WINNERS AND LOSERS (THE BOOK OF 2 KINGS—PART 2)
LESSON 50 Part 2
INTRODUCTION
What an amazing God—what a loving Creator—to make man in His image and give him a free will. The Bible is filled with the results of the choices men and women made. What a difference between the obedient Elijah and the rebel Ahab. And between the tender heart of David and the proud heart of Saul. And the loving and courageous Esther compared to the arrogant, evil Jezebel. Some were winners with God. Others were losers.
Now it’s our turn to make choices during our brief moments on earth. The Lord wants us to make wise choices and receive His approval and blessing. One of the best schools we have is that of the Scriptures—especially all of the examples in the Old Testament that show us the final results of lives lived in obedience to God as well as those individuals and nations that rebelled and suffered the terrible consequences. We shall now conclude our study of 2 Kings.
TRAIN UP A CHILD
2 KINGS
11:21; 12:1, 2 Example of wisdom in putting a spiritual foundation under the young (note that Joash’s later relying on gifts rather than God may have gotten him killed—vv 17, 18, 20).
13:14-20 Example—Some of God’s ways can be known, and some remain a mystery—one of His greatest saints dies of sickness (Elisha), yet is doing God’s will to the end.
14:1-3 Amaziah—Example of a young man who chose the “good,” but not the “excellent”.
15:1-3, 8, 9 Two sons following the examples of two fathers—one good, the other evil.
16:2, 3, 7, 10 Ahaz—Another example of a foolish man choosing the world over God.
17:5-20 Example—God’s chosen people choose the ways of pagans—and pay the price (note v 11).
THE REWARD OF OBEDIENCE
18:1-7 Example—Hezekiah’s obedience noted and rewarded.
19:14-19 Hezekiah is a great example on how to handle reproach and threats.
19:25-27, 32, 34-37 Sennacherib—Example of a pagan who learned too late that “gods” do not equal God.
20:1, 6, 11, 13-19 Example—One can use God’s goodness to grow godly—or proud and selfish.
21:1-3, 6 Another example that godly parents do not necessarily mean godly children.
22:1, 2, 19 Example—Josiah’s tender obedience is observed and honored. (See 23:1-25).
GOD HAS NO GRANDCHILDREN
23:31- 34 Example of another son of a godly man turning his back on the Lord.
24: 1-4, 14, 15, 20 Example—Israel’s sole purpose; serve God or pay the price.
24:18-20; 25:7 Example—He who has no eyes for God will be left with only eyes of grief and torment.
25:27-30 Another example of God directing the heathen to show mercy to the Jews.
