Text 2 Kings 3: 1-18
A. Three kings formed an alliance to attack Moab. They are Jehoram, King of Israel (bad guy like his parents Ahab & Jezebel who threatened Elijah); Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (Nice guy because he feared and served God); and the king of Edom. They came together to form an alliance to attack Moab as initiated by king Jehoram. Watch the alliances you partake in. What do you know about the other people you are forming an alliance with?
B. (i). They did not consult the Lord before they began the journey of their mission. However, when the dry heat of the desert of Edom hit them, they were thirsty and needed water to drink. Then, the one who knew to serve God remembered what he forgot to do – consult the Lord.
B (ii). Elisha was not reckoned with by Jehoram, king of Israel and had an attitude towards him. Ordinary, he would have nothing to do with someone whose parents did not honor his God and to think of what his mother Jezebel did to Elijah (his master). Elisha had every right to be upset and not serve Jehoram but it is a different thing when associated with a just and righteous person. God will act for the sake of His righteous ones. This is why we must be careful with who we associate with. Our association with some people can lead to destruction because of their wickedness and if we choose to partake in their wickedness.
B (iii). To effectively serve and represent God, we must be in the right and proper mindset. Elisha was upset but needed to be in the right mind so he requested for a musician. This highlights the importance of music in worship. Music calms the spirit. Remember David played the harp for king Saul to calm his spirit (see 1 Samuel 16:14-23). Music is very important and our musicians ought to count it a privilege and honor to play before the Lord and His people.
C. Understand that for God to show up in places or areas you want Him to, you may have to dig ditches. God told me we have to dig ditches all around this city for Him to fill with His Water. Why? I don’t know and don’t care. What should concern us is to do what we are told to do. If we ask less questions and do as we are told to do, we will have divine encounters like the patriarchs of faith in Hebrews 11.
Other examples:
- Isaac dug wells – Genesis 26:12-22 verses 19. The first well was Abraham’s well and Isaac is his son so he has a right to this well. I believe that was why these people did not dig. However, because of their crafty ways, they claimed rights to the water and prevented Isaac from enjoying what he labored for. May God deal with you very man or woman who tried to prevent you from enjoying what you labored for.
- For God to demonstrate His greatness and Power over the god of Baal, Elijah challenged the people by digging round the altar and poured water to ignite fire – 1 Kings 18-39. You would expect the opposite to happen but contrary to human laws or principles, water that was meant to put out fire worked the opposite in this case. God does not work within our human framework of doing things. However, He works to supersizes our human frameworks by His supernatural power to achieve what gives Him glory.
D. God could have open the Heavens for rain to fall but He chose to do the unimaginable – dig ditches. This is unimaginable because they were in a dry land and in a hot weather. We can assume that by this time, they were all tired and thirsty. Yet, God told them to dig not one ditch but to make the valley full of ditches. We must be willing and obedient to follow through with whatever God tells us to do even when they seem so difficult and impossible. Our acts of obedience and trust are what prompts the Hands of God to work in our favor.
E. God looked beyond the faults of Jehoram and the attitude of Elisha to reveal Himself and give this instruction and promise to defend these three kings. This counters Jehoram’s false allegation against God that He wanted to deliver them to the Moabites. God is merciful and compassionate. He does not want sinners to die without encountering Him. This shows the heart of God and what He thinks of us. He does not deal with us according to our sins (see Psalm 103:9-11).
F. Digging ditches is like serving God and His people, and
• Like digging ditches, Christian service is often hard work.
• Like digging ditches, Christian service must be guided by God’s revelation.
• Like digging ditches, Christian service might seem crazy to some people.
• Like digging ditches, Christian service is done in faith.
• Like digging ditches, Christian service is blessed beyond expectation.
• Like digging ditches, Christian service needs God’s miracle to do any good.
• Like digging ditches, Christian service often feels like work without reward.
Instruments we need to use to dig ditches for God to manifest:
- Praise and worship – Psalm 95:1-3; 100:4,5; Daniel 2:23; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:15-17.
- Prayer – 1 Kings 18:41-19:8; Luke 18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19; Colossians 4:2.
- Word of God – Isaiah 55:10,11; John 1:1-5; 8:32; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Faith – Proverbs 3:5,6; Matthew 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; John 7:38; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11.
- Witnessing – Matthew 4:19; 24:14; 28:18-20; Mark 16:20; Romans 1:16; Acts 1:18
- Confession / Profession of faith in Christ – James 5:16; Romans 10:9,10; 1 Timothy 6:12,13; Hebrews 10: 23-38.
Lastly, what qualifies us to dig is faith in God for without it we cannot please God. He will never turn back anyone that seeks Him in faith. You may have acted like king Jehoram who rebelled and defiled the altar of God but that can change if you seek for the True God by faith in Jesus Christ. After you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, join a fellowship of believers to encourage and start digging ditches for God to fill. I’m sure He’ll fill your ditches to overflow. Just do it ✔️
Join us in person on Wednesdays 7pm and on Sundays from 9am at Revival Worship Center on 116 East Broadway Street, Kennedale, TX 76060. We love to dig and teach one another to be better ditch diggers. Come and join us, we need you to accomplish this mission.
You may also follow us online on Facebook or YouTube @ RevivalWorshipCenter.
God bless you. Keep digging now 👍
