Today’s Reading

1 Kings 19-20; John 2

Selected Verses

And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 1 Kings 20:28

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

Reflections

The Syrians under King Benhadad suffered a defeat by King Ahab and the army of Israel. Behadad’s advisers told him that the power of the God of Israel was limited to the hills and that He could do nothing if they fought Israel in the plains. God sent a prophet to tell Ahab that He would give them victory over Syria in the valleys to show His power. Although Israel’s army is described as “two little flocks of goats” and the Syrian invaders “filled the country,” God did give Israel the victory and King Benhadad was captured (1 Kings 20:26, 1 Kings 20:29).

When Jesus came to Jerusalem, He demonstrated His authority by cleansing the temple. Perhaps the people had heard that He turned water to wine previously. They professed to believe in Him, but Jesus saw through them. He knew that they only believed superficially. They wanted signs, bread, and healing, but they would not truly commit themselves to Him. To them Jesus was a source of power and provision but not their Lord and Master.

Think about it

It is futile to try to manipulate God for personal advantage. We may not defy Him, believing that He is in any way limited. He is God, omniscient and omnipotent. Paul warned “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

To those who believe in Him, God is loving and He has given His Son as an offering for our sins. But He calls us to show our faith by submitting ourselves joyfully and gratefully to Him in worship and obedience. Serve God and flee all erroneous thoughts of Him.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission