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Faith and actions: 2 Kings 13.14–21 (Day 304)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 2 Kings 13

This period of Israel's history sees the nation under continuous attack by the Syrians to the north, and in occasional conflict with Judah to the south. King Jehu's son Jehoahaz and grandson Jehoash are both condemned for 'leading Israel into sin', but both of them pray to the LORD; they haven't turned their backs entirely on the faith of their ancestors, and so far at least, Israel survives.

At this point, at the end of his life, Elisha reappears. Jehoash goes to pay his respects and appears genuinely moved. The prophet tells him to perform two symbolic actions: shooting an arrow out of the window, and striking the ground with other arrows. Jehoash gets the first right (verse 17), but – perhaps baffled by Elisha's request – is a bit half-hearted regarding the second (verse 19).

We aren't to imagine that there was some sort of 'magical' relationship between striking the ground with the arrows and defeating the Syrians. These symbolic actions are acted prayers, which because of Elisha's spiritual power and relationship to the LORD bring about real results. Elisha was angry with Jehoash because of his lack of conviction: he didn't really believe in what he was doing.

In the New Testament, James condemns 'faith without actions' (2.26). Sooner or later, if we really believe God, we will have to commit ourselves heart and soul to doing what he wants, even if we don't fully understand where it will take us. Half-hearted commitment leads to half a result.

Pray

Pray

God, help me to be faithful in deeds as well as in words. Let me be whole-hearted in my service of you, willing to serve you without holding anything back.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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