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)

Numbers 3 - 13: Strange fire, sacrifice, & God's loyalty

- Strange fire:  The "strange fire" that resulted in the deaths of two of Aaron's sons is explained here in Numbers 3:2-4 as "unauthorized sacrifice." No one is exactly sure what "strange fire" means, but it offended God and violated his specific rules for the sacrificial system, so he responded with his own fire.
- The need for sacrifice:  When you commit a sin, you "break trust with God," according to Num 5:5-10. Thus the need for sacrifice to restore the relationship.

- Grumbling & a firestorm:  The peple "fell to grumbling over their hard life. God heard." His anger flared and fire burned up to the edge of the camp. But Moses, ever faithful and and courageous, prayed to God and the fire died down.
- Kill me:  Moses experienced burnout, though. It got to the point where he'd had enough with the people. The burden of their grumbling and immaturity was just too great: "If this is how you intend to treat me," he cried out to God, "do me a favor and kill me....let me out of here" (Num 11:11-15). God responded by creating a team to help lead the people and take some pressure off of Moses.
- God is loyal:  God got angry when Aaron and Miriam spoke against his servant, Moses. God was loyal and protective of his chosen leader. I think we need to be mindful of how we speak about our leaders. It's all too easy to grumble.

Elena's Verse of the day:  "The Lord answered, 'I can do anything! Watch and you'll see my words come true'" (Numbers 11:23).

I'm sharing a few thoughts from each day's reading. Feel free to jump in and share your own!