The prophet Elisha brings the word of the Lord upon the town of Bethel. In faithfulness to God’s promise of cursing for those who do not worship and obey him, the parents are robbed of their children. Jesus is the one who takes the curse of God upon himself so that those who trust in him might know his blessing.
Read 2 Kings 2:19-25
Elisha, in healing the spring of water at Jericho, brings blessing to a city under a curse and reveals that the Lord is our healer. Jesus Christ is the new Elisha who brings healing and blessing to both sinners and his creation which is under the curse of sin.
Read 2 Kings 2:19-22
God gives the promise of the Spirit to parents for their children who will work in them so that they will confess Christ. Parents are to embrace the promise in faith and train their children in the admonition and instruction of the Lord.
Read Isaiah 44:1-5
The Lord takes Elijah from the scene and publicly confirms that Elisha is his successor. Elisha is to Elijah what Joshua is to Moses and what Jesus is to John the Baptist. Jesus, as God’s final prophet, is the one who must be listened to for salvation and blessing.
Read 2 Kings 2:1-18
Jesus Christ is called the Son of David. As the Son of David he comes as king to rule over his people. His rule is prosperous, triumphant, and universal.
Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17
Jesus Christ is also called Immanuel. In the OT the problem of God’s people due to their sins and the magnitude of the promises of God necessitated that God come himself to deliver on the promises made. God does come in Jesus Christ.
Read Matthew 1:18-25
Jesus Christ is called the Son of Abraham. He is the source of the blessings of justification and the Spirit and he grants these blessings to people in all nations. Not all people in all nations but only those who share the faith of Abraham and trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation.
Read Matthew 1:1-17
Why is it that some hear the gospel but don’t really hear it? Paul tells us it is because the Spirit hasn’t worked in a saving way in those people. In order for a person to understand spiritual truth he must be given the Holy Spirit.
Read 1 Corinthians 2
God calls his wayward people to return to him, even telling them what to say when they do. When they turn to him, he too will turn. He will turn away his anger, heal their unfaithfulness, love them freely, and pour out his blessings upon them.
Read Hosea 14
The Bible teaches that humans have free will. What that means is that humans freely choose to do whatever they wish to do. It does not mean that humans, untouched by God’s grace, are able to choose for God. Before someone can choose for God their heart and inclinations must be changed by the Spirit of God. Then, and only then, will they love what God loves.
Read Romans 6
