Lesson From 2 Kings 1 – Responding To God’s Call

When has God given you a clear command? When did He ask you to do something, and you knew you couldn’t refuse?

I remember when God called me to teach a Ladies’ small group at church.  It was a clear command that seemed “big” to me and demanded trust and obedience. Indeed, I was not qualified to teach! But God also calls us to do things that aren’t what we consider significant.  And they can be dangerous and scary! So, either way, big or little, significant or insignificant, difficult or risky, do we answer God’s call?

God gave Elijah a command in 2 Kings 1 to deliver a message to King Ahaziah. The king had fallen through some latticework in an upper room of the palace and was seriously injured. So, the king sent messengers to the temple of the false god, Baal-zebub, to ask whether he would recover.

But God had a message for Elijah to deliver:

^“But the angel of the Lord told Elijah, who was from Tishbe, “Go and confront the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to Baal-zebub, the God of Ekron, to ask whether the king will recover? ⁴ Now, therefore, this is what the Lord says: You will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will surely die.'” So Elijah went to deliver the message.” 2 Kings 1:3-4

God said, “Go,” and Elijah responded in obedience. He obeyed God’s command to give the message, and it wasn’t an easy one to share!

“So Elijah went to deliver the message.” 2 Kings 1:4

I love the description the king’s messengers gave of Elijah in verse 8: “He was a hairy man, and he wore a leather belt around his waist.” I don’t know about you, but I picture a middle-aged man with a belly hanging over his belt! King Ahaziah correctly assumed from their description that the message was from Elijah and sent the messengers to arrest and bring Elijah to him.

But Elijah would have none of that, and twice he refused to go. God sent fire from heaven that destroyed the messengers sent to bring him to the king. On the third attempt, the captain in charge fell on his knees before Elijah and pleaded for mercy before Elijah and God. This time, in faith and obedience, Elijah followed the angel of the Lord’s command not to be afraid and gave the king a grim message. Because the king had worshipped Baal over God, he would die.

Elijah’s task was difficult and dangerous but he didn’t back down from the message God gave him to deliver to the king. And just as he carried out his call, so should we carry out the tasks God has given us. So how can we without hesitancy or fear? What lessons can this passage from 2 Kings, Chapter One, and Elijah teach us?

• Seeking someone or something other than God is never a good idea. King Ahaziah failed to acknowledge that God is the One True God, and the One we can trust to provide the help we need. God commands, “Thou shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3
• God can work through anyone to accomplish His will. God qualifies the unqualified and will give us direction and power through His Spirit and in His perfect way and timing. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6)
• When God sends us, we don’t have to be afraid. God is powerful and dangerous to those who rebel against Him. Remember, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
• Always give others God’s Word, not your own thoughts or opinions. Elijah said to the king, “this is what the LORD says:” (1 Kings 1:16). It is Scripture that convicts and changes hearts. ^“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the “heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
• We can trust God to keep his promises. Just as God said, “Ahaziah died just as the LORD had promised through Elijah” (1 Kings 1:17). Simply put, God will do what He says He will do. We can believe His Word and trust His provision, his guidance, and his protection.

God is worthy of our trust and obedience. Therefore, when God commands us to do something for Him, we should believe Him and obey with confidence, faith, and action.

What is God asking you to do? Where is he sending you, and what message has asked you to give? How will you respond?

© 2021 Robin R King