Fellowship, Its Source, Its Conditions, and How it Plays Out

Conditions of Fellowship
1 John 1, 2

The Fellowship of Christ

The Source of Fellowship

Genesis 1:1, 2, 26
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth

Taking a look at Genesis 1:1, 2, 26 we are actually transporting ourselves back into a time when there was nothing, nothing but God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Without going into a huge discussion as to whether there was just one God or three gods, we will just say at this moment that God existed in three Persons. The existence of God by His own nature was Unity, Communion, and Fellowship even before the world itself had been created.

Reading through Genesis 1, John 1, and Revelation 1 while comparing it to our study today and its text of 1 John 1 and then for good measure we through in verses like John 1:12, John 3:16 and John 10:9-10 we begin to recognize that life, all life has existed eternally with God, and that our believing in God the Son (Jesus Christ) will give us power to become a son of God.

Our text for this study refers to the Word of Life that was seen with the author’s eyes, and was touched by his hands. This shows that this is no ordinary word, book, etc…. The Word of Life as described here in 1 John 1:1 and in John 1:1 indicates something far more intriguing than some inanimate word. What we see is a Person (yes, even part of the Godhead) that is known and understood as the Word. It is when He speaks that things happen and specifically in regards to the study today, when He speaks life into the heart and soul of all who have believed on his name, life will begin to bloom for an eternity.

As a son or daughter of God we now have access to an eternal life which can be experienced here in this life or in the future.

Eternal life is not necessarily a physically eternal life, but is spiritual. The course of all mankind shall indeed come upon us and our bodies shall lie beneath the ground until that great day when our Savior shall return in His Glory and our bodies though they be decayed shall be lifted to meet our spirits in the air!

John 1:12
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 10:9-10
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The Webster definition of fellowship is as follows:
1
: companionship, company
2
a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience
b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3
: a company of equals or friends : association
4
: the quality or state of being comradely
5
obsolete : membership, partnership
6
a : the position of a fellow (as of a university)
b : the stipend of a fellow
c : a foundation for the providing of such a stipend

Biblical Fellowship is defined by a deep relationship with one another, not just based on standards accepted by society such as block parties, college frats, or even mere communication. Biblical Fellowship is a communication of your soul and spirit with another person on a deep spiritual level.

When we say that we have Fellowship with God are we just sitting down with him over a cup of morning joe with His word and reading a bit and then going away and saying, “wow, that was great”? Now don’t get me wrong, having a cup of coffee on hand while reading the Bible is not necessarily wrong, but it seems to be somewhat impersonal, especially when trying to hear what Almighty God has to say to us today.

A lot of our communication with each other is merely surface. If we even talk with each other face to face anymore, we may ask each other how we are doing, or what’s going on in your life, but to have a spiritual communion is almost unheard of in today’s churches. I believe that this is a result of our relationship with God being surface as well, we go through the motions of what seems to be expected, but our heart’s need is not really met. We just pass it off as, well sure I had my devotion today. “WHAT IS DEVOTION ANYWAY?”

The Conditions of Fellowship

Many people would get all excited about this and start spitting out Bible verses like Matthew 7:1. While it is true, we are not to be judges 1 Timothy 5:20 offers a narrative that indicates that sin must be dealt with. I have heard all kinds of justifications for sin including, “their spiritual indicator levels are not as tuned as yours”. That may be my brothers and sisters, but then what about discipleship? Do we have a plan in place for discipleship training? Are we striving to bring our brothers and sisters that are weaker in faith to a place where God’s name can be glorified through their life of holiness?

When these verses in 1 John talk about abiding in Christ, it means we are tapped into his power and authority and will walk as Jesus walked, Holy and Blameless before the Father.

So who has the greater sin? The brother who can’t get victory over his sin, or the church who refuses to acknowledge that discipleship is instituted by God for the furtherance of His Great Name?

1 John 2:4
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Walking in Fellowship

Here are some pointers that show whether you “know” God.
John 13:35
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 John 2:3-12
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

There is a number of things these verses point out that are indicators of where we are in relation to our Fellowship with God or whether we really know Him.

They are as follows:

• If we have love one for another
• If we keep his commandments
• He/she will walk as Jesus walked
• He/she will have compassion on his brother/sister
• He/she will abide in the light - will not live in darkness

What does it mean to hate your brother? Does it mean for you to narrow your eyes at him every time he walks by and wish he we in another church or maybe even dead? Does hating your brother mean that you have despised him?

How is the word abideth used in 1 John 2:6?
The word abideth has the meaning of dwelling, sojourning, to stay continually, a permanent place of abode including in Christ.
We may claim to be abiding in Christ, but by analysis are we? Is abiding in Christ something that happens automatically by saying a little prayer? Are we abiding in Christ when we have obvious split focus?

1 John 2:6
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

True Christian Fellowship will never be reached unless we are abiding in Christ and He is our only focus!

‪#‎fellowship‬ ‪#‎abidinginchrist‬ ‪#‎devotion‬ ‪#‎discipleship‬ ‪#‎communion‬‪#‎comradeship‬

Pride threatens Successful Leaders ~2 Kings 20

2 Kings 20

Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Text for Study
*2 Kings 20 (2 Kings 20:1-7, 12-21)

Up to Date
The Prophet Elisha had raised the Shunammite woman’s son to life at about 849 BC. Today, the element of our study is Hezekiah’s reign into which we are jumping into the part of his life that he is dying. The actual dates are a little confusing because he reigned alongside his father toward the beginning of his reign and then alongside Manasseh toward the end of his reign. Hezekiah was overall considered a good king as he re-instituted worship of God in Judah, by tearing down the altars and re-initiating the Passover, yet; as today’s study will point out, he had one flaw. Hezekiah appears in our study as being childless, at least at the start of it. He died in 687 BC

Hezekiah, having done all sorts of good things like bringing revival to Judah, and re-establishing the ancient traditions of worship toward God; found himself in a place where he lay dying.

This is an intriguing part of his life as so much mystery surrounds it. Josephus refers to the sickness as distemper and is described by him as being severely discouraged because he had no child to succeed him on the throne.

2 Kings 20:1-11 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, 3 I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. 6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. 7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. 8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day? 9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? 10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. 11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

It is interesting to me how our record of Hezekiah up to this point is that of a good king and by all appearances has a good heart as well, but Isaiah, the Prophet of God comes in to tell him to get ready you are going to die. Hezekiah’s house was not in order.

There were things he needed to take care of so God’s people wouldn’t be left without a leader. There were things he needed to take care of spiritually in his own life before dying.

Was Hezekiah’s Prayer for healing wise? What can we learn from this?
If Hezekiah had died in this initial bout of sickness there would be so much that we wouldn’t know about him. Is it wrong to pray for healing? No, that isn’t even scriptural. Yet, though Hezekiah was considered a good king; there was an underlying character trait that plagued him throughout the latter end of his life. Hezekiah was a proud, selfish man which we see in this passage and others like it. Hezekiah wanted God to remember him for all the good he did during his life and honor him for it.

Do we ever pray that God would remember our works and bless us for our faithfulness? What about asking God to physically bless us because we have been faithful up to now. What would we do with the blessing? Would we honor God with it?

2 Chronicles 32:25 “But Hezekiah rendered not according to the benefit done unto him; therefore his heart was lifted: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.”

Hezekiah did not become a better man for his extension of life, rather he had become focused on himself and how he thought things should be. When he was faced with the destruction of Jerusalem and his actual death, he was pleased that Jerusalem would not be destroyed during his time. Though he had set Jerusalem up for its destruction through his bad choices, he refused to recognize his sin.

Compare 2 Kings 20:3 with the prayer of the publican in Luke 18:9-14 9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

What purpose did putting the figs on the boil serve?

God often chooses to use natural means to bring healing; even Jesus used mud to bring healing to a blind man. But in some other examples in scriptures, God simply spoke and healing came.

It would seem then that God uses natural means when they best suit His purpose. Hezekiah wanted a sign to be sure of God’s promise, he wanted evidence. Might this be the reason why God chose to use figs? We should not depend on a sign or on the medicine to be healed, but God who gave the healing. While figs are very healthy for you, I am not aware of any topical ointment that is made from figs that works on boils or distemper. I think that God wanted this to be clear to Hezekiah, This is my doings, not yours. Hezekiah had seemingly missed the point so far and was focused on all he had done for God rather than what God had done through him. Through this it seems as though God was trying to show him that he, Hezekiah was helpless without God’s help.

Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord; that is My name. And My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.”

“What Have They Seen in Thy House?”

2 Kings 20:12-15 12 At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. 14 Then came Isaiah the Prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are from a far country, even from Babylon. 15 And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

The word Letter as used in 2 Kings 20:12 is defined in Hebrew as this:
סֵפֶר çêpher, say'-fer; or (feminine) çiphrâh; (Psalm 56:8 (H9)), from H5608;
properly, writing (the art or a document); by
implication, a book:—bill, book, evidence, × learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll.

The word Present as used in 2 Kings 20:13 is defined in Hebrew as this:
מִנְחָה minchâh, min-khaw'; from an unused root meaning to apportion H4503
, i.e. bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary):—gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice.

The word Hearken as used in 2 Kings 20:13 is defined in Hebrew as this:
שָׁמַע shâmaʻ, shaw-mah'; a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.):—× attentively, call (gather) together, × carefully, ×certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, × diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), × indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, × surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.

What weakness did Hezekiah reveal when he showed ambassadors from Babylon all that he had?

Hezekiah revealed that he enjoyed praise even if it came from the heathen. When a king showed his wealth and his treasures to another king from another place, it was usually for the wow factor. This only would breed jealousy and covetousness in the hearts of the visitors as they would go back home and think about it. As Isaiah prophesied to Hezekiah, the king of Babylon would remember this and come back to get it. Most likely the king of Babylon had sent his ambassadors to give a show of joy at Hezekiah’s restored health to actually do a little sleuthing to find out the secrets of the kingdom.

How did God test Hezekiah?
God wanted to confirm where he thought Hezekiah’s heart was so He allowed the ambassadors from Babylon to come test Hezekiah. Hezekiah forgot that everything he had came from God.

Hezekiah had been a successful leader. What are some of the temptations that are unique to successful leaders?

The temptation is there to think of one’s self more highly than he ought to think. Through Hezekiah’s reign the blessing of God had returned to Judah as he obeyed God’s Voice and destroyed the idolatry out of the land.

“Hear The Word of The Lord”

2 Kings 20:16-21 16 And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord. 17 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. 18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. 19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days? 20 And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

After reading this account in 2 Chronicles 32 which is as follows we see things a little differently than we do if we read 2 Kings 20.

2 Chronicles 32:1-33 After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem, 3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him. 4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water? 5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. 6 And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying, 7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying, 10 Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? 11 Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The Lord our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it? 13 Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of other lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand? 14 Who was there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand? 15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? 16 And his servants spake yet more against the Lord God, and against his servant Hezekiah. 17 He wrote also letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand. 18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city. 19 And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man. 20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. 21 And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. 22 Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side. 23 And many brought gifts unto the Lord to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth. 24 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the Lord: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels; 28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks. 29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much. 30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. 32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

When the Word of the Lord came to Hezekiah through Isaiah, he found out that God was not pleased with his heart’s condition and that because of his sin, Jerusalem would be destroyed even if it would not be during his time. Hezekiah responded by saying “Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?” Hezekiah didn’t seem to catch on very fast. His words just oozed of selfishness as if he had a no-care attitude toward the suffering the Israelites would suffer due to his sin. As long as he escaped he thought, but he goes down in history as a good king turned selfish.

‪#‎proudking‬ ‪#‎selfishking‬ ‪#‎mercy‬ ‪#‎prayerchangesthings‬

The Search For Significance

It all began with a birth. The newborn child saw his mother as his caregiver and wanted her to hold him, to feed him, and to love him. He wanted to be important in her eyes. As he grew, he included his father into his need to be important and any siblings, and all the while his heart was looking for significance; he sought the attention of those around him.

As time went on, he found some friends and wanted to be important in their eyes as well. Peer Pressure set in and began to control his desire for significance. Each one of us knows this search as if it were our own!

While it is not necessarily wrong to be significant in someone’s eyes, I do want to set this in context and where it started and where it could go.

To understand this in its entirety we have to understand where the search began.

God had created each one of us with a significance built in to us. As created by God, we are his, we are cared for, we are protected, and we are loved. This same care was afforded the angelic beings at the beginning of time.

As God created Mankind, Lucifer already being significant in God’s eyes, wanted yet more significance. His heart was set on being as important to those around him as God is. Going against the established setup is always rebellion and Lucifer rebelled against his Creator and God for the sake of being significant to yet more people/angels. Lucifer was an archangel in community of angels meaning that his role was actually a leader in the angelic realm. As a leader, Lucifer lead a full-fledged revolt against the Lord God of Heaven and he became the ultimate leader to one third of the angels.

I will be like God and be my own boss, he thought. No more will I have to bow before the Almighty in worship or submission was his thinking. Was he right? No! Lucifer also known as Satan still has to bow in submission to God. He does have some reign to do his own thing, but he will pay for anything that is in rebellion to God. Since he is living in rebellion with no hope for redemption, all is lost. So did Satan become like God? No! Satan is not Almighty, and his plans need to fall into submission to his Creator. Satan is not All-knowing, not Omni-present, nor is he All-powerful.

While God did create man and woman significant in His eyes, their desire to be more significant drove them to disobedience. You shall be as gods, was the motive behind their rebellion, and the opportunity to become as gods was too much to pass up they thought, and they made their choice to be their own master of their life, bringing with this choice all the corruption and vices this world knows today.

The Pharisaical Leaders of Jesus day allowed their desire to be significant to initiate some really obnoxious behavior, and while making a show of worshiping God, they demanded others to sit up and take notice of their righteousness, and piety by blowing on horns when they stopped to pray on the street corners and by clanging huge purses full of gold into the tithe box. The reality is that, though they may have been respected leaders in Israel; they were not worshiping God but were worshiping their righteousness, and the admiration of the people of Israel.

Wanting to be significant moves men and women to do strange things, and in today’s society; we find ourselves looking for ways to be known. We have the Guinness Book of Records, along with the infamy that accompanies the criminal. It is as if the world has given up on trying to be holy and no longer seeks the approval of Jehovah for the sake of being significant in the eyes of the world.

Years ago mankind would have taken a greater pleasure in dressing distinguished but now dress has become so casual that our lifestyle has followed suit.

The significance that God has placed within our being is not brought about by our works whether good or evil, but is there as a part of the creation of our being. We may choose to disregard the significance that God has placed in our heart and be the master of our own soul, but wait; there is no such thing, we will either be serving Jehovah, or the devil and which, my friends will it be?

Now that “All we like sheep have gone astray”, how do we regain the significance with God? It won’t by our own works of righteousness, but by a broken and contrite heart. So go ahead and humble yourself before the Lord, and recognize His Supremacy, His Authority, and his Life within you; and live life like never before. It may be difficult to stay the path, but worth it all, for Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our rebellion and opened the door to re-establish a relationship with you!

‪#‎significance‬ ‪#‎relationshipwithGod‬ ‪#‎infamy‬ ‪#‎brokenandcontrite‬

Elisha and The Shunammite Woman - 2 Kings 4

Our study today is summed up by giving personal examples of how if you want God to intervene in your life then you must ask! God knows your need you say, well so He does; but the Word of God in various places that we must ask before we receive good at the hand of God! There are some standard blessings that apply in most scenarios like life, and health and so on. This life is about trust and honor and we do live in a cursed world so circumstances arise giving birth to sorrow, and pain, maybe even hopelessness; but we must ask, and if God blesses us by turning our affliction away then we are blessed, if God blesses us by making us stronger of faith by taking us on a real journey of mountains and valleys then we are blessed. We could be blessed by God giving us wisdom where we lacked it.

Numbers 27:21 (Ask Counsel)
2 Chronicles 20:4-30 (Ask help from God) 2 Chronicles 20:4,17
Zechariah 10:1 (Ask for rain, even when there has been a season of dryness - Spiritual and physical)
Matthew 7:7-12 Luke 11:11-13 (Ask, Seek, Knock - Good gifts)
James 1:5 (Ask Wisdom)

The woman in our study today had no ulterior motives when offering Elisha the extra room she and her husband had made for him. She apparently had been moved by God to prepare first a meal for him and then a room for him to spend the night. When Elisha offered to speak well of her to the higher authorities, she indicated she was content to live among her people.

The village of Shunem was located on a piece of land that had been designated for the Tribe of Issachar. Joshua 19:17-23 It was located about three miles from Jezreel which was known as the city of the kings. It was here that the saga of Naboth’s Vineyard played out resulting in his death.

This woman for whom we have no name recorded, was barren and could have no children. Elisha, as a thank you had his servant keep his eyes on some way he could help her to thank her for her kindness. Through this a special son/child was born as a miracle for her husband was old. God honored Elisha's request to give her a son.

The Shunammite woman's son, who was promised by Elisha as a spokesman/prophet for God did on a hot morning while he was helping his father with the harvest. He had complained of a severe headache and his father had sent him home to be cared for there. He died about noon and his mother took his body up to Elisha's room and laid it on Elisha's bed. She then went to get Elisha.

There was no panic, no deep distress after the death of her child. She didn’t even tell her husband that their child was dead. He had known the son wasn’t feeling well, and had taken him home to be taken care of there.

She told her husband that she was going to the prophet and “it would be well”. She had faith that God’s servant would be able to raise her son. She uttered no angry words to the prophet of God, she didn’t say “What kind of God would do that”.

The Shunammite woman sought, and knocked physically when she went after the prophet. There are three steps to asking: just plain asking “May I have this situation reversed”, Seeking is a more intense type of asking and then there is beating on the gates of Heaven (metaphorically of course they are not shut by day nor by night).

The words she used, “It is well” is the same word used for peace and safety. The Strong’s Concordance says, “safe - for example, well, happy, friendly, also as an abstract meaning it means welfare, such as health prosperity and peace, to do or ask a favor.

The definition of Shalom is quite varied and to determine what exactly she meant could be difficult, but there are several things we can take away from this: First of all, there was peace, not panic; Secondly, she was seeking for someone’s welfare Thirdly, She was asking a favour of both her husband and Elisha.

There are a couple of questions that arise from this account. What was Elisha doing at Mt. Carmel? How great was the distance between Shunem and Mt. Carmel?

Mt. Carmel had been the site of a great spiritual victory for Elijah and there had been built a school for the prophets instructing them in the ways of God. Elisha was an itinerant prophet who made his way round to the various schools that had been set up for the prophets. The distance between Shunem and Mt. Carmel is roughly 30 Miles. That would equate to about a 9 Hour Trek on foot.

She was considered a “great woman” socially. Her standing in the community was that of respect, and wealth. People would have looked up to her, and even though she could have sent her servant to get Elisha she went humbly to plead at his feet. She actually pressed the servant she was traveling with to travel fast and not to worry about whether she can keep up. She said, “I will tell you when to slow down”.

Elisha seeing her approach him and kneeling at his feet clutching his ankles as a means of displaying the desperation she was in.

Though she wasn't panicked she wanted God to come through for her. Elisha recognized the agony in her spirit and though God hadn't revealed to him ahead of time about the family, he was ready to help.

God could have revealed this to him, but for some reason this time He didn't. We don't know the why behind God choosing to not reveal this especially when God usually did reveal things ahead of time to alert him as to what issues he was going to be facing.

What can we learn from it though? Sometimes things happen to us that make us wonder how that will work out for our good. In this case she lost her only son/child. Consider with me what would have been the end result if she had not appealed with God to intervene. She was probably praying before that her son would be healed, but now that he was dead, she was not going to give up. Sometimes our situations seem to be hopeless, but if we give up we will not see the work of God!

Matthew 7:7,8

When you have placed your life, all of your life under God’s control; whether it is the emotional part of your life, the Spiritual part of your life or the physical part of your life, then you will understand that God as your Sovereign King will work things out in your story. Romans 8:28

I do not want to leave a false impression that everything will always work out the way we want them to, but it will ultimately be up to God then to bless us in the way He sees fit. A lost job, A death in the family, A broken down vehicle, etc…, is not a blessing; but God’s blessing can come out of it whether it is for the purification of the saint, or some other blessing. Sometimes we become so materialistic that we believe that God is not blessing us unless it is a material blessing!

‪#‎blessing‬ ‪#‎shunammitewoman‬ ‪#‎askseekknock‬ ‪#‎2Kings4‬ ‪#‎2Kings‬

Dueling Prophets

1 Kings 18

“And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said The Lord He is the God; The Lord He is the God.” 1 Kings 18:39

Elijah, having just raised the widow’s son back to life, and having fulfilled his mission with her; The Word of The Lord came again to him. This time however, Elijah was to inform the wicked king Ahab of the rain that was headed for Israel. Again, the whole reason there was this drought in the first place was Ahab had initiated a kingdom of tolerance for heathen religions, and where Baal worshiped reigned supreme. Baal, the god of storms had failed his followers miserably these last three years and it was time for a showdown of the gods. Israel had not repented yet, and it was time to force a battle between the powers of evil and the righteous power of God.

Jezebel, the queen of Israel, had succeeded in killing many of the followers of Yahweh in an effort to create this tolerant society toward her favored religion, and to appease her own god (the god Baal).

We now have an interesting character come into the story, and his name is Obadiah. Obadiah is a fervent worshipper of Yahweh, and has used his connections as king’s steward to hide 100 of the prophets of God by 50’s in caves. The study today takes him out across the land looking for water as the drought had dried up all available resources for quite a ways. It is on this venture that Obadiah meets Elijah as he comes out of hiding for the first time since the drought began.

Elijah tells Obadiah to let Ahab know that he is in the area and would like to see him. Obadiah trembled at the thought of delivering that message, (1) because Elijah was a prophet of God and Jezebel wanted his head, (and 2) because Elijah had a knack for disappearing into nowhere only to be found when the time was right.

Obadiah’s words were, “I will tell Ahab that you are here and the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you and carry you away to a place that I know not of”.

Only when Elijah promised that he would see Ahab, did Obadiah consent to giving Ahab the message.

Ahab couldn’t stand Elijah’s presence due to the righteousness of Elijah condemning the unrighteousness of Ahab. Also look at 1 John 3:12 1 Peter 3:16 2 Timothy 3:12 Cain was infuriated by Abel’s righteousness.

Ahab knew Elijah was a prophet of God, yet he blamed him for the trouble that had befallen Israel. Ahab’s kingdom was built around tolerance of the Zidonian god Baal and goddess Ashteroth and he assumed that as god/goddess they would take care of him, yet these last three years they had failed him as this “trouble” had fallen upon Israel. He assumed this “trouble” was brought on by Elijah’s insistence in worshipping the One True God, and his own gods had removed their blessing. We could say that Ahab was a spiritual man, even that Jezebel was a spiritual woman; but their spirituality resulted in idolatry, which is rebellion of God’s ways, which is witchcraft. Behind every idol is a demon receiving the worship that is given it.

Our children are those in our little domain, just like Ahab as king of Israel had his kingdom of people who were looking to him for guidance. If we as parents are not an example of serving God, whether it’s by losing our temper, disrespect of our leaders, or fellow church members, or whether we are halting between two religions; these could all give rise to a generation of people who are disillusioned having a tainted view of who God is. If we as parents are super concerned with things pertaining to us, be it our hurts, our gifts, or how we expect that men should treat us; then we are selfishly expecting to have our rights upheld. The Bible says offences will come and “Woe to whoever shall give them”. Our children will see who we respond to situations that are less than ideal, and we will make or break their view of God and His ways! Their blood will surely be on our hands if they lose out spiritually due to our lack of spiritual discernment. Matthew 18:6

During the reign of Ahab, many Israelites tried to worship both God and Baal in order to please the prophets and the rulers. This is a compromise of faith and it is clear through the Word of God that compromise of faith will always be sin and will be judged. Revelation 2:14 - Joshua 24:15

So, who really was troubling Israel? When God said in Deuteronomy 11:16-17, “Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; 17 And then the Lord's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you.”; He made it clear that certain requirements need to be met or they would be judged along with their land being cursed for their sake. God was not just “troubling” Israel, but was wanting them to see the futility of their worship in an inanimate god. This trouble was self-inflicted because of their rebellious heart.

Today, Do you feel like God is inflicting you? Before you blame God for it, take a look at your life. Are you in whole obedience to God and what he has revealed to you? Also understand that if you are walking in complete obedience to God, Satan would love to sift you as wheat. Further still, Recognize that this may not be a personal struggle, rather this earth is cursed generally, not to make it hard for you, but because of the sin of the world that men and women may realize their need of surrendering to God.

When we forsake the commandments of the Lord, it is clear we will bring “trouble” on ourselves.

What does it mean, “Thou hast followed Baalim”? Is this just a variant of the name Baal? Baalim, according to the Strong’s Concordance is the plural form of Baal.

As Elijah meets with Ahab, he gives this call to worship. It is a contest of worship to see which (G)god is going to come through for their prophets(s). It is time for the showdown. Israel had not repented from following Baal, but they were going to be forced to see that God/Jehovah is the True God and that Elijah is His messenger.

Elijah called them to this contest on Mt Carmel. Now Mt. Carmel was a beautiful Mountain that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. It was believed to have been the home of the god Baal. Baal was in a sense challenged to a duel on his “home turf”. Elijah was outnumbered 850/1 by the prophets of Baal, plus if you would count the rest of the worshippers of Baal, that number would have risen tremendously.

Israel has been trying to have a tolerant stance toward this false religion, and as anybody can guess true tolerance of anything whether it is a false god or an ideology always end up biting you in the end. There is no such thing as true complete tolerance.

Elijah built the altar with 12 stones to remind the Israelites they were part of the 12 tribes of Israel and that God has chosen them as His people. This symbolized a return to the worship of the true God as the altar had been in disrepair until now.

The Israelites needed to acknowledge that Jehovah is God (the only God) before the drought could end. Leviticus 26:40-45 by the same token, our spiritual drought can be reversed by recognizing that God alone is God and by following in obedience.