In the days following the death of wicked King Ahab, Israel was ruled by Ahaziah, Ahab’s son. A serious fall would leave Ahaziah unable to get out of his bed. Concerned for his future, the king wanted to know if he would recover. He sent messengers to “inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron” (2 Kings 1:2). Jehovah’s response, voiced through the prophet Elijah, was this rhetorical question, “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?” (2 Kings 1:3). Although God had not abdicated His throne, and although God’s prophets were available, Ahaziah decided to go elsewhere. It was a complete waste of time and a major affront to God.
Though we live in an age in which God does not reveal new information to prophets as He did in the days of Ahaziah, we are not without words from God. According to Paul, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The information expressed in the word of God is sufficient for us to know how God wants us to live.
The Bible educates us on how to maintain proper relationships, whether husband/wife, parent/child, or employer/employee. God has told us how to treat neighbors, enemies, and friends. The Bible instructs us in religious matters, including our worship of God and our service to fellow-man. God has taught us about our attitudes, including such things as anger, love, joy, courage, contentment, jealousy, and patience. We have instruction on ethical and moral matters like lying, prejudice, greed, hypocrisy, adultery, drunkenness, and divorce. Human emotional struggles such as worry, disappointment, doubt, grief, fear, and loneliness have not been left unaddressed, either. The Bible also enlightens us on sources of help in addition to itself (e.g., prayer, other Christians, and trials). But first and foremost, the Scriptures tell us of God’s love for us and His desire to release us from the guilt of our sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Indeed, our God has provided us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3), and the only way we know of those things is through the Bible. The gods of humanism, atheism, and pop psychology are no match for the God of heaven. When it comes to dealing with all that life throws at you, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).