2 Kings 4 - 15: Fresh baked bread!

- Multiplicity:  Precursors to Jesus' loaves and fishes miracle include Elijah's miracle providing oil and flour to the widow; Elisha providing the poor woman with oil to sell; and, Elisha providing fresh-baked harvest bread and apples to 100 men (2 Kings 4:42-44).

- Open his eyes:  Elisha's servant was afraid of losing a battle to the ferocious Arameans, so Elisha prayed, "God, open his eyes and let him see" (2 Kings 6:17). All at once, the servant saw horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. Apparently they were angelic beings, part of an army sent by God. What a wonderful thing to know that the God who created the universe is the same God who fights our battles. Next time you feel attacked, think about those horses and chariots of fire.
- A good egg:  So many evil kings. But one, Jehu, loved God enough to clean house and exterminate evil Ahab's line, including his wicked wife Jezebel, their sons, and the Baal priests (2 Kings 10).

Elena's verse of the day:  "The Lord was kind to the Israelites and showed them mercy because of his solemn agreement with their ancestors" (2 Kings 13:23).

1 Kings 16 - 2 Kings 3: Running man, chariot of fire, & heavenly bread

- Sin's growth:  Each king of Israel grew worse than the one before (1 Kings 16). It seems that sin multiplied over generations. Sin is active and alive; it grows unless stopped by something stronger.

- Exponential sinfulness:  Ahab was worse than all of the kings before him, put together (chap 16). Unlike Solomon, who built a beautiful temple for God, Ahab built a temple for Baal and a shrine for Asherah (the whore goddess, the Message version calls her). God was angry.
- Running man:  After the amazing, fiery display of God's power on Mount Carmel and the destruction of the Baal priests, Elijah hitched up his robe and ran in front of Ahab's chariot. What an image--he was a shaggy man with a big belt. Must have been sort of like Charlie Daniels running in front of Saddam Hussein.
- Heavenly meal:  God cared about Elijah's hunger and had an angel bake him a fresh loaf of bread. He also provided him with a jug of water. Just think, God cares about your needs, large and small. He even cares when you're hungry!
- A chip off the old block:  Ahab's son, Ahaziah, was worse than his father in terms of evil. Hard to believe (1 Kings 22:51-53).
- Chariot of fire:  Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot and horses of fire, with Elisha watching (2 Kings 2:11-14). Truly the most unique death scene in the Bible, I think.
- Baldy and the bears:  An amazing story about God's judgment on some wild kids (probably teens)who mocked Elisha (2 Kings 2:11-14).

Elena's verse of the day:  "A strong wind shook the mountain & shattered rocks..next an earthquake..then a fire..but the Lord was not in [these]...Finally, there was a gentle breeze, & when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat." (1 Kings 19:11-13)