THE AFFLICTIONS OF ISRAEL

DAILY MANNA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017

AFFLICTIONS OF ISRAEL

TEXT: 2 KINGS 14:17-28

KEY VERSE: “For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel” (2 Kings 14: 26)

The word ‘affliction’ is defined by Bible dictionary as that which causes or tends to cause bodily pain or mental distress; the state of being in pain or trouble. An individual or nation can be afflicted with sickness, poverty, loss, oppression, war, invasion, conquest by foreign peoples. Persecution of New Testament believers is also a form of affliction.

Our passage today highlights the condition of Israel as a national, self-induced affliction. It came as a result of the ungodly practices of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat “who made Israel to sin”. Although Jeroboam chose to lead the nation into idolatry and Baal worship, the afflictions of Israel in the text touched God in a special way. No help was in sight; evil and oppression walked the streets and the messages of the prophets that God sent could not rescue the situation. Then, God stepped in and against all odds, saved the nation from self-destruction.

Today, God’s grace is still available in times of afflictions. Whether as an individual, family or even nation, a sinful lifestyle will always attract all sorts of afflictions. Sin is like a magnet that draws evil to itself. But the mercy of God is available for everyone who seeks freedom from afflictions whether self-induced or not. Grace saved Israel from afflictions; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is also available to set man free from the oppression of the devil.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 45-46.

PONDER:

1. Israel was in bitter affliction but Judah was not even though their kings were both evil. Why?
   Judah knew how to get rid of their kings whenever they were driving them to far into idolatry (Remember Athaliah) while Israel fold their arms when their kings drove them into evil. Check 2 Chronicles 25 to see the evils that caused Amaziah to be assassinated.
2. You will be a partaker of the punishments or judgements that follow the backlidings of your leader if you refuse to prayerfully play your own part in resisting evil. The law of cause and effect is more real in the spiritual realm.
3. Are you, your family or your church passing through afflictions? First prayerfully check up if you had missed it somewhere and repent. Prayerlessness is a sin too.
4. God SAW their afflictions even in their wilful backslidings and sent deliverance. If God could do that for prayerless backslidden Israel, how much more for a crying saint?

HYMN: Does Jesus Care?

1.Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

2 Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near? [Refrain]

3 Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long? [Refrain]

4 Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see? [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS/ACTIVITY

1. First check up if you have sinned or backslidden or not born again at all before and pray the prayer of repentance and forgiveness.
2. If you are in bitter affliction, you can cry now and appeal to the mercy, care and power of God. You will be delivered.
3. Earnest cry to God on behalf of someone or family that is bitter affliction in the church and ask the compassionate God to send deliverance. There is blessing in praying for others.
4. O Lord, look down from heaven and visit your children in the church, that are in bitter affliction, with your mighty power and send deliverance.