The Unknown Self

The Unknown Self

(or "Who'd have thunk it'?")

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2 Kings 8:7—15

“Who’d ‘of thunk it?” or for the English majors. - "Who would have guessed it?"

That is what you hear over and over, every night as you watch the news... who would believe such a thing?

who would guess such a thing could happen?

who would have thought he/she could do that?

This is what you always hear after disasters. - especially MORAL.

Our scripture today is the quintessential example of such a moral disaster.

(((Read scripture)))

King Benhadad is very sick, and fears he is about to die... no one can seem to help him no medical, magical hope

He sends Hazael to the prophet Elisha to get a word from God,

"Am I going to die'?"

No need for this God when things are well serves false gods

false gods have failed him

Turns to God because he needs him

The prophet is not surprised to see him

he knows things are serious

I don't think he is angry that the king only seeks God in the time of need.

He is just glad for this chance to minister

Elisha tells Hazael two things.... GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

1. The king shall surely die.

2. But not of this illness.

Then Elisha CRIES

This is confusing to Hazael....

he is going to die, but not from this sickness?

what kind of death will he die if the prophet is crying?

Hazael asks, 'Why are you crying, my Lord?"

He is not prepared for the answer he receives.

Because of YOU!!

Then the prophet painted the most gruesome picture of assassination of the king seizing of the throne by treachery smoking cities devastated families butchered women slain children

In shock, Hazael drew back and cringed...

Is Thy servant a dog?

Who but an animal could do such a thing?

Is that what you think of me?

"NO WAY, JOSE"...you've got the wrong man.

But Elisha said. "There is no mistake, it will happen

THE LORD HAS SHOWN IT TO ME

Hazael returned to the palace, to give the message to the king...

"You will not die. .OF THIS ILLNESS

But, HE ONLY TOLD THE KING 1/2 OF THE TRUTH

Already a lie

Already a conspiracy

Already planning the dastardly deed

RELIEVED.... Benhadad went to sleep

As he slept... AFTER a long night of conspiracy by Hazael

A wet cloth over the face of the weak king...

it was easy

it was accessible

it was convenient to hide

IT WAS DONE

But, even as he stood there... towel in hands... he heard his own words to Elisha.

Is thy servant a dog?

Like Peter standing by the fire...

cursing, and denying... hearing the cock crowing

LESSON:

x"

1. Our IGNORANCE of our own selves.

We do not really know ourselves

the evil of which we are capable

We buy into the Humanistic belief that man is basically good and is on the way to becoming perfect... society will become a Utopia

Hazael drew back in horror and disbelief

NOWAY...

I could never...

other things, maybe, but THIS NEVER!!!!!!!

We believe that we could break commandments 1, 2, and 6 but NEVER 3, 5, or 8

YOU DO NOT KNOW THE EVIL THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF

The scripture says, “A man’s heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things, no one can understand it.” Jeremiah 17:9

No one can even begin to imagine what evil and cruelty can come from it

2. THERE IS EVIL WITHIN US ALL JUST WAITING FOR A CHANCE TO GET OUT.

It is beneath the breast of the holiest saint

It is beneath the breast of the vilest criminal

>>>>>Speech by father of student at Columbine HS

On Thursday, May 27, 1999, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to speak to the House Judiciary Committee's Sub-committee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared to hear what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needed to be heard by every parent, teacher, politician, sociologist, psychologist and every so-called expert. These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. Following is a portion of the transcript:

"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy. It was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs; Your words are empty air.

You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer.

Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die.