Plot Twist

Kingdoms in Conflict

It may be the most famous plot twist in science fiction, if not in all films. Luke Skywalker has been battling Darth Vader’s evil plots for three films now. At the end of the third film, the two Jedis finally fight it out. Back and forth the battle goes. It is good versus evil. Then in a dramatic moment, Darth Vader reveals a deep secret. Since the first film, we were led to believe that Darth Vader killed Luke’s father. But in the midst of battle Vader declares, “Luke, I am your Father!” 

With this one reveal the whole Star Wars trilogy takes on new meaning. You begin to look back over the films and realize that you should have seen it coming. So many pieces of evidence you overlooked now become extremely relevant to the story. 

In our passage for this Sunday, we are given a plot twist. As we read the story of Jehoram and his battle against rebellious Moab we might believe the story is straightforward. While it is filled with miraculous events the overall thrust of the story has been seen before. Israel fights a foreign power and with the help of the Lord achieves victory. Nevertheless, in the final verse, there is a plot twist. Instead of achieving a great victory, Israel is sent home. Even though they are winning the battle, suddenly everything changes. And what we will see is that sin makes us blind to our own destruction. Israel should have seen that they were following a path of rebellion but not until the surprise ending do we see the true nature of their sin. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon 2 Kings 3, Deuteronomy 2:9; 20:19, Isaiah 8:14, Jeremiah 21:5, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 10:9. 

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Our God, Our Help”, the Acclamation of Praise “Before the Throne of God Above”, and the Hymn of Response “Amazing Grace”. Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Text: 2 Kings 3 

Title: Plot Twist 

Outline: 

1. The Plot Twist
2. The Set Up
3. The Reveal
4. The Lesson

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