He answered, “Don’t be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
–2 Kings 6:16-17
The Syrian king was furious. His carefully plotted ambush, intended to kill the king of Israel and destroy the Israeli army, had gone awry at the last minute.
The first time this occurred, the Syrian king was frustrated.
The second time, he grew angry.
Now it had happened so often he was convinced he had a spy in his entourage. Calling his servants, he demanded to know who was the enemy sympathizer.
“Don’t blame us,” his servants said. “Blame Elisha the prophet. He tells Israel’s king the words you speak in your bedroom” (2 Kings 6:12).
That night, the great Syrian army of chariots, horses, and armed soldiers surrounded the city of Dothan where Elisha lived. No wonder his servant was worried!
But Elisha knew God does not see as man sees (1 Samuel 16:7). In quick succession, he prayed two sight-related prayers. The first (today’s Scripture), asked God to open the servant’s eyes to the holy power all around him. When the servant realized that a heavenly army was poised to protect them, his fear vanished. Elisha’s second prayer was for blindness to plague the Syrians.
God answered both of His faithful servant’s prayers. Then, as now, He is the God of everything, both seen and unseen.
Prayer
Dear Commander of the Heavenly Armies, Please open my eyes to the ways You protect me and surround me with Your goodness. Help me never to forget You are with me — even if I cannot see You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What evidences do I see every day that prove God still sends His army to fight the battles of those who trust Him?