Lesson in 2 Kings 1:1-16

The first picture of God that could come out of this story can be that of a god who is cruel, barbaric, whimsical, and somebody incapable of loving. In fact, this story albeit full of the omnipotence of God is bordering on gore.

Just imagine; Fifty men and their captain disappear in an instant consumed by fire. And not once but twice! It does not merit anything at all, does it? Warriors of the wicked turning into ashes, who cares? So they perished.

But surely as the sun rises and sets, those men of war were not of the celibate class of priesthood. It means they have biological families to raise. Maybe even toddlers. And surely wives. Now orphans and widows! Talk of a compassionate and loving God.

But wait. You read the Bible and those thoughts do not even occupy a bit of territory in your being, I am sure of that! Fact is, the Scriptures is there to tell us how God loves us so much. It is all about His love for us no matter what kind of choices we make. Start looking for the word "love" in your Bible's concordance and there could be a whole page for it.

But even if there is not the word "love" in this story, it is of no exception. This is all about loving God and the love of God that "endures forever" (Psalms 100:5). God has a way of making us learn the importance of loving God and obeying Him.

Aside from love, we can also discern the important role of the heart in coming into the presence of God.

What is the character of the three captains of fifty? It can be gleaned in their approaches to Elijah (verses 9, 11, 13-14). The 1st two captains were sort of commanding Elijah, like commanding or ordering one their men, to "come down". The purpose is not clear. Ahaziah may want to ascertain the declaration of God through Elijah concerning his action of seeking from another god and may want to petition for a change of that declaration by talking to Elijah. Or simply want to ask for repentance through the prophet. The former is more likely but repentance is far from it. If it is repentance he wanted, messengers could have done it. Not a captain with his fifty.

But no matter what the purpose was of Ahaziah in sending the captains for Elijah, the actions or character of the third captain deserves our utmost appreciation. It stands in the spectrum fully opposite that of the first two. The word stated, "And the third captain of fifty WENT UP, and came and FELL ON HIS KNEES before Elijah and ENTREATED him..." (verse 13). Oh wow! I love how he did it. And look at how God responded. The captain accomplished the mission where others have failed.

Again, the story reflects the importance of the character of the heart in coming before God. The captain of fifty has power and they are men of authority. Surely, they do not bear the sword in vain. But this third captain forget everything. He knew full well the power of the consuming fire of God. It is mission impossible.

The third's strategy is written in his heart. He had allowed this consuming fire to extinguish what power and authority given him by a king of this world. In doing so, he saved his life, the lives of his fifty and fulfilled his mission.

In coming before God, we try to be not what we are but strive to be what He wants us to be. One of the ways of making a relationship with God is "to be of the same kind". There is no sense commanding Him to "come down" like the two captains had done.

In other words, we can start by having a heart that believes or a heart with the capacity to "fell on his knees". Such a heart can believe God.

The message is summed up in Hebrews 11:6 which stated, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God MUST believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

Another is in Acts 16: 30- 31 which relates, "...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they (Paul and Silas) said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household".

Seeking God needs a lot of courage just like the third captain. A courage beyond all understanding because it is not the courage as this world often declare. It is the courage to face God, ready for the consuming fire. The courage to believe.

Let us believe.

In the dirt, a bit;
A child straight up cannot find,
On his knees, surely!

In thine throne, I come
O Lord consume me, my chaff
Your fire pour on me.