11-12-2017

Good Morning All,

              2 Kings 6:17; “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.”

    Our verse for today is part of the story of the prophet Elisha.  One day, when the king of Syria was at war with Israel, the king sought to destroy Elisha.  It seems he didn’t like this pesky man of God interfering in his plans.  The king asked his counsel how many were on Elisha’s side and the counsel said that no one was.  So the king sent an army to surround the city that Elisha was staying in.

   In the morning, Elisha’s servant looked out and saw all the enemy soldiers and was terrified.  He saw the incredible might of the Syrian army waiting outside the city gates and he was terrified.  “Alas, my master, what shall we do?”  He could only see the enemy.  So Elisha prayed the prayer that is our verse for today.  “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.”  As Elisha finished this prayer, the young man looked around and saw the mountain was full of horses.  There were chariots of fire all around Elisha.  God was protecting Elisha and the young servant from harm.

    We can see a great truth here for us.  Our fear results when we focus on the enemy and not on God’s supply.  Our fear results when we see only with our physical eyes and not with our eyes of faith.  It is through the eyes of faith that we see the mountain full of horses and chariots to protect us.  God has promised to never let us face our enemies alone.   Even in the darkest of hours, we are not alone.  No matter what the enemy is; it might be health worries, job insecurities, perhaps you and your spouse are at the end of your rope and you are not sure if there is any ‘getting better’ left in you.  Perhaps you are sitting all alone in a waiting room somewhere and that is exactly how you feel; all alone.  Take heart, you are not alone.

    God invites you, he desires that you, he deeply wants you to look up and to focus on Him.  Look up and see the great army of God.  Even when our physical eyes see no hope, no possibility, no good thing in sight; we need to look up and see God’s protective arm.  He embraces us with his loving kindness and seeks to protect us.  God’s love is so much stronger than any enemy that we face.  God encourages you to look up with faith and to remember as the psalmist says “My help comes in the Name of the Lord!”

Gracious God and Lord, open my eyes that I may see your army protecting me.  Open my eyes to the wonder of your mercy.  Open my eyes to the majesty of your grace that is so active in my life.  When my enemies attack, protect me and open my eyes.  Be with those who are most in need of your protective mercies.  Send your mighty angels to guard over them.  In the precious name of Jesus our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret