ROUND ABOUT ELISHA -- Tomorrow:
The times were difficult. The Spirit tells us that "the king of Syria warred against Israel." Plotting his military strategy, he told his servants where he had determined to camp. No sooner had he done this, than Elisha, "the man of God," sent a word to the king of Israel, warning him not to pass by that place, "for the Syrians are coming down there." This same procedure was experienced again and again, so that it is written, "Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places." NIV
As a result of the repeated frustration of his purpose, the king of Syria became agitated, supposing there was an informer among his soldiers. Calling his servants to himself, he asked them, "Will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?" Although the king was not privy to what was happening, some of his soldiers knew. Much to his surprise one of them answered, "None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber." Immediately, in an exercise of vanity, the king replied, "Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him." Word was brought back to the king, "Behold, he is in Dothan." This is the very place where Joseph's brothers sold him (Gen 37:17-36). Historically, it was connected with trouble. Elisha did not hide from the enemy of which he had warned the king of Israel. He apparently was easy to find, nor did he evidence any fear of the heathen king.
Although the king of Syria was after a single man, he sent "horses, and chariots, and a great host," coming in by night and circling the entire city. You would have thought he was gathering against a mighty army instead of one solitary prophet. However, the king of Syria sensed this was no ordinary man. Thus he sent a great host, came in my night, so as not to be detected, and surrounded the entire city.
When Elisha's servant got up that the next morning and went outside, he saw "an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?" In the calmness of faith, Elisha replied, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Knowing the "young man" saw only the Syrian hosts, he did not seek to persuade him of the truth of the words he spoke, but prayed "LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see." Blessed is the person who knows when to cease testifying and start praying!
The Lord did open the eyes of the young man, so that he saw beyond the Syrian host. What he saw was marvelous: "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Elisha had said to his servant, "they that be with us," even though the heavenly hosts were really around him! They did not come to aid the servant, but to protect Elisha. The servant's protection lay in the fact that he was with Elisha, who was the object of Divine attention.
Those in Christ Jesus are in a similar situation. Even though the holy angels are sent forth to minister to them, it is only because of their union with Christ Jesus. Jesus is the immediate object of the Father's love and the angels' service. It is because of our identity with the Son of God that we are enjoying the protection and blessing of God. God is "for us" because of Jesus Christ. He will also show us this truth.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for the ministry and protection of the holy angels.