“Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?”
2 Kings 1:3
A poignant question for Ahaziah, king of Israel, king of God’s people whose first thought when faced with sickness was not to inquire of His God, but another. And so God sends the prophet, Elijah to intercept Ahaziah’s men on their way to inquire of this other god, Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, as to whether Ahaziah will recover from his sickness. Elijah stuns them on their way with the question “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?”
And I wondered as I read Ahaziah’s story if in our pursuit of questions answered, could we be intercepted with the same question Elijah asked? How often do we, do I turn to other gods before the One and only true God?
Could I be asked the same question,
When I turn to medical professionals for answers, for security, for assurance before the Lord?
When I turn to the god of control before surrender to the One who is in control?
When I turn to the god of materialism before realizing I have a secure and eternal Inheritance from the One who owns it all?
When I turn to the god of vanity before realizing that I am eternally and completely valued and loved by my Creator?
Is it because there is no God in this place that you (fill in the blank)… have looked for security in your job, looked for value in your appearance, worth in your accomplishments, try to control your schedule, turn to money, food, shopping to fill a void only God can fill?
And then we do just as Ahaziah did when he heard the consequences of his actions. We rationalize, we say “surely these are not the words of God.” We try to skirt around our idolizing ways as if somehow we can make them seem less idol like and so continue in our pursuits. How do I know this? I see it in myself daily and my heart is moved to pray;
Lord forgive me, for the ways I have made idols out of vanity, materialism, control, success. You are my God and I want to turn to you in my time of need, in my time of plenty, more quickly, more readily, with greater surrender. Because there IS a God here, the One and Only True God and no other.
Like the Psalmist says;
“That they alone may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:18
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- Teaching Them to Hope, Birthday After Birthday. - January 15, 2020
- A Taste of Hope Fulfilled – Briella Dawn’s Birth Story - August 3, 2018
