Slices
Prepare
Have you ever been deeply aware of God’s presence? Perhaps you felt peace that passes understanding in a scary situation, or a word spoke precisely to your need. Or maybe it was as dramatic as the one in today’s reading!
Bible passage
Elisha Stops an Invasion of the Syrian Army
8 Time after time, when the king of Syria was at war against the Israelites, he met with his officers and announced, “I've decided where we will set up camp.”
9 Each time, Elisha would send this warning to the king of Israel: “Don't go near there. That's where the Syrian troops have set up camp.” 10 So the king would warn the Israelite troops in that place to be on guard.
11 The king of Syria was furious when he found out what was happening. He called in his officers and asked, “Which one of you has been telling the king of Israel our plans?”
12 “None of us, Your Majesty,” one of them answered. “It's an Israelite named Elisha. He's a prophet, so he can tell his king everything—even what you say in your own room.”
13 “Find out where he is!” the king ordered. “I'll send soldiers to bring him here.”
They learned that Elisha was in the town of Dothan and reported it to the king. 14 He ordered his best troops to go there with horses and chariots. They marched out during the night and surrounded the town.
15 When Elisha's servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. “Sir, what are we going to do?” he asked.
16 “Don't be afraid,” Elisha answered. “There are more troops on our side than on theirs.” 17 Then he prayed, “Lord, please help him to see.” And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.
18 As the Syrian army came closer, Elisha prayed, “Lord, make those soldiers blind!” And the Lord blinded them with a bright light.
19 Elisha told the enemy troops, “You've taken the wrong road and are in the wrong town. Follow me. I'll lead you to the man you're looking for.” Elisha led them straight to the capital city of Samaria.
20 When all the soldiers were inside the city, Elisha prayed, “Lord, now let them see again.” The Lord let them see that they were standing in the middle of Samaria.
21 The king of Israel saw them and asked Elisha, “Should I kill them, sir?”
22 “No!” Elisha answered. “You didn't capture these troops in battle, so you have no right to kill them. Instead, give them something to eat and drink and let them return to their leader.”
23 The king ordered a huge meal to be prepared for Syria's army, and when they finished eating, he let them go.
For a while, the Syrian troops stopped invading Israel's territory.
Explore
This is a very unusual episode in the Bible. First, we see a glimpse of God’s playfulness, as he seems to tease the king of Aram by repeatedly foiling his plots. We are then shown his powerful presence, with his fiery horsemen and chariots filling the hillsides around Elisha.
But here’s where it starts to get very strange – Elisha could have called those blazing armies down to defeat Aram, but he didn’t. Instead, he led the Arameans to Samaria (about 10 miles away). And there, when the king would have killed the soldiers, Elisha, instead, made them a great banquet!
In Psalm 23:5, David said that God prepared a table for him in the presence of his enemies; here Elisha does the reverse. He meets danger and enmity with mercy and generosity. When we know God is with us, we do not need to fear our enemies but can treat them with the abundant kindness we have received from God ourselves. How might knowing God is with you change the way you treat others?
Respond
We rarely get to see God’s presence as clearly as Elisha did. But these episodes are written for us in part so that we can believe without having seen (John 20:29– 31). Ask God to give you a deep assurance of his presence, today and always.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 1,2; Philippians 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Next week The Real Thing, Livewires, Lagger 2, Boundless, and Edale Adventure will all be taking place. Pray that the presence of God would be felt by all leaders and guests as they learn together and that many will grow in faith or find faith.
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