Theme: BE YE WISE AS SERPENTS AND HARMLESS AS DOVES
Text: “…O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.” – 2 Kings 1:13,14.
Comment: Today’s text was the statement made by the captain of the third set of fifty soldiers sent by King Ahaziah of Israel to get Elijah to come down to him. Ahaziah had fallen down through a lattice in his upper chamber and injured himself. Instead of seeking the face of God, he sent messengers to enquire from Baalzebub, the god of Ekron whether he would recover or not. God sent Elijah to tell him through his messengers, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” – 2 Kings 1:1-4.
On receiving this message from his servants, King Ahaziah sent a captain of fifty with his fifty to capture Elijah. For the indiscretion and rudeness of the captain and his hosts, Elijah commanded fire from heaven to consume them, and they were consumed. Ahaziah sent another captain of fifty with his fifty and they were also consumed. Then he sent the third captain who showed wisdom and respect for God and His servant Elijah as reflected in the text for today. These qualities are essential in our service to God. Scripture says: “A good man … will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psalm 112:5) Worshippers of God should exercise implicit faith in Him for cure, protection, deliverance and other blessings from God. – 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 55:22.