TEXT:* 2 KINGS 6:8-23
Key Verse: “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)
The prophets of God were useful to the kings and leaders of Israel in various ways. They confronted and exposed idolatry and helped to create a conducive environment for the people to freely and publicly worship the Almighty God. They demonstrated confidence in God when their situations demanded worry and anxiety.
Elisha was one of the outstanding prophets in the Bible days. He demonstrated his confidence in God when it appeared there was no hope. The Bible records eighteen encounters between him and needy people. Each time, he expressed his confidence in the power of God.
In our text, the king of Syria was in a fix. Time after time, his military aggression against Israel had ended up in woeful defeat as they tried to fight Israel. The Syrian king then suspected there was a traitor among his soldiers. Informed that the ‘traitor’ was Elisha who was revealing his strategies, he sent soldiers, with chariots and horses to trap and kill the prophet at Dothan.
Elisha’s servant was alarmed when he saw the physical army, chariots and horses of Syria. But Elisha was not moved. He believed in the power of God. God’s answer to Elisha’s prayer opened his servant’s eyes to see the mighty army of heaven. His confidence was re-kindled.
When we face difficulties that look seemingly insurmountable, we should not forget the myriad of spiritual resources and forces God has put at our disposal even though we may not see them with our physical eyes. As believers, we must always walk by faith and not by sight. We should resolve to look away from difficulties, however challenging and, instead, look up unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:* There is a great reward for our confidence in God.
COVER to COVER:* PSALMS 89; 96; 100; 101; 105; 132.
PONDER:
1 Rejoice in the Lord! O let His mercy, cheer,
He sunders the bands that enthral;
Redeemed by His blood, why should we ever fear,
Since Jesus is our “all in all?”
Refrain:
“If God be for us, if God be for us,
If God be for us,
Who can be against us,
Who, who, who?
Who can be against us, against us?”
2 Be strong in the Lord! Rejoicing in His might,
Be loyal and true day by day;
When evils assail, be valiant for the right,
And He will be our strength, our stay. [Refrain]
3 Confide in His Word, His promises so sure;
In Christ they are “yea, and amen”;
Tho’ earth pass away, they ever shall endure,
‘Tis written o’er and o’er again. [Refrain]
4 Abide in the Lord, secure in His control,
‘Tis life everlasting begun;
To pluck from His hand the weakest, trembling soul,
It never, never can be done! [Refrain]
