Day 179

2 Kings 13:1–14:29; Acts 18:23–19:12; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 18:2-3

AS WE CONTINUE our journey through 2 Kings, we see the ebb and flow between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. At times, they were allies, and at others, they were enemies. This dynamic was highly influenced by the kings. The prophetic voices played a significant role as well, even though the kings and people alike often ignored them. We said good-bye to one of those influential voices today. The great man of God Elisha died after giving his final prophetic word to Jehoash, king of Israel.

In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul began his third missionary journey, working his way to Ephesus, where he spent the next three years. This will be Paul’s final recorded missionary journey, but his opportunity and influence will only grow —and it will be in the most counterintuitive of ways.

Our reading from Proverbs gave us plenty to ponder regarding opinions. We all likely know people who have an opinion about nearly everything and love to offer it unsolicited. It doesn’t really matter the topic —they will offer their view on everything from politics to relationship advice, without first taking the time to fully understand and create a well-formed collection of ideas. According to Proverbs, these people are fools. Understanding isn’t what they are looking for. What they really want is to hear themselves talk.

Let’s begin observing how and when we offer opinions. We may catch ourselves throwing around unsolicited observations and advice, which is foolish and unhealthy. The good news is that when we catch ourselves, we can also notice how we’re feeling in those moments and invite the Holy Spirit to guide us away from foolishness and back toward the path of wisdom.

MEDITATION:

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.