In this chapter the new King of Israel, Jehoram (another son of Ahab) and Jehoshaphat, King of Judah ally with the King of Edom to face the Moabites who had rebelled against Israel. They first seek a prophet of the Lord, Elisha, concerning provision and victory.
“And Elisha said, ‘As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. Thus says the Lord, “I will make this dry streambed full of pools. You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.” This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand…’ ” (v14-18 abr)
The three armies are marching a long and winding route to Moab and run out of water. They find themselves in Elisha’s neighborhood and seek him out. Elisha doesn’t want to speak with the three kings, though he relents out of respect for Jehoshaphat (the only God-honoring king among them).
This account reminds me of Jonah, who resists sharing God’s prophecy with Nineveh. Elisha doesn’t really want to speak to these kings, but does so somewhat begrudgingly, and gives them great news of provision and victory.
Have you ever begrudgingly obeyed God’s prompting in your life? I have a few times. It’s not outright disobedience, but it’s not joyful obedience either. Both Elisha and Jonah somewhat begrudgingly obey God’s promptings, and great blessing still comes forth for those to whom they minister.
We should be cautious however that we don’t think it’s okay to to have a poor attitude in our obedience. We don’t want to ‘obey God on the outside, but disobey Him on the inside’. That’s not really obedience, is it?
This sour attitude won’t likely stop God from blessing others, though it will stop God from blessing us. Because we’re choosing to be miserable, we are missing out on the joy and satisfaction of God’s ‘well done good and faithful servant’ pat on the back. I encourage us to obey God joyfully and without hesitation. If we consistently obey begrudgingly, in the long-term we may begin thinking serving God isn’t worth it, since there isn’t any joy or satisfaction in it, so we may stop obeying altogether. God wants us to experience joy at all times, so let’s not not fall into that trap.
Father God, our Generous and Loving Lord, holy is Your magnificent name. We praise You for Your abundant lovingkindness and blessings upon us. Thank you for partnering with us to bless others, and we ask You for many more of these opportunities. We also ask that You would teach us to serve You joyfully, and without hesitation. We are told that You love a cheerful giver, and we want to give joyfully. We honor, praise and glorify Your name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training