Those who are with us - 2 Kings 6:16

During the month of November, we are reading together the book of 2 Kings. Our memory verse for this month is 2 Kings 6:16b.

The background to this verse is Elisha and his servant are surrounded by an enemy army, and the servant is panicking saying:

"We are surrounded! There are just the two of us, what shall we do?"

Can you feel his panic? Wouldn't we be frightened too?

Elisha looks at his servant and says:

"Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Can you imagine the servant's puzzlement and response? He must have thought "What are you talking about?"

We are totally outnumbered, we are not going to get out of this alive!

When this great man of God saw his servant was frozen with fear, Elisha did not:

• Pray for courage

• Pray for hope or

• Pray for deliverance

Elisha prayed for his servants eyes "to be opened" (2 Kings 6: 17).

Wow! The reality in this verse is significant. The servant gets a glimpse of the unseen world, and he realises that there is more with them, than with the enemy. The servant saw horses and chariots of fire surrounding them, which tells us of God's sovereignty and power. He also saw angels, which are messengers and warriors of God, and are often described in the Bible as very imposing and awe inspiring; not the cute little beings with halos sitting on clouds that we often see on greeting cards!

We can see a parallel to this verse in the New Testament in 1 John 4:4:

"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

And in Matthew 26:53, Jesus speaks of the legions of angels available to Him, reminding us that God's forces are always greater than human opposition.

But what does this mean for us today?

It's a powerful reminder that fear should not control us, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Elisha's confidence in God's unseen protection, challenges us to live by faith, and trust in God's provision, knowing that He is always with us.

As we walk through challenges, fears, and struggles in this world, this verse encourages us to remember that God's power is greater than anything we face. Our battles are not ultimately against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces.

Do you think about the spiritual realm around you?

When we can't see God moving in our lives, we can ask him to 'open our eyes'. He may not always let us in on His plans, but the process of asking Him, reminds us that He is at work and we can trust His promises.

Would you dare to ask God to open your eyes to the unseen?

God bless