365 Reflections

2 Kings 13:20–21 (ESV) So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. 21 And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet. For 50 years, Elisha had been Israel's lifeline. Now, as the nation continues its descent into immorality and pagan heathenism, he dies. Imagine this moment if you will. Your nation seems to be on an irreversible course toward exile. God had already promised such in 1 Kings 14: 1 Kings 14:15–16 (ESV) the LORD will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and root up Israel out of this good land that he gave to their fathers and scatter them beyond the Euphrates, because they have made their Asherim, provoking the LORD to anger. 16 And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.” You have to th...

Balaam has been told by God not to curse Israel. He has been told not to even travel with the men who have come to pay him to curse Israel. Yet, Balaam decides to take the better offer they present in prayer before the Lord. Make no mistake Christian, this world and the prince of the power of the air will do the same thing to you. He doesn't take your first "no" for an answer. He always comes with something more enticing. Yet God's answer and God's direction remain the same! When Balaam goes to God in prayer, God allows him to go but only to say what He gives to him for prophecy. When Balaam leaves, something seemingly strange happens in the text. Numbers 22:22 (ESV) But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. This looks strange on the surface. Why would got get angry at Balaam going when God told Balaam it was okay...