God’s Preserving, Protecting, Perplexing Grace: 2 Kings #09
This is an exposition of 2 Kings 6:8-23. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 7, 2016.
Intro:
As Baptist we are a “grace” people. After all, “Amazing Grace” is our national anthem! We understand that we are saved by grace alone. Salvation is not earned or deserved, it is the gift of God. A gift given not because He sees something in us that draws out or encourages Him to be gracious toward us but because He is gracious. Of course it is not merely our salvation that is of grace – the whole of life is a matter of grace. All that we have and all that we are we owe to the grace of God. Often this truth is overlooked in our daily experience. Oh, we affirm it if we discuss it. Should we be asked about it we easily credit God’s grace but I’m not sure we consistently view all of life from the vantage point of God’s grace. Just as we affirm that our God is sovereign over all things we must affirm that His sovereignty is a gracious sovereignty. His grace is at work daily preserving, protecting and perplexing His people. This is a truth borne out in our text this evening found in 2 Kings 2 Kings 6.
Text: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Some time has passed since the cleansing of Naaman and relations between Syria and Israel have deteriorated. Our text opens with, “Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel…” Interestingly neither the king of Syria or the king of Israel is named. Only Elisha is named. The reason is likely due to the author’s intent to emphasize God’s deliverance of His people through His prophet. Israel is not saved by the power and might of her military. It is not owing to the brilliance of her king it is due the grace of her God and this in spite of her unfaithfulness!
As we work our way through this text we are reminded that…
Thesis: As the people of God we are assured of His preserving, protecting and perplexing grace.
God has promised us His abiding presence and along with His presence comes His power to preserve and protect His people. Remember God promised that through it all there would be a believing remnant. God has determined that He would have a people. Thus by His word and power there has been and will be a people for His glorying until the Lord Jesus returns and this age comes to its end.
Though there is ample reason for concern.
Though we may wonder what is in store for the church in the near future.
This is certain – the church will remain.
The church will triumph.
We may lose our tax exempt status.
We may lose our seat at the political and cultural tables but the church will persevere!
We may face hardship, heartache, even persecution.
We may face economic ruin, imprisonment and even death but the church will march on.
Because God has declared He will have a people for His own glory.
There are three things I want to note from our text…
- God graciously intervenes on behalf of His people. (6:8-13)
- God assures His own of His presence and power. (6:14-17)
- God’s grace often extends even to His enemies. (6:18-23)
Conclusion:
The grace of God was extended even to His enemies.
This brought a temporary peace (I wish I could say, “Great sweeping revival” but I can’t).
Why did God bring an end to them right then and there?
Because He is gracious.
They were given another chance.
His ways are not our ways…and aren’t you glad?
Dale Ralph Davis says, “This almost makes me want to sing, ‘Come ye Syrians weak and wounded, sick and sore. Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love and power.’”
If only they had responded in such a way to the grace of God.