Benhadad, the king of Syria, oppressed Israel during the reign of Ahab. Because of Israel's rebellion this was, for a time, permitted by God. Soon Benhadad begins to make insulting demands of Ahab and when Ahab refuses they go to war. But God was with the Israelites and delivered Benhadad into their hand. The Syrians attack again reasoning that the only reason they lost was because God was a god of the hills. God answers this challenge also but when Benhadad is spared by king Ahab, a prophet makes a strange request. A request that if refused, could cost someone their life.
What are the characteristics of a steward? As stewards of God's truth, gospel, wisdom, and all that He entrusts to us, what is expected of believers? Are we accountable individually accountable to God? How can we be faithful with a clear conscience? How does how we conduct ourselves in everyday secular activities demonstrate our loyalty to God?
God is a God of love and at the same time a God of justice. What is the connection between God's love and justice as revealed in the story of Hosea? What can we learn through Hosea's metaphors about God's compassion on His people. Find out in this week's lesson.
The Bible teaches about a day lost in history. A day God designed for us to remember. This week's lesson uncovers the mystery of this forgotten and lost day.