“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)
Do we ever feel like Elisha’s servant? Help, we’re surrounded by the enemy. There is no escape. There so many of them and so few of us. What are we going to do? How are we going to get out of this? We look around and are overwhelmed by the odds against us.
The context for this devotional begins in verse 8. Syria (Aram) had declared war on Israel but was thwarted by the man of God who relayed every Syrian strategy to the King of Israel. The Syrian king thought that he had a traitor among his officers but was told that the problem was Elisha, the man of God, in Israel. The order went out immediately, “find him and get him.” During the night, the Syrian army surrounded the mountain in Dothan where Elisha lived. When Elisha’s servant awoke and began his duties, he saw every escape route blocked. Evidently, he ran back in the house and woke up Elisha.
That’s when the hand-winging began. “what are we going to do? The enemy is greater than we are!” But the man of God was not concerned about what he could or would do. He knew he couldn’t defeat the enemy. So, he trusted in the one who would. Note his confidence (v.16), “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The servant must have expressed some skepticism. All he could see was the small number of people in Elisha’s household.
Note what Elisha prayed, (v.17) “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” When the Lord opened his eyes, what did the youth see? He saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire about them. He saw so many soldiers that they literally covered the mountain upon which Elisha lived. And they were ready to fight the enemy. They were prepared to assist Elisha. They were God’s soldiers, so Elisha was confident of victory and safety.
Perhaps that is the issue. Where is our confidence? Some trust in only what they can see. They put their trust in only what they are able to do. The hand-wring despair begins as soon as they can’t see any way of escape. Psalms 20:7 (KJV) “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” He is our hope and confidence. We can depend on Him. Whether we ever get to see the army of chariots and fire, we know that they are all around us ready to give victory.
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for your chariots of fire that surround us. Enable us to see through the eyes of faith and confidence. Empower us to move forward without fear. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his power and live in full confidence of victory,
Pastor Smith