Pastor Bob DuPar
June 29, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 15:1-16:20; Acts 19:13-41; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 18:4-5.

Observation

I’m still waiting to read about a king who not only did what was right in the eyes of God but also removed the high places and idol worship!

Menahem sounds like one sick dude – ripping open all the pregnant women! Unthinkable! I looked up his name in Hebrew to see if it meant something sadistic and evil. Turns out Menahem means “comforter” – go figure!

2 Kings 15 & 16 must be the Hall of Shame. In 16:3 we read about king Ahaz who sacrificed his son in the fire, following the detestable ways of the nations. I’m sorry, but when you’re the king you can’t use “peer pressure” as an excuse. Kings never did anything they didn’t want to do. They called the shots. What a sick father.

My favorite part of today’s reading was the story of the seven sons of Sceva who thought they would use Jesus’ name to cast out demons even though they obviously had no relationship with Him. One demon responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Classic! The demons ended up overpowering the brothers, beating them and leaving them running away bleeding and naked. The results of this incident were even better: “Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus were all seized with fear and started holding the name of the Lord Jesus in high honor!” (Acts 19:17) Many people came and openly confessed their evil deeds, and sorcerers denounced their wicked ways. Not bad!

Application

The biggest application that stands out to me today is using God’s name as if it were a divine incantation. Throwing around God’s name for show, without personally knowing Him and having a relationship with Him, is spiritual manipulation. And, God made it clear that He cannot be manipulated by ignorant men for their own purposes.

Prayer

“Lord, I often “throw” Your name around in conversation, and speak about You as if You were a “force” rather than a person. Forgive me, and help me to seek You for “who” You are and not just for “what” You do.”