The first ten chapters of 2 Kings includes the "handoff" from Elijah to Elisha and then Elisha's interactions with the kings and people of Israel. When Elisha was selected as Elijah's successor, he asked for a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit. This is typical "inheritance" language, but something interesting happens in the life of Elisha. The Bible records Elijah performing 7 miracles; how many does Elisha perform in our reading this week? The dysfunction of kings in Israel continues and will eventually lead to captivity/exile. In the meantime, God's word about the house of Ahab is fulfilled in the last chapter of our reading. Bear in mind that what we're reading was likely written long after it actually happened. So, in addition to passing along factual information, what other story/message is the author trying to tell? Be sure to check out the blog for the guiding questions as you read and for the opportunity to interact with each other. We enter our rhythm of LEARN-READ-INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about 1 & 2 Kings:

Phrase: Turning Away

Theme: God expels Israel and Judah from his presence in the Promised Land when their kings turn away from Torah.

Christ-Focus: God turns away from Jesus on the cross as judgment against those who have turned away from him (Romans 3:10-12; Matthew 27:45-46).

Implications: We need to rely on God's strength and the encouragement of each other to keep from turning away from the path of life (Hebrews 3:12-13).

Questions: What is your "rule of life"? What are you more likely to do: what you know is right or what you want to do at the time? What are you doing to guard against turning away from God?

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