Daily Devotional for Friday, April 25

The Axe and the Blinded Army

“And he [Elisha] answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them,” 2 Kings 6:16.

Elisha’s life was continually a testament to God’s power. Normal everyday events became the setting for miracles with Elisha around. Under his teaching, the school of prophets grew, and they outgrew their living quarters. As they were felling trees to construct new student housing, a borrowed axe head fell into the murky Jordan river. That was no problem when Elisha was present. He threw in a stick and the iron axe head floated!

The Syrians were regularly in conflict with Israel during that time. Every time the Syrian king plotted a new strategy, Elisha told Israel’s king, and the plan was thwarted. After a couple times, the Syrian king decided to remove Elisha. In the night, his army surrounded the town where Elisha was staying. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was terrified the next morning when he stepped outside. Elisha, however, was unafraid. He knew the Lord of Hosts had shown up; His army was just invisible. When the Lord opened Gehazi’s eyes, he saw the mountainside filled with God’s chariots and horses of fire which far outnumbered the Syrian troops.

We expect to read about a battle, but instead, Elisha prayed for the whole Syrian to be struck blind. Then, cool, calm and collected Elisha walked right out to them and offered to lead them to the “man whom they seek” (2 Kings 6:19). He took them into the heart of his king’s city, Samaria! Now, who was terrified? Elisha showed his king that mercy and courtesy would win his battle. The king prepared a great feast for the enemy army, far more than the bread and water Elisha suggested, and sent them home in peace.

THOUGHT

“O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee” (Psalm 84:12).

Kellie Reynolds