Reading: II Kings 6-8
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha (II Kings 6:15-17).
As Elisha’s servant stood and surveyed the host of Syrian fighting men with their horses and chariots, he was overcome with fear. The king of Syria had sent forth a great army to take Elisha, and the servant knew that there was no way that two men could stand against so many. As far as his eye could see, they were surrounded by those who wished to do them harm. Instinctively, the servant turned to his master, asking, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
Elisha’s answer was immediate and strong, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. Elisha’s experiences transcended the natural world. His faith allowed him not only to sense, but also see, the presence of God’s army, and he knew that the Syrian troops were no match for the heavenly host. Elisha understood the fear that gripped his servant, and he knew that only a deeper understanding of God would be able to take that fear away. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.
Living in the world today can be a scary proposition. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:8). Satan’s influence surrounds us on all sides, and it often seems that we can do little more than helplessly watch as more and more of the world falls under his control. When, overwhelmed with life, we are unable to see the proof of God around us, we sometimes forget that He is there. It is then easy to understand the fear of Elisha’s servant because that same fear is ever-present in our own hearts.
But no matter the situation, no matter what we are facing, if we are truly children of God then the odds are always stacked in our favor. They that be with us are more than they that be with them. These precious words are just as true today as they were the moment that they were first spoken. Elisha’s prayer for his servant should be one that we endeavor to pray daily for ourselves. Lord, I pray thee, open his (MY) eyes, that he (I) may see. God has promised that He will not hide from us, and that if we seek Him, we will always find Him. He has also promised that he will shield and defend us when we find ourselves in need (Ps. 91). Let us try to approach each new day with our eyes open wide, secure in the knowledge that we are in the presence of God.
Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29:12-13).
Thought For TodayBeing surrounded by darkness can be paralyzing, but, remember, God’s light is brighter than any torch or flashlight.
Christ Portrayed : By Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (II Kings 8:11-12). We are reminded of Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered thy children together . . . and ye would not! (Matt. 23:37).
Word Studies: 6:1 strait = small, too confined; 6:30 within = next to, underneath; 7:5 uttermost part = borders; 8:11 settled his countenance = stared intensely; 8:26 daughter = granddaughter.
Pray for Staff:Gilbert Palafoxi • Government Officials: Sen. Jim Risch (ID), Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) • Country: Mali (15,968,882) West Africa • Major Languages: French, Bambara, Peul/Foulfoulbe • Violent extremist occupy Northern two thirds of country; Religious freedom where gov’t retained control • 94.8% Muslim; 2.4% Christian; 2% Animist; 0.5% None; 0.3% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God in prayer for His faithfulness to His Word and His desire that all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
Optional Reading: Romans 6. .