The Real Meaning of Life

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/2_kings/1.htm

As we read in the last chapter of 1 Kings, Ahab’s son, Ahaziah took over as King of Israel, or King of Samaria as it is sometimes referred to. And in this chapter, we read where Ahaziah is injured at home, and sends messengers to inquire of a false god whether he would survive or not.

And here is where I am torn every time I read scripture. This chapter, if taken at face value, characterizes God as one who would let Ahaziah die because he sought idols. Also a God that would send fire down from Heaven and consume the troops of Ahaziah’s army. And I just, can’t, believe it.

If this is the true character of God, why would anyone in their right mind want to go to Heaven and live with Him for eternity? Are people wanting to go to Heaven for everlasting life, or because they love their Creator and want to be with Him?

Here is what I choose to believe. I choose to believe that Ahaziah separated himself from God when he sought the counsel of Baal. I believe God sent Elijah to warn him of his actions. God didn’t make any demands, God simply warned him that his actions would cause death.

We’ve been here before, And we’ve read stories, like King David’s adultery and murder, that once God sent a messenger to warn them, they realized their own sin, they humbled themselves, and they repented. And just like King David, who returned to the presence of God, he was forgiven and he restored his own protection.

There is no mention in scripture of Ahaziah doing this. He did not heed Elijah’s warning. He didn’t not repent, He did not ask for forgiveness and turn back to God. So because of his own free choice to separate from God, he committed spiritual suicide when led to his physical death.

My take on the “fire from Heaven” hasn’t changed. The “fire” is actually a word we would use to describe it. I believe the actual fire was the Glory of God that He exposed to Ahaziah’s army. I would bet good money that if one, just one of those soldiers had been righteous, they would hve been able to withstand that Glory. Had one been righteous, when fire came down from Heaven, all those around him would have been consumed, and he would have been the only one left, sitting on his horse, looking around at his dead companions. And while scripture doesn’t say, I would also bet good money the clothing of those soldiers was intact, that only their bodies was what was consumed.

I know my thoughts are radical. But things just don’t add up. To read the Bible, to take every word to heart, it would appear as though God was schizophrenic; one day He forgives someone for murder, the next day He kills someone for touching the Ark of the Covenant. The more I read, the more I’m convinced that the character of God has been misinterpreted by the emotion and intellect of man.

Father in Heaven. I do not want to lead anyone away from you. If I am being led down the wrong path by Satan, I beg you to convict me. I pray you will bless my words, and if any of them are wrong, please distract me from sharing them, and please change my heart so I can see the truth. Amen.