadly funny. That is often true of humor. But in this case it’s truly sad because it reveals a mentality that is all too subtly real in many church members’ minds.

A small church unexpectedly received a huge financial gift. It was enough money to pay off the mortgage, renovate the building, fund ministry for years, and still leave plenty in reserve.

The church council gathered to discuss what to do with the money.

One member wanted to build a fellowship hall. Another proposed new carpet, padded pews, and upgraded technology. Someone else argued that a large portion should go to missions. One practical soul suggested investing it for long-term stability. And, of course, someone wisely suggested the pastor deserved a raise.

The discussion went on and on until one frustrated member finally stood up and said, “You people don’t understand anything at all.”

The room grew quiet.

He continued, “Let’s lock the doors and throw a party!”

How I wish none of us harbored that mental idea. And before you say, “Not me!” think…if you received a large inheritance what would be your first move? I’ll leave that to you to answer. But be truthful. Do not deceive yourself!

The lepers found a great trove in the Syrian army’s camp. At first they hid it, but later realized, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news [emphasis added]. If we are silent, punishment will overtake us. Let us go and tell the king’s household.”

It may not seem as dramatic as a sudden inheritance, but we too have been given a great inheritance: God’s grace. Keeping it to ourselves might look like refusing to forgive someone who has hurt us, holding back from helping someone in need, or remaining silent when we have an opportunity to share hope with someone who is hurting.

What’s more, we may have the opportunity to give the greatest blessing of all by sharing the gospel itself.

Jesus died for the sins of the world. That includes your grumpy neighbor and your favorite uncle, your best friend at school, your boss, your business partner…and you. We do not need to force these conversations. And when the opportunity comes – a death, a layoff, a frightening diagnosis, a moment of deep discouragement – you do have Good News to share.

Jesus died for the sins of the world. Jesus rose to give us life. Jesus will come again to make all things right and bring us into his glorious presence forever.

That is Good News we must never refuse to share!

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 2 Kings 4-6, Psalm 11.

2 Kings 5:9-14

Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” ¹¹ But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. ¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. ¹³ But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” ¹⁴ So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

I am struck by these chapters. Miracle after miracle unfolds through Elisha’s ministry. A widow’s desperate need is met through a miraculous provision of oil. What appeared to be a tiny reserve becomes enough to fill vessel after vessel, providing for her family’s needs. Then Elisha raises the Shunammite woman’s son, purifies deadly stew, heals Naaman of leprosy, causes a lost axehead to float, opens his servant’s eyes to see the fiery chariots protecting them, and blinds the eyes of their enemies.

But you have to love Naaman.

He first goes to the king of Israel for healing – the wrong place to seek God’s help – despite being directed there by his own king. Redirected to Elisha, he arrives with gifts in hand, ready to pay for what cannot be bought. Then comes disappointment. Elisha does not even come out to greet him. No dramatic gesture. No waving of hands. No incantation. No impressive display of power. Just a simple instruction: wash seven times in the Jordan River.

Naaman is furious. He turns toward home angry and offended.

Thankfully, his servants speak wisdom. If the prophet had asked you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? Why not simply do what he says? Reason prevails. Naaman washes. And Naaman is cleansed.

Sadly, however, greed soon intrudes. After Elisha refuses payment, his servant Gehazi secretly pursues Naaman and deceitfully asks for the gifts after all, grasping for reward for what God had freely given.

Several false hopes are exposed in this account. Help is not found in halls of power. God’s grace does not come through spectacle, dramatic displays, or mystical performance. Money cannot purchase the favor of God. Yet the king of Syria, Naaman himself, and even Gehazi are tempted to believe otherwise.

Instead, wisdom comes through humble servants. Truth comes through the word spoken by God’s prophet. Healing comes through obedient faith. Even the unnamed Israelite servant girl displays remarkable courage, compassion, and conviction. There is a prophet in Israel, she says. She knows where true help is found.

Naaman is changed in more ways than one.

And this account inevitably makes me think of baptism. God joins his word to ordinary water and does something extraordinary. We might prefer dramatic signs, spectacular experiences, or visible demonstrations of power. We often look for something impressive – something we can see, measure, or understand. But God works through simple means.

Plain water is connected with the powerful words and promises of God – that’s how God works..

In baptism, forgiveness is given, life is renewed, and salvation is offered. Like Naaman, we are cleansed not by spectacle, but by simple means of God’s grace, and faith which trusts God’s word of promise.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 2 Kings 1-3, Psalm 10.

2 Kings 2:1-12 (selected verses)

Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. ² And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. ³ And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”

⁴ Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.

[This pattern repeats as Elijah and Elisha head from Jericho to the Jordan.]

⁹ When they had crossed [the Jordan River], Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” ¹⁰ And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” ¹¹ And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. ¹² And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.

Every Fourth of July I watch the movie Independence Day. It’s a fun film about an alien invasion that threatens the continued existence of human life on earth. Fun spaceships, exciting computer generated graphics, likable characters, and memorable lines make this a favorite.

One of my favorite lines comes from Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), who says with a confident swagger, “You know how I like to make an entrance.”

Some people know how to make an entrance. Elijah knew how to make an exit. He’s taken up into heaven on a fiery chariot. No quiet retirement. No slipping quietly into old age. No peaceful farewell surrounded by family. Instead: a whirlwind, horses and chariots of fire, and all this while Elisha, his stunned protégé and successor watches.

Now that is an exit.

But as dramatic as Elijah’s departure was, perhaps even more important is what came next. The fact that Elisha saw this confirmed that his request had been granted: he would receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Ahead would come mockery (“Go up, baldhead!”), difficult kings, impossible situations, and the burden of speaking God’s truth in troubled times. Yet Elisha remained faithful. The work of God would continue, even after Elijah’s dramatic exit.

And so it still does.

When Jesus was taken up into heaven, it was not the end of God’s gracious work among men and women. He sent the Holy Spirit, who attends the proclamation of the gospel, creates and sustains faith, and empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things in Jesus’ name.

Rescued by Christ’s redeeming love and strengthened by his Spirit, we carry on confident that God is still at work – in us and through us.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 1 Kings 21-22, 2 Chronicles 18, Psalm 7.

1 Kings 21:20-29 (Summarized)

Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” Elijah replied, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.” Elijah then declared God’s judgment: disaster would come upon Ahab’s house, his line would be cut off, and Jezebel would meet a shameful end. Because Ahab and Jezebel had led Israel into sin and idolatry, their fate would be like that of wicked kings before them.

(Indeed, no king had so thoroughly given himself to evil as Ahab, stirred on by Jezebel. He followed idols and acted abominably, like the nations the LORD had driven out.)

Yet when Ahab heard these words, he humbled himself. He tore his clothes, wore sackcloth, fasted, and went about in sorrow. Seeing this, the LORD told Elijah that because Ahab had humbled himself, the promised disaster would be delayed until the days of his son.

Can you name all of the Ten Commandments? In order? Including the 9th and 10th?

Years ago – when I was first studying at seminary – I had to memorize the Ten Commandments in order. I even used a tricky mnemonic to keep them straight. Then, a few years later while on vicarage, I told the kids in my confirmation class that whatever I made them memorize, I would memorize too. The result? I know by heart the Ten Commandments and their meanings from Luther’s Small Catechism. It’s not braggin’ if it’s true.

The 9th and 10th Commandments are quite similar, both addressing coveting. Yet the 9th focuses on coveting a neighbor’s possessions – especially house and property – while the 10th turns toward people and relationships: spouse, workers, animals, and anything else that belongs to one’s neighbor. In both, God calls us not merely to avoid taking what belongs to another, but to help our neighbor keep and enjoy what is theirs.

Well, Ahab surely did not read up on that! He saw Naboth’s vineyard and decided it should be his. He offered to buy it from Naboth or trade it for another vineyard he claimed was even better. But Naboth refused to sell.

Ahab’s first response was to sulk like a pitiful little boy who did not get his way. Then Jezebel stepped in and devised a wicked scheme. Not only did they plot to take the vineyard, but others were drawn into the deception, incited to lie about Naboth – shattering the 8th Commandment. Then came Naboth’s murder – the 5th Commandment broken as well. All this because Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard.

In that light Elijah confronts Ahab: “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.” That is a stark judgment. No one wants to think of himself as selling himself to evil – though many do. Yet when confronted, Ahab repents! At least for a moment, he turns from his evil and humbles himself before God.

Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard against greed: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). He pointed people toward treasure stored in heaven: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

If ever we catch ourselves becoming tangled in greed or covetousness, there is still a path home: repentance. These desires are destructive and dangerous, but they are not stronger than the mercy of Christ. Jesus never got tangled in greed. He never coveted what was not his. Instead, he gave himself away for us. And he gladly receives those who turn to him, teaching us to seek true riches – his grace, his kingdom, and treasures that do not fade away.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 1 Kings 18-20, Psalm 6.

1 Kings 17:8-16

[At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah] came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰ He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” ¹¹ And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. ¹² And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. ¹³ And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁴ He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” ¹⁵ And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. ¹⁶ And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. ¹⁷ And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. ¹⁸ Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

The chapters from today’s readings are on the other end of the favorites list from those with the endless names, sons, wives, daughters, clans, and tribes we navigated in weeks past. I’m reminded of the scene in Star Trek when the young Scotty witnesses the furious intensity of Kirk and Spock. Scotty exclaims, “I like this ship! It’s exciting!”

There are certainly some exciting things in these chapters.

Elijah and the prophets of Baal have a showdown on Mount Carmel. Elijah taunts the prophets of Baal, goading them to cry louder because maybe their god is away, asleep, or even busy (yes – likely a euphemism for using the toilet). Their dancing and self-flagellation accomplish nothing. But when Elijah calls out to the LORD, fire comes down from heaven and consumes the sacrifice – bull, wood, stones, water, and all. Things do not end so well for the prophets of the false god.

Then comes the long-awaited rain – just as Elijah had promised. He had told Ahab it was coming, and on his servant’s seventh trip back from watching the horizon, he reports a small cloud rising from the sea. Before long, “the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain” (18:45).

After all that, you might expect Elijah to be so charged up that he could slay dragons. Instead, he hides in a cave. In despair, he prays that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (19:4).

So God does two things. First, he speaks to Elijah – not in the mighty wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice. And second, he reminds Elijah that he is not alone. There are still 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed the knee to Baal. And there is Elisha, who will take up Elijah’s mantle and carry on the prophetic work.

These chapters present a striking picture of prophets. These men were warriors of a sort: confronting kings, shaping military strategy, calling down judgment, and standing boldly in the thick of the fray. God used them for his purposes in those days.

Perhaps I find that striking because Jesus is so different. He is the Prince of Peace and mediator of a new covenant. His mission was not to conquer by force but to reconcile by grace. His great showdown looked, for a terrible moment, like defeat itself – abandoned, rejected, crucified. Yet through perfect obedience and complete faithfulness, Jesus won the victory. And his grace and truth are still changing hearts and saving souls.

There may be times when an Elijah is needed. But we will always need the grace and truth of Jesus.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 1 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17, Psalm 5.

1 Kings 17:8-16

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah, ⁹ “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” ¹⁰ So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” ¹¹ And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” ¹² And she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” ¹³ And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. ¹⁴ For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” ¹⁵ And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶ The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.

These Are the Days of Elijah is a contemporary Christian song by Robin Mark. I loved it the first time I heard it – energetic, hopeful, and rooted in the image of Elijah as a prophet who stood courageously against false gods and corrupt rulers.

We are introduced to Elijah in 1 Kings 17 as he confronts King Ahab, one of Israel’s scoundrel kings: “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”

That is a breathtaking declaration. Then comes the widow of Zarephath, who is asked to give Elijah bread from the very last of her flour and oil. Once again Elijah speaks boldly: “The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty…”

As I read these chapters, something struck me more clearly. Elijah was not merely brave or unusually confident. This wasn’t a case of a wild dream or an ecstatic experience. He was not speaking for God based on instinct or enthusiasm. Elijah believed that God had spoken – and that God was already at work. God was shutting up the heavens. God would sustain the widow. God would raise her son. Elijah’s confidence rested not in himself, but in the God who acts. I would not make such promises unless I was certain that God was behind it. But so Elijah believes. And so he speaks.

That makes Elijah unique. He boldly confronted kings, called people back to faithfulness, and performed signs that testified to God’s power. Yet even Elijah would later struggle with fear and doubt.

And that turns my attention to Jesus. I’m reminded of the man with leprosy who came saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus stretched out his hand and replied: “I am willing. Be clean.”

Elijah spoke boldly because he was convinced that God had spoken. Jesus, on the other hand, did not merely speak for God. He was God in the flesh – and spoke with the authority of the One who heals, restores, and saves. He calls us to believe – and then commands us to go and tell. Faith listens, and faith also speaks.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 2 Chronicles 14-16, Psalm 4.

2 Chronicles 14:1-7

When Abijah died, he was buried in the City of David. Then his son Asa became the next king. There was peace in the land for ten years. ² Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God. ³ He removed the foreign altars and the pagan shrines. He smashed the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah poles. ⁴ He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his law and his commands. ⁵ Asa also removed the pagan shrines, as well as the incense altars from every one of Judah’s towns. So Asa’s kingdom enjoyed a period of peace. ⁶ During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified towns throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the LORD was giving him rest from his enemies.

⁷ Asa told the people of Judah, “Let us build towns and fortify them with walls, towers, gates, and bars. The land is still ours because we sought the LORD our God, and he has given us peace on every side.” So they went ahead with these projects and brought them to completion.

These chapters are 90% relief from yesterday’s readings! No parade of kings here. Just the account of King Asa’s 41 year reign. He is given 10 years of peace during which he determined to remove the foreign altars and the pagan shrines, smashing the sacred pillars and cutting down the Asherah poles. He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his law and his commands. Asa also removed the pagan shrines, as well as the incense altars from every one of Judah’s towns.

The people of Judah enjoy a period of peace which Asa credits to the fact that they sought the LORD [their] God, and he [had] given us peace on every side.

Sadly, however, seeking the LORD and experiencing his blessing of peace does not prevent others with evil intent from attacking or seeking to disturb the peace of the land. In fact that’s exactly what happens. First an army from Ethiopia of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots attacks. Asa’s response is to turn to God. And with his army of 300,000 men he routs the Ethiopian army sending them away in decisive defeat.

Following this victory Asa not only credited God, but also offered sacrifices to God of 700 cattle and 7,000 sheep. Everything looks so good. Asa is acting so faithfully. He makes a point of seeking God, and the LORD gave them rest from their enemies.

Why is it that even the good kings fail? Asa turns to political alliances rather than seeking the LORD’s help when he is attacked by King Baasha of Israel. And although his alliance is successful in preventing Baasha from defeating Judah, his act of looking to King Ben-hadad of Aram is a sad turn from relying on God. He will end his reign in poor health and plagued by war.

Why is it so hard to remain faithful over the long haul? Even the “good kings” drift. Asa trusted God against an army of a million men but later trusted political alliances more than the LORD. We may not fall into spectacular sin, but we wander too. Pride creeps in. Fear takes over. Trust wavers.

And then I think of the Ethiopian in Acts 8. An enemy from the south becomes a brother in Christ. That is better than military victory, political alliances, or even decades of peace. Jesus does what even good kings never could. He remains faithful where we falter. He forgives us when we stray. And through his Spirit draws wandering people – even enemies – into his kingdom. Asa’s reign ended poorly. Christ’s reign never will.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 2 Chronicles 12, 1 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 13, Psalm 3.

2 Chronicles 12:2-8

In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem ³ with 1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen. And the people were without number who came with him from Egypt—Libyans, Sukkiim, and Ethiopians. ⁴ And he took the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. ⁵ Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the princes of Judah, who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus says the Lord, ‘You abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.’” ⁶ Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is righteous.” ⁷ When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. ⁸ Nevertheless, they shall be servants to him, that they may know my service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.”

When I read these chapters from 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings, my eyes glaze over. There are just too many names for me to keep straight. Too many different kings from the northern and southern kingdoms. Some are good. Some are evil. And which is the good kingdom: Israel or Judah? As a friend once said to me, “Don’t confuse me. It’s too easy!”

So if today’s readings left you struggling to keep the kings straight, you’re not alone. The kingdoms are divided, rulers come and go, battles are fought, and some kings are faithful while others are wicked. I have to refer to a chart of the kings and kingdoms to keep them all straight. Even then I get lost in the details.

Because of Solomon’s spiritual drift from the LORD the kingdom was divided. Solomon was the last king to rule a united Israel. Then Solomon’s son Rehoboam responded to weary people by making their life more difficult, leveling higher and higher taxes, a brutish leadership style, with pride rather than wisdom marking his reign.

So now we will have a parade of kings – of Judah and of Israel – reigning for a range of mere days to several decades. But the broad theme is surprisingly consistent: when kings trust the LORD, things go better; when pride, compromise, and idolatry take over, decline follows.

Given this dizzying parade of kings, you might think that God would abandon his people and his promises of deliverance. But he does not leave his people without his word. Prophets appear in the narrative, reminding kings that history is not random. Kingdoms rise and fall, but the LORD still speaks, warns, judges, and shows mercy. And even Rehoboam – twice confronted by the prophet Shemaiah – actually repents and humbles himself before God.

I take two things from these chapters. First of all, the parade of kings may be something that dizzies me, but God is neither dizzied nor at a loss in dealing with these men. He is constantly calling them back to himself whether they will listen to him or not. And second, we have a record of real men with real failures and real triumphs in the Bible. God does not gloss over sin nor ignore faithfulness. Jesus is the only King that perfectly fulfills God’s will – and we don’t follow him as we should.

What is he to do? He will show his steadfast love to thousands of generations and call us to repentance and faith. May we obey his call and follow King Jesus!