How should we respond when others seek God only in times of trouble? Setting: Three Kings in a Dry Valley • Israel’s Jehoram, Judah’s Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom march against Moab. • Their water runs out in the wilderness. Panic sets in, and suddenly they want a word from the LORD. • They summon Elisha—though Jehoram had shown no real devotion to God beforehand (2 Kings 3:2). Elisha’s Straight Talk (2 Kings 3:13) “ Elisha said to the king of Israel, ‘What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and those of your mother.’ ” • Elisha bluntly exposes Jehoram’s crisis-only religion. • Yet he still seeks the LORD for their deliverance because of godly Jehoshaphat (v. 14). Lessons for Our Own Response 1. Recognize the pattern – Some turn to God only when desperate (cf. Proverbs 1:27-28). 2. Speak the truth kindly but clearly – Crisis faith needs loving confrontation: “Why call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). 3. Offer real help that points to repentance – Direct them to God’s consistent mercy (Isaiah 55:6; Hebrews 4:16). 4. Discern motives without becoming cynical – Even mixed motives can lead to genuine change; God used this moment to reveal His power. Balancing Truth and Grace • TRUTH: Call out the inconsistency (as Elisha does). • GRACE: Intercede anyway, urging them to seek God beyond the emergency. • Supporting verses: – Jude 22-23 “Have mercy on those who doubt… save others, snatching them from the fire.” – Galatians 6:1 “Restore him with a spirit of gentleness, but watch yourself.” Guarding Our Hearts When Helping • Avoid pride—remember how easily any of us can drift (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Keep boundaries—Elisha would not have acted apart from respect for Jehoshaphat (v. 14). • Stay prayerful and biblically anchored, so compassion never becomes compromise. Encouraging a Life-long Pursuit of God • Remind them God desires relationship, not rescue-only visits (Jeremiah 29:13). • Share practical steps: daily Scripture, prayer, fellowship, obedience (Acts 2:42). • Celebrate every sign of sincere turning; nurture it into steady discipleship (Colossians 2:6-7). |
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