Read: 2 Kings 13:1-14:29; Acts 18:23-19:12; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 18:2-3
While Joash was still king of Judah, Jehoahaz became the king of Israel. He did evil and was oppressed by Hazael king of Aram and Ben-hadad, his son. So, Jehoahaz decided to seek the Lord. God heard his cry and delivered Israel from Aram leaving Israel with a very reduced army.
Elisha got sick and died taking his mantle to the grave. His destiny wasn’t fulfilled since he needed to raise one more person from the grave to do double the miracles Elijah had done. Since his mentee, Gehazi had blown it, there was no one to carry on his ministry. His mantle and spirit went to the grave with him. A random corpse was thrown on his grave and sprung to life!
Joash died after reigning 40 years in Judah and his son Amaziah reigned. He did what was right in God’s eyes except for removing the high places. He killed the people who had murdered his father but he let their children live as according to Moses’ laws. He fought Edom and regained some land but when he went against Israel he was sorely defeated. His arrogancy cost him the treasures of the house of the Lord and his own palace. He also lost many of his people who were taken hostage.
Amaziah was murdered by his own people just like his father, Joash. His sixteen year old son, Azariah was made king in his stead.
Meanwhile in Judah, Jeroboam was crowned king after his father, Jehoash died. He did evil but he did establish the borders of Israel like Jonah had prophecied and God used Jeroboam to save Israel in spite of their sin because he had promised not to blot out their name. After Jeroboam died, his son Zechariah reigned.
In Acts, Paul was still visiting the churches he had helped establish. Apollos from Alexandria came to visit Ephesus to teach them the scriptures. He only knew about the baptism of John to repentance. Priscilla and Aquila explained to him the baptism of Jesus which was with fire. This fire is the Holy Spirit. Paul explained this to the people. Paul placed his hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Lord, help us to walk in your baptism of fire and power.
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