READING: 2 Kings 4-5
I’m thinking today about great men of God I’ve studied or known. In history, I love studying Charles Spurgeon. Personally, I’m grateful for the men who’ve been my pastor over the years — all men who have walked with the Lord. I thank Him for the men who are my “go to” godly men who advise me and pray for me. I would not be where I am today (and I have a LONG way to go in Christian growth) were it not for all these men.
In fact, I’m humbled that I can say about men I’ve known exactly what the Shunammite woman said about Elisha, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God” (2 Kings 4:9). To be frank, I know other men about whom I am not sure I can say those words. To meet a man who so genuinely walks with God that you recognize his deep holiness is a far too infrequent event. When it happens, it’s obvious and encouraging.
So, I ask of myself (and encourage you to ask the same question), “Would others say I’m a holy man?” In particular, would those who know me best make this statement?
At the same time, today’s reading reminds me of another truth: even godly men die. Another woman came to Elisha because the creditors were coming for her sons after their husband and father had died. Listen to the woman’s description of the situation: “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord” (2 Kings 4:1). He had been a God-fearing man, but still he died. The penalty of sin had been carried out, in spite of his reverence for God.
Once again, I’m reminded that the life we have is solely because of God’s grace. Any choices we make to revere God and be obedient to Him are due to His deep love for us even while we were sinners. Victory — whatever victory we have — comes because of our divine warrior.
ACTION STEPS:
- Think again about the godly people who have influenced your life. Thank God for them.
- Think, too, about those who have passed away. Their death is a reminder of the penalty of sin, but the hope of their resurrection is a reminder of the promise of Christ’s ultimate victory over death.
- Be a holy man or woman today.
PRAYER: “Father, help me live in such a way that others would say, ‘He [or she] is a holy follower of God.’”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 6-8
