(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Kings 15:1-38)

In today’s Scripture, we see a total of five kings of Israel sandwiched between the reigns of two kings of Judah. The chapter begins with Azariah (Uzziah) king of Judah and ends with Jotham king of Judah. Both did what was right in the sight of the Lord, although not taking away the high places where people still sacrificed and burned incense.

There was spiritual compromise in the southern kingdom of Judah, because their worship was not isolated to Jerusalem and the temple, but also taking place in the high places.

For the northern kingdom of Israel however, more was happening than just spiritual compromise. We read over and over again about those that conspired and struck down the kings of Israel because of a desire to take the throne. We also read about political alliances with Assyria, that ultimately led to Israelites being relocated to Assyria.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that we also live in a world where we are not just dealing with spiritual issues, spiritual compromises, and spiritual faith and integrity, but also dealing with a world that is constantly wheeling and dealing, conspiring and striking down, and taking instead of giving.

As the church we have internal spiritual battles, but also internal and external forces conspiring, plotting, and trying to destroy what the Lord is building up. That is why a life of faith is so complicated. It isn’t like the world leaves us alone and let’s us deal with our spiritual growth on our own and in peace, but rather it is at the same time attacking, conspiring, and striking us down, both from the outside, but even worse from the inside.

Yes, we too are sandwiched between spiritual battles, facing not only our inner struggles, but a civil war within the church and battles outside with the world. It is only when we are aware of what is going on that we can be firm and steadfast in prayer and worship, planted in the living waters as Psalm 1 reminds us, so that we can actively walk a path of righteousness rather than wickedness.

Psalm 1:1-3

1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Let us meditate day and night in the Spirit on the Word of the Lord!

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 2 Kings 15