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June 22, 2018

2 Kings 6:21-23

When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.

New International Version (NIV)

   If you suddenly had your enemy right in your hands what would you do to them? The ancient Arameans came looking for Elisha and his servant and surrounded them. They intended to kill Elisha for thwarting their efforts to harm Israel. Elisha’s servant was nervous about the armies until Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened to see that the chariots of fire were all around them.

               Elisha promised, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” This is still true. If only we could see God’s forces marshalled for us we would not fear the worst the world can bring against us. “If God is for us, who can be against us,” Paul asked the Romans in 8:31. Good question.

               God blinded the enemy armies and Elisha led them right into the middle of the city of Samaria. When the King who had been at war with this army found he had them in the palm of his hand, what should he do? “Shall I kill them?” he asked the prophet. “No. Feed them" came the answer. So they did. And the Arameans stopped attacking them.

                If we all practice an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, we will all end up blind and toothless. Elisha shows us the heart of Jesus forgiving those who crucified him. God is for us. How do we know? He forgives us. How then shall we treat others? What if our hospitality trumped their hostility? It did in Elisha’s day. But will it work today? We will never know until we try.

Pray with me:

Father, open our eyes today so that we may see that you who are for us are greater than any arrayed against us. Thank you for exchanging hospitality for our hostility on the cross. Now that we know the truth, help us to live it. In Jesus’ name.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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