“Is it because there is no God in Israel…?” 2 Kings 1:3
Lesser Things
Israel was a nation called out to be the special people of God from the days of their forefather Abraham. They were the apple of God’s eye. Their roots were in the revelation of a holy God. They had been rescued from slavery and delivered boldly by the strong right hand and the stretched out arm of the Lord of Hosts. They had lived in the fulfilled promises of the Lord Almighty and walked the land He had graciously given them in victory after victory. And yet now they are in such a state that their king is inquiring of a foreign god, who in reality was no god whatsoever.
They had forgotten who they were. They did not remember the God who had showed Himself strong on their behalf. Why go to any other but the One who has loved you, called you, and saved you? What happens to us that we turn away from Him and seek lesser things?
When fear strikes our heart, where do we turn? It is easy to judge Israel with 20/20 hindsight, but do we do the same? Do we run to science or worldly counsel? Do we find comfort in the sleeping pill or the glass of wine? Do we try to buy our way out of our dilemma? Do we deny the pain by immersing ourselves in endless entertainment so we don’t have to think about it anymore?
These things were written for our admonishment. Remember who you are in Christ. Remember the wonderful works God has pulled off in your life. He has not moved. He has not changed. Let God be the first thing on your mind when trouble strikes. He will give you everything you need whether wisdom or peace or divine counsel. Let us live our lives like we know who our God is!
Father, let us look to You in every circumstance and surely we will find that You are ready to help. You are our remedy and consolation. Wisdom and knowledge dwell with You. We place ourselves in Your hands because there is no better place to be. Amen.