Prayers: Curses and Blessings

"He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!”  When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys." 2 King 2:23-24 NRSV

Listening to people curse usually causes me to get one of those little knots in my stomach. Hearing God's name used recklessly makes me a little more than anxious. I hear words come out of people's mouths and I wonder if they realize that God is listening. When we desire that someone be harmed and we think or speak it; they are not just harmless words. Every word, whether it is a blessing or a curse, is like a prayer before God.

The story of Elisha cursing the boys and the bears coming to retaliate against them for disrespecting and bullying God's prophet is fascinating. It can even make one a bit uncomfortable to think that God would answer this prayer (curse) in such a devastating fashion. It causes me to wonder if Elisha had any clue that God would respond in such a dramatic fashion or did the curse simply slip from his lips in a moment of anger or fear?

God doesn't normally send bears to protect His prophets. But, there is no doubt that He is with all who serve Him and He listens to their pleas. Be careful then of what words slip through your teeth. It is up to you whether they be the words of a bully, a curse in God's name, or if they be the words of a blessing; God hears it all. Be careful of what you pray for.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 8:26-40 The Eunuch Hears

Acts 8:26-40 NIV
In one visit with Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch heard the good news about Jesus and was baptized. It did not take many visits. There was no set time period for the eunuch to have to study before he was baptized. But, the eunuch did have a history. At first glance, it may appear that this is the eunuch's first introduction to the savior. But, it is not. He apparently knows the scriptures and the scriptures point to Jesus. He doesn't understand them completely. But, he has been reading them. He has been studying them. He's got a pretty good idea what they say. He just doesn't understand until Philip explains them that the prophecies have been fulfilled in Jesus the Christ.

This is my opportunity to remind you that not only do we usually need someone to help us understand scripture; but, that we actually need to know what scripture says in order to help us understand them. As I said, the eunuch knew what the scriptures said. He knew the words of the prophets. Now, he knows that the prophecies were fulfilled and he rejoices. By the power of the Holy Spirit, faith grabs hold of the eunuch and the eunuch is baptized.

There are plenty of opportunities to read, hear, and study the word of God. Zion has a Bible study open to all every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Worship Services at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, the sermon is interactive so that you can ask questions and discuss the readings. Join us or your local congregation in studying and hearing the message about the word. After all; faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Rom 10:17) And, for those who are reading this blog, don't forget to click on the Scripture link above and actually read the passage that inspires the reading.

God's Peace - Pr. J