Dear COA Family,
An Old Testament passage relates the story of how King Ahaziah of Israel had a fall and injured himself quite seriously. Instead of seeking God’s help, he sought the help of other gods. He showed that he had no regard for the God of Israel. Elijah the prophet rebuked him for his actions and the king became very upset with Elijah.
What happened after that was most interesting.
The king sent a captain of his army to capture Elijah but the Lord killed the captain and his men. The king then sent out another and the Lord killed the second captain with his men as well. When the third captain was sent out, he had learnt the lesson. He was not as arrogant as the former two captains but went on his knees to beg Elijah to come with him. As a result, his life and the lives of his men were spared. The Lord commanded Elijah to go with him. (You can read more about it in 2 Kings 1).
What does this episode reveal to us?
There may be levels and spheres of authorities on earth but everyone is ultimately subject to God’s authority. King Ahaziah may have reigned over all of the people in Israel and had full command of his army, but his authority only extended as far as God allowed it. He could not summon Elijah, the man of God, no matter how hard he tried. He found out the hard way that God was finally the one in total control.
How is this relevant to us today?
Although we might see and experience many upheavals in the world today, we can be assured that God is in control of all things. Leaders may exert their authority and seem to be the ones pulling the strings, but the truth is that it is God who calls the shots. He has only allowed the ones in power to prosper for a little while.
Knowing this, we can be fully assured that we are always in the Lord’s protection as He works all things for our good. The apostle Paul writes,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Knowing this, let us be always at peace in our hearts and put our complete faith and trust in the Lord. Today, it does not matter what circumstances you face or who you are under. The Lord is the one who keeps you.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
God bless,
Revd Ian