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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Elisha told his servant, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kgs 6:16). I praise you today as the God who commands the armies of heaven! You know the dangers that I face, and you are right there with me, surrounding me with your love and protection. What a wonderful privilege it is to serve you! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me more about Elisha’s ministry to the northern kingdom of Israel. Elisha spent much of his time with the sons of the prophets. One day while one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron blade of his axe fell into the nearby Jordan River. Elisha helped the man by miraculously causing it to float to the surface. This teaches me that you care and provide for those who trust you, even in the small matters of everyday life. The conflict between Syria and Israel continued throughout the reign of Ahab’s son Joram (aka. Jehoram). Joram got rid of his father’s pillar to Baal, but he clung to Jeroboam’s golden calves. Nevertheless, your Spirit led Elisha to help Joram in his struggle against Syria, and every time the Syrians laid a trap for Joram, Elisha warned him. Eventually the Syrians realized what was happening and they surrounded the city where Elisha was staying. Elisha struck them with blindness, and then led them five miles south to Samaria where he turned them over to Joram. Joram wanted to kill them, but Elisha insisted they “heap burning coals” on the Syrians by feeding them (cf. Prov 25:21–22). Once again, you were showing the king and the people of Israel that you are the one true God. Reflection During Ben-Hadad II’s siege of Samaria, Joram complained to Elisha, “All this misery is from the Lord! Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” Joram was ready to give up in frustration and despair one day before your deliverance. Am I willing to wait on you for as long as you see fit? Request Father, give me a heart of faith that will rest in you no matter how desperate the situation. Remind me that you show yourself strong on behalf of those who fear you (cf. 2 Chr 16:9). Thanksgiving Thank you for the example of Elisha. He teaches me the importance of looking at life with eyes of faith. Where others see only defeat, may I see your chariots of fire! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” — Tate and Brady, 1698. Meditation Verse: 2 Kings 7:16. |