Now That's a Mighty God! June 24 Readings: 2 Kings 3-4, Acts 1:12–26, Psalm 77:4–11, Proverbs 15:30–33

Links to June 24 Readings: 2 Kings 3-4, Acts 1:12–26, Psalm 77:4–11, Proverbs 15:30–33

Do you read the stories of the Bible as you would fairy tales? Or perhaps as an ancient equivalent of medieval morality plays designed simple to teach moral truths? Or maybe just as wishful thinking, myths made up to foster belief in the god the writers worshipped.

Or, maybe, just maybe, you believe that the Bible is true and that its stories were real. Maybe you believe that God is who the Bible says he is and that he did what the Bible said he did. If you believe that, you are left with one inescapable conclusion as you read 2 Kings 3-4.

Our God is a Mighty God!

The stories recorded here concerning the life and ministry of Elisha are among the greatest displays of divine power in the Bible. The stories of the Exodus were pretty amazing and Elijah did some remarkable things. Of course, the life and miracles of Jesus were amazing, testifying of his divine nature and power. The Apostles carried that miraculous ministry on. But there were few who surpassed the works that Elisha did in these chapters.

He gave the kings of both Israel and Judah a plan by which they could defeat the mighty army of Moab. Our God is a mighty God. Today we have many and powerful enemies who stand against us. Satan and all his forces have sown this world with lies and created a world system which stands in opposition to God. Our own flesh betrays us and draws us to temptation and sin. But Jesus Christ stands as victor over all of these, having defeated them all by the Blood of his Cross. Our God is bigger than any of our enemies.

By the power of God, Elisha provided oil to a widow whose children were about to be taken into slavery because of her debts. Then, Elisha pronounced a blessing on the barren Shunammite woman, announcing that she would have a child within a year. Our God is a Mighty God. Whatever our needs, whatever we lack, God is able to provide. He is not a heavenly vending machine on whom we call to get whatever we want, but he is the God who can and will provide all our needs. He is good to us beyond our imaginings.

Of course, the greatest work of God is to raise the dead. That's what happened when the Shunammite's son died suddenly. Elijah raised him by God's grace. Death is the ultimate enemy, infused with eternal poison by our sin. But Jesus Christ defeated death at his resurrection. Those who believe in Jesus Christ may die physically but will never die spiritually. They will be raised to glory and eternal life.

If the stories of 2 Kings 3-4 are true, then you and I serve a God of glory who able to do abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. He loves us and desires to answer our prayers. He is truly a Mighty God.

Father, I serve you, a Mighty God. I can trust you and hope in you every day. My enemies flee before your power. My needs are provided and death is defeated. Thank you for being a God like that!