This morning my sleepy little coffee shop is abuzz with chatter about a big political speech given last night. Eavesdropping on the conversations at tables around me becomes my “water-cooler” perspective on recent events.

A circle of retired gentlemen solve the problems of the world one expresso at a time. A father and daughter trade policy positions, and life, over steamy cups of something sweet. And a group of women with open Bibles talk about how their faith impacts their politics.

I can’t help but take in the jumble of stories all around me. Each group weaves together various bits of their life in conversation with one another. But there is one common thread through each story: politics and politicians.

Reading quickly through 2 Kings, you will find stories that at first glance seem as random as my jumble of coffee shop conversations. Stories are there of prophets speaking the word of the Lord, kings fumbling the political ball, women arguing over their sons, nations positioning themselves with and against one another, priests attending to the needs of the temple, little slave girls with a curious perspective—typical ancient world water-cooler conversations.

For the rest of the article, see Holiness Today.