All talks » The Hard Stare

Series thumbnail for God's Superheroes

Date: 27 May 2019
Bible: 2 Kings 8:7-9:13
Speaker: Andrew Sach

“The hard stare”

2 Kings 8:7 – 9:13

INTRODUCTION: Beware the scoffer

 

 

Back story: three assassins were announced

“And the LORD said to [Elijah], ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel,
and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:15–18)

 

But judgment was delayed, as the first assassin kept offering salvation instead!

So maybe judgment will never come? Maybe it’s not in God’s nature? Maybe it was an empty threat?

Elisha anoints the first assassin, Hazael,
but with tears (8:7-15)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elisha anoints the second assassin, Jehu,
with a promise of total destruction (9:1-13)

 It reminds us of someone else…

 … who was also anointed as King
(e.g. John 1:41, cf. 2 Kings 9:3, 6)

 

 … whose path was also paved with people’s cloaks (e.g. Mark 11:7, cf. 2 Kings 9:13)

 

 … who also foretold terrible judgment on God’s enemies, with tears (Luke 19:41-44, cf. 2 Kings 8:11)

 

APPLICATION

 

 

PS. Don’t get caught up with those on whom God’s judgment is coming (8:16-29)

  [Jehoram] walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done

  for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. (v18)

  [Ahaziah] also walked in the way of the house of

  Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD

  for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab. (v27)

 

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them”
(Ephesians 5:6-7)

 

APPLICATION

 

 

  COFFEE QUESTIONS

  

  Have you been influenced by the scoffers, who deny that God’s judgment will come at all?

  Does your mental picture of Jesus include the fact that he is the terrifying bringer of judgment (but with tears)

  Have you aligned yourself with those upon whom God’s wrath is coming?