bold faith – Page 4 – Be Still…

2 Kings 2:1-18 💥 Taken Away!

Albeit an abrupt transition, this account of Elijah’s last moments is quite something. Did you get the impression that we “should have known” such an event was coming? So many surprises and evidence of God’s hand at work. Elijah didn’t die but was whisked away by a fiery chariot from heaven. What do you make of this development? I’m not sure what to think but know that God had it all worked out.

What do we see in this passage? I’ve already hinted at the fact Elijah wasn’t speaking publicly about what was going to happen. But the other prophets sure seemed to know. They apparently had the inside track with God. It didn’t seem to matter where Elijah and Elisha went, the news was already there. Interesting that Elisha wanted to keep it “hush-hush.” Why do you think that was? Was he trying to protect Elijah and keep this as a private, intimate moment with God? Was he secretly hoping Elijah wouldn’t be taken?

2 Kings 1:1-18 🔰 Not Always Popular

Read 2 Kings 1:1-18

Man unafraid of opening his mouth wide while taking a selfie of himself

The Book of 2 Kings will continue to show wicked rulers, widespread idolatry, and God’s people seemingly looking the other way. We’ll also see how those people were sliding down a slippery slope. I’ve heard it described as a society’s river current, flowing fast and furious, pulling downward everything in its path. God calls us to swim against the flow. It might not always be popular, but we can be sure God’s way is the way to trust.

Our reading today begins with a very unpopular message being sent to the king of Israel from the prophet, Elijah. You’ll notice Elijah sent the message because God said to, not because he was asked for a word from God. God was angered by the fact Israel’s king wasn’t seeking God’s answer but that of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron. Despite the unpopular nature of Elijah’s message, he shared it anyway.

John 20:1-31 💚 Experience the Resurrection

Read John 20:1-31

light shining through the door illuminating an empty tomb

It’s always good to remember Jesus’ resurrection. It’s one of the key passages to our faith. Notice that Jesus told his disciples what would happen, but they were still surprised when it did. Doesn’t that speak volumes of the integrity in Jesus’ promises to us as well?

Who do you most identify with in this passage? Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, the disciple Jesus loved (presumably John), Thomas, or the disciples in general? How do you respond to the news of Jesus’ resurrection?

1 Kings 18:1-19 – Trusting God

Read 1 Kings 18:1-19

King Ahab has been searching for Elijah all this time. Elijah has been kept safe by the LORD, who now sends Elijah out. If Elijah was at all fearful to meet King Ahab, his boldness seems to cover that well.

Elijah encounters another believer in Obadiah. Obadiah wants his allegiance to be clear. Yet, he also reveals to us his own fearfulness to bring King Ahab the news of Elijah’s presence. He fears for his life. Is King Ahab really that ruthless?