October 26-29, 2009

Thus Jehu eradicated Baal out of Israel. However, as for the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin, from these Jehu did not depart, even the golden calves that were at Bethel and that were at Dan. (2 Kings 10:28-29)





This week we begin our journey with a shout of victory. King Jehu of Israel eradicates Baalism, killing the prophets, burning the images, and turning the temple into a public latrine. But in the midst of such victory, once again we hear the word, “However.” Yes, once again we are confronted with the big “BUT.” By the time Jehu became king, the golden calves had become steeped in his tradition. Although God told Jehu that He was pleased with his deeds, the lingering compromise eventually got the better of him and he “did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel sin.”

Why didn’t Jehu complete what he had started? Why was he content to only go so far and then stop? We might find the answer if we search our own hearts and lives. I know it has caused me to do some soul searching. There are many things we embrace in Christianity that come from pagan roots. They have been adopted and refashioned as Christian symbols, and yet are of pagan origin. It is often difficult to explain why we don’t wear, have or do certain things because you are often considered fanatic or radical. It is not the world that often marks you, but those within the church. I’ve often wondered what the church would look like if all pagan mixture were eradicated. If the Holy Spirit were to start housecleaning in the House of God, I wonder how we would react if He began to touch some of our sacred cows?!?!

As our gaze moves from the King’s Highway in Israel, we find extensive road construction on the Highway in Judah! Athaliah, the power hungry daughter of King Ahab of Israel, now seizes power in Judah. Compromise and making friends with this world will sooner or later run its full course!!! Although the king had married himself to the family of Ahab, the king’s daughter was married to the man of God! There is a real lesson that urges us to be careful what we allow ourselves to become yoked to. There is so much that could be said, but I will allow you to meditate on that for yourselves.

Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah, the assassinated king, knew the only safe place to hide his infant son was in the Lord’s presence. At six years old, when most boys are learning to ride bikes and play king of the hill, Jehoash is anointed and declared king of Judah. Instead of a toy sword or a comic book, Jehoash is given a scepter and a copy of the law. For the rest of Jehoiada’s lifetime, he carries governmental influence over Johoash and brings major reform to the kingdom of Judah. As amazing as these changes were, we find ourselves running into the big “BUT” once again.

And Jehoash did right in the sight of the LORD all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. (2 Kings 12:2-3)

Whether “but” is spelled “however,” or “only,” they all mean the same thing. The word “but” is “used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned.” (New American Heritage Dictionary) “He did right, BUT …,” “He did good, BUT…,” In each case, it show a failure to reach the ultimate goal; total sanctification. It makes me wonder what my epitaph will read.Paul is a good example of one who didn’t want to find the word “but” in his memorial statement!

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

If only Jehoash’s story ended there, but unfortunately it didn’t. After Jehoiada’s death, the righteous influence Jehoash had experienced all his life was gone. Now it was time to see what he was really made of! Was he merely one driven by the influence of others, or were the actions and decisions he made truly done out of his own convictions. We quickly see that Jehoash was a man that was easily swayed and the worship of Asherah poles is reinstated. Sigh!!!

On Wednesday we watch the bridge wash out. Elisha’s last prophecy was anything but good! Israel’s defeat of Syria would be short lived! BUT the saddest part of our journey on Wednesday is to see the ongoing division amongst the people of God. How sad!

We are in for a real adventure on Thrusday!!! Grab your swim fins and snorkel as we head out on an incredible journey with Jonah, the mighty man of God with the word of God in his mouth and anger and resentment in his heart. When God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah hops a ship in the opposite direction. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria. As we continue our journey, it will become increasingly clear why Jonah had no desire to bring God’s word to this city. Nineveh was one of the oldest cities on the planet, having been founded by Nimrod centuries earlier. The worship of Istar was founded here. This fertility goddess took on many forms and many names. At times she was Istar, other times she was referred to as Nina and was written in the character for “fish.” No coincidence that God had Jonah swallowed up by one! Today the city of Nineveh lies across from Mogul in Iraq. For centuries, Nineveh lay on the east side of the Tigris River and Mogul lay on the west. But as Mogul expanded on both east and west banks, it now has engulfed the site of ancient Nineveh. The maps below will aid you in discerning our location. Both Nineveh and Tarsus can be found. But why did Jonah head to Tarsus. That was also in the borders of the Assyrian Empire? Centuries and many conquests later, Tarsus became the birth place of Saul of Tarsus who, after a face to face encounter with the Risen King, became Paul the apostle. Ahhhh, such delicious food for thought!!!

Jonah’s life is a pertinent message that speaks to the heart of every person who says they want to do the will of God, and then has God give them a mission they are less than pleased with. Three times Jonah prays to die, yet when he is truly dying, he prays to live.

One of the beautiful things I’ve learned about God from Jonah’s fish tale is that God will go to extremes to teach a lesson. God prepares a plant, a worm, and a scorching wind just so He can bring Jonah understanding. Now that’s a Teacher who truly cares!!!

Although the city of Nineveh repents, we will soon discover that their allegiance to YHWH is short-lived. God looks at the nations surrounding Israel and Judah and the influence they have had on His people and promises judgment. God looks at His own kids and knows that His justice must be met out to them as well. The storm clouds are gathering. God has spoken and judgment will come!

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Trail Guide

Using the map below:

1. Find Jerusalem

2. Find Samaria

3. Find Nineveh

4. Find Tarsus

5. Find Babylon

6. Using a current map of the area (you can find one on the Internet), find Mogul in Iraq

October 19-23, 2009

Then it came about as they were going along and talking, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.

II Kings 2:11

This week we will behold some pretty spectacular sights. The last leg of our journey with Elijah is filled with memorable moments. Last week we saw what fatigue and a sense of loneliness can do to even the strongest man of God. But Elijah’s encounter with God’s presence obviously re-energized him with the strength he needed to finish his task. Elijah doesn’t hesitate to confront King Ahaziah with the word of the Lord when he sends to inquire of Baal-zebub about his future. King Ahaziah is another king who doesn’t appreciate God's words and orders Elijah's arrest and is met with the fire of the Almighty. You’d think some people would learn by others mistakes, but unfortunately too many individuals are bent on making their own!!!

There is soooooooo much that could be said about Elijah’s trip into eternity. If Elisha and the sons of the prophets knew he was walking the last steps of his journey on this earth, you can be sure Elijah knew it as well. Elijah’s test of Elisha is one we would be wise to carefully consider. In a round about way, he was testing Elisha’s resolve. “Will you go with me all the way, or will you look for the easy way?” Since Elijah said, “Stay here, for the Lord has sent me to …..,” Elisha could easily have justified his reasons for staying behind. After all, didn’t Elijah tell him to? We saw Naomi use this same technique with Ruth! Unfortunately, some people will grab on to any excuse to ease their journey. For some, it doesn’t take much for them to excuse themselves from going to church, or to Bible study, or to any other gathering of the saints. Only if Elisha was there till the last moment, would he see his heart’s desire fulfilled! Elisha continued to learn right up till the last moment. He may have experienced Elijah’s anointing, he may have been momentarily wrapped in his mantle, but Elisha understood that these were merely the experiences of his call, not the fulfillment of his ministry. Only a continuous walk with a teachable heart would prepare him to walk in Elijah’s footsteps.

Even after Elijah was taken, Elisha understood that an experience and a mantle were not enough if he didn’t have the God of Elijah! And he was quick to learn that even those who know the word and the works of God find it difficult to embrace change! The sons of the prophets struggled with embracing Elisha’s new status. After all, wasn’t he a son of the prophet just like them? Elisha understood that sometimes you have to let people discover the truth for themselves and he permitted them to go and search for Elijah, knowing that they wouldn’t find him. He also realized that their accusations of him being self-ambitious would only be laid to rest if they knew Elijah was truly gone.

As we experience our adventures with Elisha, we quickly discern that truly he is walking under the same anointing and authority as Elijah. He has learned well from his predecessor. The same fire of God is at his disposal. The same healing power is working through him. The same discernment guides his steps. We also see that Elisha had the same place of authority in the life of the king. It’s one thing to prophecy; it’s another to be called to be God’s spokesman to the king! And just as Ahab blamed Elisha for the woes of the nation, Elisha becomes the king’s target of blame for the miserable state of the nation. It always amazes me that people who are bent on sinning tend to blame their miseries on everyone else but themselves. It reminds me of a pastor I know who was having an ongoing affair for two years and refused to quit seeing the woman. His wife contacted me for counsel, wanting to know what God’s Word required of her. After the divorce was final, her husband sent me a message saying, “Thank Shirley for ruining my life!” Yep, some things never change!!! It is so much easier to blame the messenger than to deal with sin before God!

At the end of the week, we watch as Jezebel is thrown to her death. Unfortunately, her wicked influence outlives her! Between Jeroboam’s introduction of the golden calves and Jezebel’s propagation of Baalism, the nation continues on a downward spiral. Their rejection of God and His ways shows how ignorant they were. They may have forgotten their covenant with God, but God hadn’t forgotten His covenant with them. As we continue our journey, we will see this covenant-keeping God in action. Let’s continue to walk, watch and learn!

October 12-16, 2009

And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in he sight of the Lord more than all who were before him. And it came about, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went to serve Baal and worship him.

I Kings 16:30-31

I’ve traveled a lot of roads throughout this world and I’ve seen a lot of road signs along the way. I believe that each one has been put there for a good reason and I would be wise to heed their message. Unfortunately, as we travel along our path this week, we find that not everyone pays attention to the signs and continue to take the same deadly road as the person before them.

As we travel the northern kings’ highway, we find that the leaders of Israel all took the same road. Each king’s route is compared to the course of Jeroboam. The two golden calves set up in Dan and Bethel and called by the name YHWH not only marked the territorial extremes of the kingdom, but also identified the extremes of their sin. Although each king was aware of the warnings and signs through the prophets sent to their predecessors, their message was ignored and they proceeded on their sinful journey.

This week we are introduced to a new benchmark of sin in Israel, the northern kingdom. As a result of a coup led by Omri, Israel’s most wicked family came into power. The death spiral to the nation not only affected the northern kingdom, but was also the catalyst that brought the Kingdom of Judah to its demise. As if Omri wasn’t bad enough, he sired a son named Ahab! What was it that Ahab propagated that made him so wicked? He married Jezebel, the Sidonite, and she brought her god with her. Ahab built a temple and an altar for Baal and stood to worship this abomination!

As we continue our journey with the kings, we find that Baalism and the worship of Asherah invoke great anger in YHWH, the one true God. As we continue on our trek, it will help if we understand the nature of Baalism. Baal became a term that encompassed a number of different pagan gods. Their commonality is that they are all linked to the god and goddess of fertility. The priests of Baal always wore black. Worship of Baal was expressed through burning incense, sacrifices, sometimes even human sacrifices, and sexual intercourse. It was a religion based on sensory experience. Music, dance, scents were all used to heighten desire and engage the senses. It was believed that rain was Baal’s sperm coming down to impregnate the soil. Isn’t that a disgusting thought!!!

Because worshippers have a desire to emulate whatever, or whomever they worship, sex and fertility became an important part of the cultic practice. Groves of trees were planted and kept for worshippers to come and cohabitate with priests or priestesses of the cult. This is where the term “temple prostitute” originated. Children born of these unions were thought to be sacred and also became priests and priestesses. It was the duty of every married male and female to come to the groves when they were beseeching Baal’s help or blessing. Before the Israelites went into Canaan, God had told them they were not to emulate the nations who dwelt there before them.

You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes. (Leviticus 18:3)

What was it that the nations had done before them that caused the land to spew them out? You may want to be reminded and read Leviticus 18. “You shall not uncover the nakedness of…..” is the constant phrase throughout the chapter. “Uncovering nakedness” didn’t refer to peaking up a woman’s skirt, but to sexual misconduct. Every kind of sexual acts mentioned in Leviticus 18 were welcomed practices in the Baal cult. God had put a clear signpost for the nation of Israel. The imminent danger for disobedience was clearly spelled out.

But as for you, you are to keep My statutes and My judgments, and shall not do any of these abominations, neither the native, nor the alien who sojourns among you; (for the men of the land who have been before you have done all these abominations, and the land has become defiled); so that the land may not spew you out, should you defile it, as it has spewed out the nation which has been before you. (Leviticus 18:26-28)

Ahab’s not only catered to Jezebel’s desire to bring Baalism into the country, but encouraged her ambition to eradicate the worship of YHWH and replace it with Baal and Asherah. Her intent was to kill every prophet of YHWH within the northern kingdom of Israel.

It is on this backdrop that we are introduced to Elijah, the Tishbite. Our first encounter with this amazing prophet is when he comes and stands before Ahab and says, “As YHWH, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” When we remember that in Baalism, it was believed that rain was Baal’s sperm, we can quickly understand that Elijah’s words before the king were a declaration of war on Baalism!

As we walk down the road with the kings of Israel, we continually see the nation decline and take on the characteristics of the nations God had driven out before them. From our lofty perspective, we wonder how they could be so blind to the dangers ahead. Didn’t they read the road signs? Couldn’t they perceive the tragic end? The marker clearly spelled out the danger!!! But like so many people in this life, their flesh found satisfaction on the path they were on, and the thrill of the moment overrode the impending doom that lay ahead.

May we be careful to read the warning signs in God’s Word that clearly mark any dangerous path we may turn on. And may we follow the light that will bring us back to the right way. Truly, our life depends on it!!!

October 5-9, 2009

So the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. … However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen.”
I Kings 11:11 & 13


This week our journey takes us to a fork in the road. We have been walking the road of life with Solomon for the last couple weeks and seen the life of a man who started the race well, but ended it tragically. We find a man who knows how to give good advice, but doesn’t know how to life what he preaches! Hopefully, Solomon’s concluding words in Ecclesiastes were spoken as he neared the end of his road of life and was truly remorseful for the direction he had taken.

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Because God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

If we have no goal, then how will we know which road we should be taking? After a lifetime of searching for the meaning of life, Solomon came to realize that someday, we will all stand before God, and life should be lived with that eternal view!

On Tuesday we come to the great divide in the road. One road is built on the foundation of the folly of youth, while the other is built on the passion for power. Solomon’s son Rehoboam was out of touch with the people and was enjoying the lap of luxury at their expense. Obviously, his contemporaries held his same values. Words of those who had lived longer and gained some wisdom and experience held no weight in the minds of youthful ambition. Some things never change!

Our introduction to Jeroboam starts off on a positive note, but quickly turns to custard! We hear God’s plan and promise for him and his family. But it doesn’t take Jeroboam long to doubt God’s ability and his fears drive him to take matters into his own hands. Have you ever notice how some roads can look so much like others that you have traveled before?

Wednesday’s journey brings about a sober reminder that those who are called into ministry incur a stricter judgment! All I can say is, “Thank God for His mercy and grace!!!!!”

Rather than walk one road or the other, our journey will be the highway that is able to see both roads at the same time. On Thursday we see a demonstration of God’s tenderness and His tremendous ability to forgive. Rehoboam’s repentance is quickly met with God’s mercy. But we also see that forgiveness doesn’t always wipe away all consequences!

We find that the road of the kings’ is filled with hills and valleys. It is also like the freeways of Detroit that deteriorate quickly and are constantly in need of repair!!! Just about the time one king makes road improvements, another king comes and tears them up. Patching potholes will only last for a time. The only repair that will last is tearing up the road and laying the foundation all over again!

We also are reminded that speaking the word of God is often not what people want to hear and carries great repercussions.

We will be following these two roads for a while. There is lots of drama along the way, and times you will need to know what is happening on both roads simultaneously. So get out your binoculars, keep a pencil and some paper handy and let’s get going!