"And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may
see." Then the LORD opened the
eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of
horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
2 Kings 6:17
It seemed like a hopeless situation: the Syrian army surrounded the city of Dothan to bring Elisha to the king. When the servant of Elisha saw they were surrounded by this great force he was overwhelmed. He said, "Alas my master! How shall we do?" "Alas" is a word used to express pity, grief, or concern. The servant of Elisha realised he and the inhabitants of the city were out of their depth given the tenuous situation, and given the circumstances it is likely most people would have panicked.
The perspective of Elisha was quite different than his servant. Elisha didn't ask what they should do because he knew something his servant did not: they were not alone or forsaken. God was with them and had the situation completely in hand. He said in 2 Kings 6:16, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Elisha asked God to open the eyes of his servant, and then he was divinely enabled to see the Syrian army was completely surrounded by horses and chariots of fire. God could have laid waste to His enemies in a moment, yet He would have them live. When the Syrians came to arrest Elisha they were struck blind and he led them to Samaria. After feeding them he sent them on their way.
I wonder how many times we are lamenting an overwhelming situation like Elisha's servant when Jesus our Master has everything in hand? How often have we been afraid because our eyes have been closed to God's promises and presence in our lives? Walking by sight things seem impossible, yet with God all things are possible. He has all knowledge and power at His disposal, and He is gracious to deliver and save. This passage shows even those who rise up against God and His people benefit from His grace. May God open our eyes to see we are never alone and can have complete confidence in the God who sees and knows all.
It is a little thing for Christians to perceive potential danger or opposition rising against us. It is obvious we live in a world where there is great animosity against God and His people. Those who know God and whose eyes have been opened to see remember those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Elisha and his servant were two among countless foes, yet because God was with them they were the far stronger side. Praise the LORD for this!
The perspective of Elisha was quite different than his servant. Elisha didn't ask what they should do because he knew something his servant did not: they were not alone or forsaken. God was with them and had the situation completely in hand. He said in 2 Kings 6:16, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Elisha asked God to open the eyes of his servant, and then he was divinely enabled to see the Syrian army was completely surrounded by horses and chariots of fire. God could have laid waste to His enemies in a moment, yet He would have them live. When the Syrians came to arrest Elisha they were struck blind and he led them to Samaria. After feeding them he sent them on their way.
I wonder how many times we are lamenting an overwhelming situation like Elisha's servant when Jesus our Master has everything in hand? How often have we been afraid because our eyes have been closed to God's promises and presence in our lives? Walking by sight things seem impossible, yet with God all things are possible. He has all knowledge and power at His disposal, and He is gracious to deliver and save. This passage shows even those who rise up against God and His people benefit from His grace. May God open our eyes to see we are never alone and can have complete confidence in the God who sees and knows all.
It is a little thing for Christians to perceive potential danger or opposition rising against us. It is obvious we live in a world where there is great animosity against God and His people. Those who know God and whose eyes have been opened to see remember those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Elisha and his servant were two among countless foes, yet because God was with them they were the far stronger side. Praise the LORD for this!
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