Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 3:1–4:17, Mark 14:22–50, Prov 6:6–11

Today’s Theme: Poured Out

Today we read that Jesus poured out His life blood for many, this pouring out is today’s theme. We see it in the call to worship God with music, where we should pour out our hearts before God, we see it in the call to have a life of service where we pour out our lives for others.

We also see the pouring out in God’s great provision for us, the living water He gives and the great salvation we have in being able to pour out our distress and sorrow before Him.

Jesus poured out His life for us so that we should live our lives for Him. Be energised by that truth today and pour out your life before and for God.

2 Kings 3:1–4:17

A glimmer of hope

He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made.(2 Kings 3:2, ESV)

There appears to be a small glimmer of hope with the son of Ahab, he is not as evil as his parents. We do not need to allow the shortcomings of our parents or forefathers to define us, we can be new in Christ.

A life of service

And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”(2 Kings 3:11, ESV)

Elisha lived a life of service before Elijah and was known for his service. Jesus showed us an example of the servant-like lives we should have, when He washed the disciples’ feet and told us to do the same.

Music is spiritual

But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him.(2 Kings 3:15, ESV)

Note the spiritual nature of music, God created music. When we read the biblical accounts of heaven (not the modern visions which all seem to contradict each other), we see that it is a place full of music, worship, praise and song.

The enemy knows the power of music and so he uses it to drive home evil messages and steal the worship that belongs to God alone.

Music should be a part of our lives as Christians, as we worship and praise God in song. Spend time before God in worship today. As we worship God, we feel His presence and bring Him joy. Let rivers of living water flow today.

Miracles are a small thing for God

This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,(2 Kings 3:18, ESV)

Doing this great miracle is a simple and small thing to God, He is all powerful and can do anything, nothing is too difficult for Him.

Living water

The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.(2 Kings 3:20, ESV)

The Lord provides water in a dry and thirsty land. If you are in a dry place today, cry out to Him for living water.

The demonic power of fear

Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.(2 Kings 3:27, ESV)

This was a demonic and wicked king. His desperate and dark act infuses his troops with the will to win and they smash the Israelites forces with a demonic fierceness and fury.

The Israelites were possibly frightened by the ceremony and extremeness of the sacrifice and so lost faith, thinking Moab’s god was real and was angry. This coupled with the inspired enemy troops led to their defeat.

We must not allow ourselves to be caught up in the deception, evils and lies of the enemy. Keep your eyes on God in the midst of the battle and keep on fighting in faith.

The devil will do and empower the most abominable things, to capture your faith with fear and take your eyes off God and His word. Stay focused, and keep fighting in Jesus’ name.

God’s abundant provision

When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing.(2 Kings 4:6, ESV)

This woman responded to God’s word from the prophet, in faith. God will provide for us as His vessels, with all that we need.

Be kind

But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.(2 Kings 4:17, ESV)

This child was a miraculous reward for her kindness, we should be kind too.

Mark 14:22–50

Poured out for many

And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.(Mark 14:24, ESV)

Jesus’ blood was not spilt, it was poured out as a ransom for many, not for all, but for the many elect from every nation, tribe and tongue.

The sorrow of Jesus

And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”(Mark 14:34, ESV)

Jesus was under great emotional strain and distress, this was part of His suffering for us. If you are in a place of sorrow, depression, stress or pressure, Jesus understands and has taken the burden in the garden.

Cast your cares on Him today, He is our faithful, loving and powerful saviour. Don’t try to handle your distress on your own, you need God’s strong arms to help you, so humble yourself and trust Him with every distress.

Surrender your will to God’s

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”(Mark 14:36, ESV)

This was the great victory of Jesus, that He laid down His will before God. If Jesus did this, how much more should we.

Be alert and aware

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Mark 14:38, ESV)

We should be alert and aware (not taken up in delirium and emotional excesses), and pray that we are not caught out by the enemy.

Jesus the teacher

Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”(Mark 14:49, ESV)

Jesus spent most of His ministry teaching; He taught in the temple, in synagogues and in the streets and homes of the people, pointing them back to God.

He even teaches now by declaring that the only reason He is allowing Himself to be seized, is to fulfil the scriptures.

Proverbs 6:6–11

Prepare and gather

she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.(Proverbs 6:8, ESV)

We should have this mentality with our study of God’s word and with money too.

Sleep and slumber

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,(Proverbs 6:10, ESV)

I constantly feel this coming against me but the victory is won by God’s grace (or these notes would never be written, for example). Lord, help us to be energetic in all that we do.

We need to make a conscious decision to serve God with everything and ask the Holy Spirit to energise our bodies and change our hearts, so that we so desire God that, that desire wakes us up and carries us forward.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 14

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1:1–2:25, Mark 13:24–14:21, Prov 6:1–5

Today’s Theme: Eternal Words

Today we see the eternal power of God’s word. The prophecies of Jesus are so sure that they are like a fig tree, indicating the nearness of His coming, just like the leaves on a tree point to the coming season.

We can trust in the word of God which is sure and eternal.

2 Kings 1:1–2:25

Humility can save you

Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight.(2 Kings 1:13, ESV)

Because of humility this captain of fifty, was able to save his life and the lives of those with him.

Dedication and commitment

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.(2 Kings 2:2, ESV)

This man was dedicated and committed despite rejection… a lesson for us today.

Bold request

When they had crossed, 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.”(2 Kings 2:9, ESV)

This was a bold request. Exercise your faith and make a bold request from God today.

Tear away the old self

And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.(2 Kings 2:12–13, ESV)

Symbolic of tearing away the old self and taking up the new, this is needed especially to serve the Lord effectively. Romans 13:14

A purifying miracle

Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.”(2 Kings 2:21, ESV)

This is an amazing miracle, salt does purify so it has symbolic significance. We need salt in our lives too, to heal and preserve us and others.

Don’t make fun of people

He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”(2 Kings 2:23, ESV)

Making fun of people can be dangerous, we should not allow folly to bring shame to us.

Mark 13:24–14:21

A meteor shower

and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.(Mark 13:25, ESV)

This is not a star as we know it, the word is ‘aster’ and just means ‘heavenly body’, so this is likely a meteor shower.

The elect gathered

And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.(Mark 13:27, ESV)

The doctrine of election is made clear here, we are not universalist.

The fig tree?

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.(Mark 13:28, ESV)

This is a general lesson from a fig tree, Jesus has given us prophecies to indicate when the time of His second coming is close. He compares the events which He prophesies, to a tree putting out leaves and letting us know summer is near.

The whole body of Jesus’ prophecies concerning  His return, are the fig tree. We watch to see His prophecies come to pass, as an indicator to the closeness of His return.

Eternal words

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.(Mark 13:30, ESV)

Two powerful truths here; one is that this world will pass away. Secondly, it is that the words of Jesus are eternal. We can trust in God’s word.

Jesus limits Himself while on earth

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.(Mark 13:32, ESV)

Jesus limited His knowledge while on earth in His incarnation.

Be on guard

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.(Mark 13:33, ESV)

This is the command to the church, we must be alert.

Stay awake

Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—(Mark 13:35, ESV)

Only by staying in the word will we stay awake.

The madness of religion

for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”(Mark 14:2, ESV)

What a murdering religious spirit. Read it again, this shows the folly of religion.

Give God everything

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.(Mark 14:6, ESV)

Giving our all to God is a beautiful thing, and this act of devotion is always proclaimed with the Gospel.

Don’t betray Jesus

For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”(Mark 14:21, ESV)

The fate of Judas was indeed terrible, the lesson for us is that we should not turn our backs on and betray Jesus

Proverbs 6:1–5

Fulfil your pledges

Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber;(Proverbs 6:4, ESV)

This entire message is saying that we must quickly fulfil our words and promises to others.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 14

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22:1–53, Mark 12:35–13:23, Prov 5:11–23

Today’s Theme: God’s Electing Love

Today we see the electing love of God in saving His chosen people. God’s electing love is a demonstration for us to follow in our own relationships, especially with our spouse.

We also see the providence of God at work in bringing prophecy to pass, and His great desire to save people from every nation, tribe and tongue before the end comes.

1 Kings 22:1–53

Do not be fooled by theatrics

But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?”(1 Kings 22:7, ESV)

He could see the theatrics and knew the prophets were false. This was a wicked king, how much more should we as God’s people, be discerning.

Have integrity

But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”(1 Kings 22:14, ESV)

This was a true man of integrity. As God’s people, we should be the same.

The councils of heaven

And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’(1 Kings 22:22, ESV)

An amazing insight into the councils of heaven, and the nature of spirits. Dr Michael Heiser has a great book on this, called The Unseen Realm, released in 2015  by Lexham Press.

We need to pray that we are led by the Spirit of truth, not error.

A real man of God

And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me. ” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”(1 Kings 22:28, ESV)

This was an example of a real man, bold and without compromise.

You cannot hide

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.(1 Kings 22:30, ESV)

He knew he was in rebellion, hiding himself was not going to help. No one can hide from God, the consequence of sin or judgment. Our only hope and refuge is in Jesus.

God’s providence

But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”(1 Kings 22:34, ESV)

This is the providence of God, even in judgement. The following is taken from the Westminster Confession of Faith concerning the providence of God:

“God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, (Heb. 1:3) direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, (Dan. 4:34–35, Ps. 135:6, Acts 17:25–26,28) from the greatest even to the least, (Matt. 10:29–31) by His most wise and holy providence, (Prov. 15:3, Ps. 104:24, Ps. 145:17) according to His infallible foreknowledge, (Acts 15:18, Ps. 94:8–11) and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, (Eph. 1:11) to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy. (Isa. 63:14, Eph. 3:10, Rom. 9:17, Gen. 45:7, Ps. 145:7)”

The sin of homosexuality

And from the land he exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa.(1 Kings 22:46, ESV)

Jehoshaphat wiped homosexuality out of the land, but the spirit remained and now modern day Tel Aviv has become a centre for homosexual activism. We continue to pray for those in bondage to this sin and for those who are deceived by arguments that it is ok and not a sin before God.

Parental responsibility

He served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done.(1 Kings 22:53, ESV)

Our children will invariably follow our ways, we have a responsibility as men before God, to live right.

Mark 12:35–13:23

The eternal Son of God

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.(Mark 12:37, ESV)

This proves the pre-existent eternal nature of Jesus as the Son of God.

Don’t be pretentious

who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”(Mark 12:40, ESV)

Lord, keep us from the selfish, lying and pretentious spirit. We are called to be genuine, kind and loving.

70 AD

And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”(Mark 13:2, ESV)

Jesus’ prophecy about 70AD was accurate, the temple and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans.

Do not be alarmed

And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.(Mark 13:7, ESV)

Jesus warned us against alarmism over wars and news about wars, He taught us that these things will happen but that they are not a sign of the end. Wars are horrific, but wars have continued for the past 2000 years and none of them are signs of the end.

A true sign

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.(Mark 13:10, ESV)

We must finish the mission, this gospel must be preached to every nation tribe and tongue, before the end comes.

This is a true sign which is in the hands of God, through the saving work of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of the true church, to preach the gospel in every corner of the earth.

You can keep up with the progress of the mission with the Joshua Project here

There are great books about this, like “Finish the Mission”, “Let the Nations be glad” and ” A Holy Ambition”, available for free here.

Called to endurance

And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.(Mark 13:13, ESV)

We are called to perseverance and endurance in our walk as Christians.

God’s electing love

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.(Mark 13:20, ESV)

This is global language, thank God for His electing love. Glory to His name.

False sings and wonders

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.(Mark 13:22, ESV)

We must beware of the alluring power of false signs and wonders. We need to exercise biblical and spiritual discernment.

Proverbs 5:11–23

Be teachable

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.(Proverbs 5:13, ESV)

We must have a teachable attitude.

Sexual purity

Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.(Proverbs 5:15, ESV)

This is a call to sexual purity. Men should have sex with their own wife alone, it is the only water we need, should want and that will satisfy you. The broken cisterns of pornography and unfaithfulness do not bring lasting satisfaction.

Don’t be unfaithful

Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?(Proverbs 5:16, ESV)

Should a husband or wife run around town in sexual unfaithfulness?… No.

Rejoice in your wife

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,(Proverbs 5:18, ESV)

Enjoy your marriage.

Sexual enjoyment

a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.(Proverbs 5:19, ESV)

Yes be drunk with love, enjoy the gift of intimacy and pleasure in the marriage relationship, created and ordained by God for His glory and our enjoyment.

Sin brings bondage

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.(Proverbs 5:22, ESV)

Sin brings bondage, especially sexual sin.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 13

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20:26–21:29, Mark 12:1–34, Prov 5:1–10

Today’s Theme: Love God

Today’s reading is full of lessons regarding things we should do and be and things we should not do and not be.

We see Jesus as the great apologist and expositor of scripture. The ultimate of these do’s and don’ts is that we should love God with everything which is the answer of Jesus to the question of the greatest commandment.

God we love you with everything, forever you are worthy

1 Kings 20:26–21:29

Know that God is God

And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ”(1 Kings 20:28, ESV)

God would give the king the victory so that he and the enemy would both know that God is God. This was for the glory of God

Don’t compromise

And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.(1 Kings 20:34, ESV)

Do not compromise or make deals with sin

Obey God

Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as you have gone from me, a lion shall strike you down.” And as soon as he had departed from him, a lion met him and struck him down.(1 Kings 20:36, ESV)

Just obey God or suffer the consequences.

Be a man of integrity

But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”(1 Kings 21:3, ESV)

Naboth was a man of integrity, it was not just about the money for him, legacy for the future of his family line was far more important

Don’t be a grown spoilt brat

And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.(1 Kings 21:4, ESV)

This man Ahab is a spoilt brat… a grown spoilt brat

The spirit of Jezebel

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city.(1 Kings 21:8, ESV)

This is why the name jezebel has become synonymous with usurping authority and women lording it over men with manipulation… false authority

Don’t be driven by greed

And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.(1 Kings 21:16, ESV)

Blinded and driven by selfish, covetous greed

Don’t sell yourself

Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord.(1 Kings 21:20, ESV)

Do not sell your soul, don’t sell out to do what is evil. Like Jesus said what will you give in exchange for your soul

Don’t be manipulative

(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.(1 Kings 21:25, ESV)

The jezebel spirit is manipulative

Respond in repentance

“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”(1 Kings 21:29, ESV)

True repentance and humility is the only appropriate response to Gods judgement. God is merciful indeed.

Mark 12:1–34

Jesus the beloved and only Son

He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’(Mark 12:6, ESV)

All those before represent the prophets, but this represents Jesus the beloved and only Son of God

The vineyard

What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.(Mark 12:9, ESV)

This is what Jesus said God would do to the bad tenants Israel, the vineyard is now given to and made up of the (grafted in) church (Jew and Gentile) and we must be ready always to give God fruit to eat to bring him pleasure

Jesus the Apologist

Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.(Mark 12:17, ESV)

Pay your taxes… simple. Jesus was the master apologist

Don’t be politically correct

Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?(Mark 12:24, ESV)

Jesus was not politically correct or said we can have various in house views, he straight up just said… you are wrong. Simple, Bold, Truth.

Jesus the expositor

And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”(Mark 12:26–27, ESV)

Jesus is the master expositor and apologist of the scriptures

Jesus answers

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.(Mark 12:29, ESV)

Jesus entertained this intellectual jousting, it can be enjoyable and it leads to truth as the Spirit leads, so be prepared to answer challenges like Jesus

Love God

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’(Mark 12:30, ESV)

The greatest commandment is to love God with everything

Almost there

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.(Mark 12:34, ESV)

There is hope for those intellectually convinced concerning the truth, like Jesus says they are not far from the kingdom. Pray for the full conversion of those you know who are already in agreement in their minds with the gospel.

Proverbs 5:1–10

Honey coated death

but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.(Proverbs 5:4, ESV)

This is the end and true nature of forbidden “pleasures” and sexual allurement outside of marriage, it may seem appealing (lips dripping honey) but it is really bitterness, and cold, lonely death.

Run for your life

Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,(Proverbs 5:8, ESV)

Don’t play on the line… run for your life

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 12

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 19:1–20:25, Mark 11:1–33, Prov 4:18–27

Today’s Theme: The Humble King

Jesus shows us God’s heart as the humble king. He fulfils prophecy and teaches us about the sovereign majesty and benevolent love of God at the same time. Even as He throws the merchants out of God’s house He is teaching.

We see the same gentle majesty in God as he deals with Elijah’s depression.

We should also know who we are, walking in that authority but with humility and gentleness at the same time as we live lives of love, prayer and faith in God.

1 Kings 19:1–20:25

God cares about your physical life

And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” (1 Kings 19:5, ESV)

Elijah had allowed himself to be scared by the words of Jezebel and was so worn out by his stand for the Lord that he has gone into depression. Notice God deals with it by first telling him to eat.

God does not just take care of our spiritual needs but all our needs. The life of the spirit, soul and body are inextricably linked and one simply will have an effect on  the other.

The soul’s emotional state of depression will have an effect on appetite and sleep which in turn break down the bodies defences making the victim weak and leading to deeper, sustained depression. One of the first remedies to take care of a wounded soul is to strengthen the body through good food and rest.

Supernatural food

And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. (1 Kings 19:8, ESV)

That had to be supernatural physical food. We give God thanks for the supernatural, sustaining food of His word.

A gentle voice

And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. (1 Kings 19:12, ESV)

This is special, God could have revealed himself in a magnificent way but He is a loving father and knows what we need. If the voice of God thundered from the heavens it may have been too much for Elijah.

If God can speak in a gentle voice then so should we especially when dealing with someone’s depression.

Where are you

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.” (1 Kings 19:14, ESV)

This was true. Notice the way God asked him this question twice, maybe the Lord was looking for a different answer from him the second time. Also a good way to deal with someone who is depressed is to ask them about where they are.

God’s remnant

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.” (1 Kings 19:18, ESV)

God is not disagreeing with Elijah, He is saying that after all the slaying from the new kings and prophet that God will yet keep a remnant for Himself.

Don’t be a weak man

And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” (1 Kings 20:4, ESV)

Disgusting, men should not capitulate like this. We should fear God, not man.

Ask questions

And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the Lord, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” (1 Kings 20:14, ESV)

Ahab had no relationship with God so it was right for him to ask how this would be done so he could follow the Lord’s instructions. If this wicked king could ask questions, so should we.

Plan ahead

Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you.” (1 Kings 20:22, ESV)

Always count the cost of your actions, think about what you will do and plan ahead.

Mark 11:1–33

Jesus the humble King

And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. (Mark 11:8, ESV)

This was a clear indication that Jesus was the promised Messiah / King. In the Ancient Near East the laying of clothes in the street for a person or the beast they travel on was a sign of political allegiance and worship.

Jesus enters Jerusalem as the true king of Israel and the people welcome Him as the long awaited Son of David. This was the fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9.

We must remember that the people were only focused on one side of the Messiah’s mission, which was as king, they did not recognise the suffering servant side of the Messiah and certainly did not understand His coming as being in two parts.

Save now

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (Mark 11:9, ESV)

“Hosanna” is Hebrew for “Save now!” The people were crying out for Jesus to save them from the tyrany of Rome but He did far better, He saved them from the penalty of their sins through His atoning death on the cross.

We can cry out Hosanna to God today and He will save us as we honour Him as king.

Be fruitful

And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. (Mark 11:13, ESV)

We should have fruit in good times and bad that God may be pleased.

God’s house

And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” (Mark 11:17, ESV)

Never noticed this before, in the middle of this exercise of authority Jesus is teaching them a lesson, more evidence that this was not done in rage

The purpose of the temple in Jerusalem, also shows us that prayer should be a part of our life as a church.

This episode also exposes the folly of the prosperity gospel.

Have faith in God

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22, ESV)

The call of the Christian life is summarised here, we must have faith in God!

Believe in God not words

Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. (Mark 11:23, ESV)

We are believing that our prayers will be answered not that we create things and make things happen. Notice Jesus began by Saying “Have faith in God” not in the power of words as the new age teach (this teaching has even infiltrated the church).

Pray in faith

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24, ESV)

When we pray we should do so in faith, we must believe to receive.

Pray with a clean heart

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25, ESV)

This puts the caveat that we must pray with the right heart.

Wicked hearts revealed

So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11:33, ESV)

Jesus gave them an opportunity to accept the truth concerning John and Himself but their wicked hearts were revealed and they remained hard and unrepentant.

Lord help me to answer with wisdom like You.

Proverbs 4:18–27

The path of the righteous

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. (Proverbs 4:18, ESV)

The Jehovahs Witnesses use this verse out of context to explain away their false prophecies.

The true interpretation is that as we walk in righteousness we will grow in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, it does not mean truth changes but that we grow in and receive more of it.

If I got saved today I would only know so much, a year later I would know a lot more.

Meditate on the bible

Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. (Proverbs 4:21, ESV)

It is important to meditate (think over, think deeply, recite, dwell on) on the word.

What do you cherish

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

This is an important warning, Jesus taught us that a man’s actions come out of his heart, so we must be careful what we meditate on and cherish.

Consider

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. (Proverbs 4:26, ESV)

We must consider where we go and what we do.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 11