Day 168 - Miracles and Famine (2 Kings 5-8) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• 2 Kings 5, 2 Kings 6, 2 Kings 7, 2 Kings 8

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Famine

Naaman, a commander of the army of Aram, suffered from leprosy. During a raid in Israel, he captured a young girl who suggested to Naaman’s wife that the prophet Elisha could heal him. Naaman sought Elisha, who instructed him to wash in the River Jordan. Initially resistant, Naaman eventually complied and was miraculously healed, declaring, “there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, deceitfully asked for gifts from Naaman and was struck with leprosy as a consequence.

Miraculous Acts of Elisha (2 Kings 6)

- Lost Ax Head: A prophet lost his borrowed ax head in the Jordan River. Elisha threw a stick into the river, making the iron float.

- Aramean Army Blinded: The king of Aram sought to capture Elisha, but Elisha prayed for the army to be struck with blindness and led them to the king of Israel. They were fed and released, resulting in peace for Israel.

- Siege of Samaria: King Ben-Hadad of Aram besieged Samaria, causing a severe famine. The situation was dire, leading to cannibalism. Elisha prophesied that the famine would end, and the next day, food was plentiful in the markets, fulfilling God’s promise.

Four lepers discovered the Aramean camp abandoned. The Arameans had fled, fearing an attack, leaving behind supplies that ended the famine in Samaria. The king’s aide, who doubted Elisha’s prophecy, was trampled to death in the rush for food.

Elisha warned a woman about a seven-year famine, and she moved to Philistine territory. Upon her return, the king restored her property after hearing her story from Gehazi. Elisha also prophesied the rise of Hazael as king of Aram, leading to King Ben-Hadad’s murder. Meanwhile, in Judah, Jehoram, married to Ahab’s daughter, led the people into idolatry. Despite his evil reign, God did not destroy Judah because of His covenant with David.

Word of the Day: Famine

Definition: Extreme scarcity of food.

Famine is often a result of natural causes like drought, leading to a scarcity of food and death. We read about famines throughout the Bible, each bringing physical and spiritual hunger. Today, we see a physical famine caused by a siege and a spiritual famine caused by a lack of godly leadership. Staying in God’s Word helps prevent a spiritual famine in our lives.

We need to destroy sin in our lives completely, just as Israel was instructed to destroy the Moabites entirely. Even a small remnant of sin can grow and cause spiritual decay.

Scriptural Insight:

- Romans 6:12: "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."

- Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught...to put off your old self...to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah led to disaster. We must be cautious about our associations to avoid aiding the spread of evil. Aligning with those who do not follow God can lead us astray.

Scriptural Insight:

- 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?"

- Proverbs 13:20: "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

God’s love remains steadfast despite physical or spiritual famine. He is ready to change any situation when we turn to Him. Reflect on the unique gifts God has given you and use them to glorify Him.