Outlines of Sermons by a London Minister 2 Kings 1:9-16 Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill… Consider — I. THE STEPS WHICH LED UP TO THIS MIRACLE. 1. Seeking help where it was not to be found, in direct violation of the law of God. If a member of a family were to break his arm, and instead of applying to the family surgeon who had in the past given full proof of his skill, were to seek the advice of a quack, he would be sinning against himself, and insulting the man who was able and willing to cure him. This was the conduct of Ahaziah towards the God of his nation. 2. A Divine rebuke (ver. 3). God does not leave transgressors to pursue their way without remonstrance. 3. A message to take Elijah prisoner. II. THE MIRACLE ITSELF. 1. The fire, if not miraculous in itself, was miraculous in its manner of executing the will of God. It came from heaven at the call of Elijah. 2. It was in keeping with the recent proof of Elijah's Divine commission given on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). 3. The miracle was arrested, and the prophet was arrested by a force not sent by the king (vers. 13-15).LESSONS. 1. Help must be sought where God has appointed that it shall be found (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). 2. The responsibility of the individual man. 3. When God has spoken He cannot change His word unless the sinner changes his way. 4. The only strength that can conquer heaven is the strength of supplication. (Outlines of Sermons by a London Minister.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. |