2 Kings 2-3; Psalm 48; Matthew 4
2 Kings 2-3
The ascension of the prophet Elijah to heaven highlights the significance of the ministry of the prophets. Elijah was the chief representative of this new expression of God's authority. This ministry complemented the priests and kings previously appointed by God. The miraculous actions performed by Elijah and Elisha (such as the parting of the Jordan River) further confirmed that they represented God's authority. This is also the reason behind the punishment of the young men who mocked Elisha. The term translated as "small boys" can also be rendered as "young men," the same term Solomon used to refer to himself when he was already king (1 Kings 3:7). God's severe punishment of these young men demonstrated to all that Elisha was a representative of Jehovah's authority, emphasizing that Elisha continued the mission of God's prophet begun by Elijah.
Psalm 48
The strength and glory of Jerusalem lie in God. God is its protector (Psalm 48:4). In Jerusalem, people meditate on Him (Psalm 48:10). God's name and glory extend from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Psalm 48:11). He is the leader of Jerusalem and its God forever (Psalm 48:15). This reflects the true faith of all God's children. Our strength, glory, and significance are in Him, not ourselves, our merits, achievements, or our abilities and activities. This is why knowing God, meditating on Him, and trusting in Him play a crucial role in our lives.
Matthew 4
The temptation of Jesus Christ in the wilderness is a significant part of His life and ministry. The Holy Spirit leads him there specifically for this trial (Matthew 4:1). The God-man, the Son of God, had to endure all forms of testing during His earthly mission to help all whom He would save in their trials.
Jesus counters all temptations with the Word of God, highlighting the extraordinary power of God's Word in the spiritual realm.
With a weakened body, Jesus overcomes the devil's temptation in the wilderness, in the most challenging conditions. This contrasts with the temptation of Adam and Eve, who failed to remain faithful to God's Word while in the paradise conditions of the Garden of Eden.
From the beginning, Jesus' ministry focused on proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven and calling for repentance in light of this (Matthew 4:17, 23).
The ascension of the prophet Elijah to heaven highlights the significance of the ministry of the prophets. Elijah was the chief representative of this new expression of God's authority. This ministry complemented the priests and kings previously appointed by God. The miraculous actions performed by Elijah and Elisha (such as the parting of the Jordan River) further confirmed that they represented God's authority. This is also the reason behind the punishment of the young men who mocked Elisha. The term translated as "small boys" can also be rendered as "young men," the same term Solomon used to refer to himself when he was already king (1 Kings 3:7). God's severe punishment of these young men demonstrated to all that Elisha was a representative of Jehovah's authority, emphasizing that Elisha continued the mission of God's prophet begun by Elijah.
Psalm 48
The strength and glory of Jerusalem lie in God. God is its protector (Psalm 48:4). In Jerusalem, people meditate on Him (Psalm 48:10). God's name and glory extend from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Psalm 48:11). He is the leader of Jerusalem and its God forever (Psalm 48:15). This reflects the true faith of all God's children. Our strength, glory, and significance are in Him, not ourselves, our merits, achievements, or our abilities and activities. This is why knowing God, meditating on Him, and trusting in Him play a crucial role in our lives.
Matthew 4
The temptation of Jesus Christ in the wilderness is a significant part of His life and ministry. The Holy Spirit leads him there specifically for this trial (Matthew 4:1). The God-man, the Son of God, had to endure all forms of testing during His earthly mission to help all whom He would save in their trials.
Jesus counters all temptations with the Word of God, highlighting the extraordinary power of God's Word in the spiritual realm.
With a weakened body, Jesus overcomes the devil's temptation in the wilderness, in the most challenging conditions. This contrasts with the temptation of Adam and Eve, who failed to remain faithful to God's Word while in the paradise conditions of the Garden of Eden.
From the beginning, Jesus' ministry focused on proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven and calling for repentance in light of this (Matthew 4:17, 23).
Posted in Reading Bible Together