This chapter is one of the oddest I have read in a long time. It contains a series of accounts centered around Elisha’s ministry, and ends on a cliff-hanger with an assassin sent to kill him (for something that wasn’t even his fault).
“When [Elisha’s] servant… rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So 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.” (v15-17 abr)
In this passage, the King of Syria sends an army after Elisha (he prophetically ruined the king’s plans on several occasions). Elisha is not afraid because God is with him (an literal angel army is protecting him). God strikes the Syrian army with blindness, allowing Elisha to lead them into the heart of Samaria. Their sight returns, they are well fed by Israel, then returned to their homeland. No lives were lost that day, and Syria was extremely humbled (and embarrassed) by God.
Though God could have easily wiped out the Syrian army, He chose to treat them with honor and respect, leading Israel to throw a feast for them. This is the epitome of “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Pro 25:21-22)
No matter what difficulties we face, our God of infinite mercy and grace has our backs. We never have to fear for our physical or spiritual wellbeing, for God is with us. Our eternal future is secure because of Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice, and our physical presence on this earth is temporary in view of eternity.
I realize that suffering here on earth is very real, very hard, and I’m not making light of that. I’m simply trying to remind us that physical suffering is temporary compared to our future blessings in heaven. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Pt 5:10)
I encourage to take heart, to persevere, and not fear anything in this world. We are God’s chosen people, created in His image, redeemed for His glory and our eternal benefit. Our God of grace and mercy longs to humble, protect, and redeem everyone. Let’s celebrate these facts, honor our enemies, and encourage those who are suffering.
Father God, our Glorious, Gracious and Merciful Lord, holy, holy, holy is Your name. You have spared us from disaster through Your Son’s loving sacrifice. You help us endure life’s trials, and this is a testimony for those who do not yet know You. Please let our lives be a testimony of love and perseverance for Your name’s sake. We praise Your name forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training