Daily Thought

We look today at a prayer that was uttered under very sad and perplexing circumstances.

Jeroboam was a wicked king, whose sins were never forgotten. He was the one who caused Israel to sin. The altar erected at Bethel was a disgrace to the kingdom, and a dishonour to God. This unnamed prophet came out of Judah and prophesied against the altar. He foretold its destruction, with all the associated idolatry. This looked on to many years later, to the judgement of Josiah’s time. The evils of sacrilege would be answered in judgement, and the altar at Bethel would be destroyed.

Jeroboam’s outstretched hand was withered. The altar was destroyed and the ashes poured out. So, this wicked king asked the prophet to beseech the Lord for him. The prayer ascended, and the answer brought healing to the king. A godly prophet and a gracious God worked together in this healing. Notice today several points of interest in this prayer.

Those who have no regard for God, and never pray, will often turn to one who does in a time of trouble. They will say, ‘Intreat now the face of God, and pray for me‘. It is good for us to be known as those in touch with God, as those who pray. This was a time of crisis in the nation’s history. The kingdom, once united, was now divided. Instead of one place where God’s name was set, two altars were set up in disobedience to God’s word. Through His servant, God not only spoke with a voice of judgement, but provided a means of mercy. This is so with people who pray. They are a people apart, yet they stand before Him on behalf of those in need.

In our needy generation, we today must pray for those who are out in the cold and far from God. Compassion must move us to intercede for those who desperately need His love, 1 Tim. 2. 1-6. The beauty of this incident lies in the fact that the man of God besought the Lord and the king’s hand was restored. Humble and unnamed though he was, he had power with God and prevailed. As we today go about our business among those that do not know God, let us pray for all. Who knows what God will do?