The Killing Section

I have been reading the book of 2nd Kings at night with the kids and right now I would say we have been in the killing section. It is about how Ahab's family got wiped out for disobeying God and encouraging Baal worshipping in Israel. Last night we read how Jehu killed Ahaziah's 42 brothers and then killed all the Baal worshippers by calling them all together for "a great sacrifice" to Baal.

It wasn't too long ago that he had commanded Ahab's 70 sons be beheaded, and he stacked there heads in 2 heaps by the city gates. And it seems like only yesterday that Jezebel (Ahab's wife) was throw out the window and eaten by dogs. Well, we read of Jehu's death last night and I can't remember what comes next, but I have to keep telling the kids "no" when they want to act out the story! I mean what would we play: Okay, now you be Jehu and kill everybody! Then we'll each take turns! I mean the questions I've been asking the kids are pretty gory anyway. Stuff like, what was left of Jezebel? Who got shot through the heart?

The bottom line is that God hated sin, and loved Israel, and would command such things so that His people would turn back to Him and serve Him. The Creator of all things is jealous of our affections. It is a sobering reminder of how jealous He is and of where our affections lie. He wants my whole heart, not just my Sunday morning heart. Not just my "squeeze you into my busy schedule" heart.

Even though we are learning a lot about the kings of Judah and Israel, Christmas is coming up. I think I'll replace reading 2nd Kings with our advent readings through December. Everything has its season, even 2nd Kings. I just want focus on Jesus' amazing birth and God's amazing plan of redemption!

--Johnie