JULY 29, 2 Kings 1:1-16 

Ahaziah became king after Ahab’s death. He was as idolatrous as his father. While Moab rebelled against Israel, Ahaziah fell through a lattice or a skylight, in his palace. When he became very sick, he sent his messengers to ask Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron whether he would recover. His action angered the Lord, who sent Elijah to tell his messengers that he would surely die because he had turned to other gods instead of the God of Israel.

Following Elijah’s message, he sent a captain with 50 men to capture Elijah. He must have thought that capturing Elijah could change his message. When the captain found Elijah on top of a hill, he ordered him to see the king. Elijah replied that fire would surely descend from heaven to consume him and his men. Instantly, fire came down. Ahaziah sent another captain and fifty men and they were also killed by fire from heaven. Stubborn Ahaziah sent a third captain and his fifty men. The third captain was different. He was repentant, begging Elijah to spare their lives. God forgave him and told Elijah to go with him. Elijah obeyed and told Ahaziah personally that he would surely die. God will never change his mind about judgement. He knows all things from beginning to end.

God loves us and is ever ready to forgive us our sins. However, He is just and will judge sinners. God knows all things from the beginning to end.

Find out what the Bible says about God’s judgement and forgiveness:

1. Romans 6:23a. _____________________________________________________

2. 1 John 1:9 shows us how to turn back to the Lord: _____________________________________________________

Thought: God promises to forgive me if I confess my sin.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy. I know I have sinned against You many times, so teach me to learn obedience to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.