Open My Eyes

 Happy Sunday!

"When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha."(2 Kings 6:15 NLT).

This is one of the greatest bible stories!  The King of Aram was at war with the King of Israel.  Each time the King of Aram would plan a military strategy, God would supernaturally inform the Prophet Elisha and he would warn the King of Israel.  It got so bad that the King of Aram was ready to kill any traitors he found in his camp.  But they quickly informed him that the Prophet Elisha was telling the King of Israel every move he made, and even the secret things he said in his private bedroom.  WOW! 

Makes sense that Jesus would later say, "But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when the TRUTH will be revealed: their secret plots will become public information."(Matthew 10:26 Living Bible).  God sees it all!  God knows the entire story, all the intricate details.  So back to Elisha.  He didn't sit the servant down and try to convince him that everything is going to be alright.  He said, "Fear not; for those with us are more than those with them."(vs 16).  Then he prayed, "Lord, I ask you, open my servant’s eyes so that he can see.”(vs 17).  Wait!  Didn't the servant already have his eyes open?  He saw the enemy army surrounding them, didn't he?  Yes, his physical eyes were open but he needed to see in the spirit.  "The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!"(vs 17).

Psalm 34:7 says, "The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers."(Amplified).  I guess the servant didn't know that we have invisible armies at our disposal.  The prophet prayed and asked God to blind the Aramean soldiers, then he led them to the King of Israel and prayed that their sight would be restored.  Can you imagine their horror to open their eyes and realize they were in the middle of the enemies camp?  They were easy prey.  They could be killed and it would have all been normal for times of war.  But Elisha told the King of Israel to feed them and send them home.  After that, "The raiding bands of Aram didn’t bother Israel anymore."(vs 23).

What can we get out of this?  So much!  I'm so glad you asked!  When we reverence and fear the Lord he has promised to protect us.  Even though we cannot see our angelic body guards, they are present and accounted for.  Hebrews 1:14 says, "What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation."*GNT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia