2 Kings 1:3b “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?”
In this particular account this phrase is repeated three times in sixteen verses. Do you think the writer was trying to make an impression? If the tale circulated orally at first, then, of course, repetition helps reinforce the point on the mind of the listeners. So, what is the point and why is it so important? The point is that God is right here, even in the midst of distress (the king in the story was looking for answers to his dilemma) but we prefer to look elsewhere, or sulk in our misery, rather than open ourselves to God. Why is it so important; because if there is a God who made us then most likely we will find our meaning and joy and contentment in connecting with that God? Look, the God of the bible isn’t easy in many ways. What is a God like who is beyond time and space, all powerful yet compassionate, all knowing yet willing to walk along side as life unfolds to us? The idols around us are easier to relate to, less threatening. They fit better and feed our ego needs. We can go to Ekron. This week, will you?
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