The Blessing of God’s Warnings (2 Kings 8:1-6)
“The Blessing of God’s Warnings”
2 Kings 8:1-6
As you know we have been on quite an extensive study
Of two various types of livelihood.
We have been examining the difference between
“The Blessed Life” and “The Cursed Life”
And as we have studied, it has become increasingly obvious
What makes up the difference.
The difference between the blessed life and the cursed life
Can be summed up in one word: GOD
Those who had God on their side and at their side were blessed.
Those who tried to live this life apart from God were cursed.
We don’t have to study long to find that
He is indeed the key ingredient to life.
We were created for Him, and without Him life is not fulfilling.
Time and time again we have been told this in Scripture.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 “Thus says the LORD, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD. “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”
It is the presence of God that makes a difference in a life.
Those who have Him find themselves continually blessed.
Those who do not find themselves in a life of difficulty and futility.
Therefore we obviously learn the importance of
Seeking and keeping God’s presence in our lives.
HOW?
This is also spelled out in Scripture.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
There is a definite link to the presence of God and obedience to His Word.
When we love and obey God we can expect a life of blessing. When we deny and disobey God we can expect a life of hardship.
It is not just because God punishes those who disobey,
But also because there are natural consequences
When we do things the wrong way.
God’s word is the right way, and when we refuse that way
We naturally invite hardship upon ourselves.
And so the point of the section has been clear.
• Time and time again we have seen God bail out His children from hardship and distress.
• And we have also seen the wicked inflict themselves with numerous griefs simply because they would not seek and trust God.
This morning we continue to learn this valuable truth,
But in a new way yet again.
Thus far we have seen two main categories.
God using miracles to bless those who love Him
Poor Widow
Prominent Woman
Prophetic Witnesses (3 times)
Naaman the Aramian
God using His prophetic word to prove Himself to the wicked
Jehoram (by delivery from the marauding bands)
Jehoram’s Attendant (by seeing him crushed under the starving people)
This morning we see one more vitally important concept.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WORD
AS PROTECTOR FROM DANGER
God’s Word is not just an evangelistic tool.
Yes it is true that the gospel is the power of God for salvation.
Yes it is true that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.
Yes it is true they cannot be saved without a preacher.
God’s word is also valuable for those who love God.
It is a continual guide and blessing to those who will trust it.
That is why the Psalmist said.
Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Psalms 19:7-11 “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”
TURN TO: PSALMS 1
The Word of God is far more than an evangelistic tool,
It serves great benefit to those who already believe.
And that is very clearly seen this morning.
Once again we see the blessing of obedience,
Only this time we see it in a life that has already been blessed.
We see again: The Shunammite woman.
This morning we learn that through His Word
God continues to bless those who will obey Him.
Again I remind you that the Kings is not in chronological order.
You’ve probably already noticed that Gehazi is back, and therefore we know that this story happens before the cleansing of Naaman.
That means this is prior to the deliverance from the marauding bands…
This is prior to the story of war we saw last week.
This story is even prior to the cleansing of the prophets stew
And the multiplying of their food supply.
We know this because that event occurred during a famine
And this event occurs before the famine comes.
WHY IS THIS EVENT RECORDED HERE THEN?
We just read a heart wrenching story
Of what those living under the curse will do during a famine.
We actually saw women eating their own children.
Now the writer wants to show the difference
If God had been on their side when famine hit.
Those women resorted to eating their own children,
This woman won’t suffer at all.
It is a major difference.
3 divisions to our text.
#1 A DIVINE WARNING
2 Kings 8:1-2
Now this is truly an interesting event, and one that deserves some consideration, for it is anything but ordinary.
The first thing we notice is that Elisha
Gives this woman some very valuable information.
Elisha reveals to her that there is about to be a 7 year famine on the land.
Elijah called for a 3 ½ year drought, now Elisha’s lasts 7 years.
Israel is hard headed and God is turning up the heat.
But the mercy of God extends to those who love Him so much so
That He does not require this woman to experience the famine.
So he tells her to go somewhere else
Put yourself in this woman’s shoes.
• We already know she is a prominent woman.
• We know her husband has at least one field he works.
• We know she has a house with an upper room.
The point is, this woman has roots in Israel.
Elisha tells her to leave.
I hope you realize the cross roads she is at.
DO YOU LOVE YOUR HOME OR DO YOU TRUST GOD MORE?
What a decision to have to make.
THIS STORY IS FAR FROM UNIQUE
You are aware that Israel was exiled into Babylon
Because of disobedience to God.
After 70 years many were very comfortable there.
And when they allowed to return to Israel, many desired not to go.
Jeremiah 50:8-10 “Wander away from the midst of Babylon And go forth from the land of the Chaldeans; Be also like male goats at the head of the flock. “For behold, I am going to arouse and bring up against Babylon A horde of great nations from the land of the north, And they will draw up their battle lines against her; From there she will be taken captive. Their arrows will be like an expert warrior Who does not return empty-handed. “Chaldea will become plunder; All who plunder her will have enough,” declares the LORD.”
Jeremiah 51:5-6 “For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken By his God, the LORD of hosts, Although their land is full of guilt Before the Holy One of Israel. Flee from the midst of Babylon, And each of you save his life! Do not be destroyed in her punishment, For this is the LORD’S time of vengeance; He is going to render recompense to her.”
Jeremiah 51:45-48 “Come forth from her midst, My people, And each of you save yourselves From the fierce anger of the LORD. “Now so that your heart does not grow faint, And you are not afraid at the report that will be heard in the land — For the report will come one year, And after that another report in another year, And violence will be in the land With ruler against ruler — Therefore behold, days are coming When I will punish the idols of Babylon; And her whole land will be put to shame And all her slain will fall in her midst. “Then heaven and earth and all that is in them Will shout for joy over Babylon, For the destroyers will come to her from the north,” Declares the LORD.”
ANOTHER FAMOUS WARNING
TURN TO: Genesis 19:12-26
THAT’S FINE PREACHER,
BUT WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH US?
Do you realize that there is coming a day when the same could be required of you?
First let me read to you out of the book of Revelation
Of an event in the end.
Revelation 18:4-8 “I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. “Pay her back even as she has paid, and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. “To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, ‘I SIT as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.’ “For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong.”
TURN TO: Luke 17:22-37
There is extreme danger in becoming so comfortable in the world
That we are unwilling to leave it during a time of judgment.
That is why Jesus gave that sobering 3 word warning.
“Remember Lot’s wife”
And the same is being said to this woman.
She is really in a unique situation.
Imagine God warning you to leave all that you have acquired
For the sake of saving yourself from judgment.
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO LEAVE IT ALL?
(The Rich young ruler wouldn’t)
That is what makes this woman so special.
She loves and trusts God more than this world,
Therefore she leaves her possessions behind.
And based upon what we saw last week,
You and I know that this was a good idea.
AND SO LETS BRING SOME PERSPECTIVE HERE.
There are times when the word of God asks us to do things
That seem unpleasant or unfavorable.
But it only does because we do not know all the facts.
God knows what is coming, and therefore His divine warnings
Should be seen as a tremendous act of mercy.
I’m not saying that God may tell you to leave your home,
Or your city, or state or even this country.
But if He did, would you be willing?
Would you trust God that much?
Would obedience to Him outweigh your personal treasure?
It might just save you from the coming judgment.
So first – A Divine Warning
#2 A DIVINE APPOINTMENT
2 Kings 8:3-5
Now it is 7 years later and the famine is over.
This woman has been living in the land of the Philistines.
(That tells us that the famine was only in Israel – a true judgment of God)
And now she has come back and she goes to the king
To petition for her land back.
(It is quite possible that others have moved in)
Some would see this is a greedy move,
In which she only is concerned about her wealth.
That is not true, she already proved that.
God does not oppose for a person to own property.
Did He not give the Israelites land as their inheritance?
Was not Esau even punished for giving up his birthright?
God is not opposed to people having possessions.
God is opposed to people treasuring those possessions
More than they treasure Him.
This woman loved God more than her possessions,
And that is perfectly fine in God’s eyes.
Furthermore she even used her possessions
To meet the needs of God’s prophet.
Why wouldn’t God put resources in the hands of those
Who will use it for His kingdom?
The Bible says He will:
2 Corinthians 9:10-12 “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”
And that is where we find this woman.
Now returning home and about to petition for her land back.
DON’T YOU FIND IT INTERESTING THAT GOD WAS ALREADY AT WORK FOR HER?
• God had already put it in the King’s heart to want to hear about Elisha’s miracles.
• God had already sent Gehazi to relay those miracles to the King…
• And it just happened to be her miracle that was being spoken of the moment she hit the door…
And we are reminded once again:
Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
We call this a divine appointment.
It is a sovereign God making it easy for those who will trust Him,
And working out their difficulties ahead of time.
HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED FOR YOU?
I could relate to you several times it has happened to me, but I’ll just share the first time. (at least the first time I recognized it)
I was in Seminary and had been praying for opportunity to share my faith more often. A BOY WALKED ACROSS CAMPUS.
So it is with this woman.
God is on her side and things are just working out for her.
She obeys and loves God more than anything else,
And God is at work for her.
A Divine Warning
A Divine Appointment
#3 DIVINE RESTORATION
2 Kings 8:6
Let me ask you, does that seem a little strange to you?
If you had been in a land that endured 7 years of famine,
And you had struggled and suffered, and had survived it.
And some person who took off for those seven years came back when it was over and wanted all their property back,
HOW SYMAPTHETIC WOULD YOU BE?
Furthermore, it is not like we are dealing with a saint of a king.
We know Jehoram does not fear God…
We also know what is truly in Gehazi’s heart…
And yet this king gives her back her land, and not just her land,
But also every bit of produce she would have had coming to her
When she up and left.
THAT IS CALLED RESTORATION.
And that makes this a truly remarkable story.
WE LEARN:
• God was not taking the land from her…
• God was not asking her to give up her harvest…
• God was saving it for her and saving her family.
Please allow me to remind you of an obvious truth this morning.
GOD IS NOT THE THEIF
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
• God is not out to get you…
• God does not want all your possessions…
• God is not out their craving all your money…
In fact:
Psalms 50:9-12 “I shall take no young bull out of your house Nor male goats out of your folds. “For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills. “I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine. “If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains.”
God is not out to get what you have.
God is out to save you from the hardships of life.
• When He asks you to give, it is because He knows you need to learn not to depend on money but on Him.
• When He asks you to sacrifice, it is because He knows you need to see that He is taking care of you.
• When He asks you to leave your possessions behind, it is because He is saving you from some unseen hardship that you would rather not endure.
It is not God who is out to get you.
God is out to save you.
Scripture tells us that the most perfect revelation of God
Came in the form of Jesus Christ.
John 1:17-18 “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”
If you want to know what God is really like, then look at Jesus.
Jesus is the greatest revelation of God.
That tells us then that God is by nature a Savior.
• He is not a thief…
• He is not a tyrant…
• He is not cruel…
• He is not indifferent…
He is an all-knowing, merciful, loving Savior.
And when He tells you to do something that seems strange to you,
It is in your best interest to listen for He is only trying to save you.
It is apparent that the Shunammite woman knew that.
And the pages of Scripture of filled with people who did the same.
• We see the blessing of Abraham for leaving Ur of the Chaldeans…
• We see the blessing of Noah for believing God and building a boat…
• We see the blessing of Moses for leaving Egypt and leading the Israelites…
• We see the blessing of Peter, James and John for leaving their fishing businesses…
And all along Jesus was saying:
Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.”
On the flip side He said this:
Matthew 16:25-27 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.”
This morning I hope you can see that
What God wants for you is salvation.
The plans God has for you are good.
And God can always be trusted.
Just trust Him.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
