II Kings 6: 16 “’Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’”
Elisha was assigned the job no one envies: following a superstar! His predecessor, Elijah, was so godly, the Great I Am carried him into glory in flamboyant Fourth-of-July flare on a chariot ablaze with fire. How was Elisha to top that!
So, Elisha made a bold and gutsy request: “Let a double portion of your (Elijah’s) spirit be upon me.” The new prophet was well aware Elijah’s spirit was the spirit of the mighty God of creation – the God who rained down the plagues upon Egypt – the God who parted the roaring sea. And when Elisha’s request was granted by Jehovah God, his double portion came with impressive “Superpowers.”
We’ve all dreamed of possessing superpower. I recall as a child wishing for homework to vanish and chocolate to appear. If I dare ask for adult superpowers, I would wish for laundry to vanish and calorie-free chocolate to appear. (I guess some wishes never change!)
God’s double spirit upon Elisha provided him powers more in line with Hollywood’s Marvel movie characters. In 2 Kings 6, Elisha’s servant rose early to discover the Syrian army surrounding the camp. In panic, he quickly alerted Elisha of the danger that crept in overnight.
If we freeze-frame the story right here, we observe two very different perspectives. The servant’s tunnel-vision allowed him to see only the Syrian’s horses, chariots, and swords. Elisha, using his double portion of God’s spirit, saw the invisible army of God filling the mountains and outnumbering the enemy. Surely the servant rushed to gather his sword for battle. Elisha chose a different weapon: prayer. His prayer was for the servant’s eyes to be opened. As his request was granted, the servant looked and beheld God’s mighty army surrounding them with protection, outnumbering the Syrians. All fear vanished.
Reminder dear Sisters: This Almighty God is the same today, tomorrow and forever. He remains committed to filling us with His spirit and enveloping us in His protection. Today may place us on a battlefield fighting against selfishness, pride, jealousy, or self-doubt, to name a few. Perhaps we would be wise to recall the story of Elisha and the mighty army of God fighting for us.
May today bring you victory and peace through Him.
Father God, open our eyes to Your mighty army surrounding us. May we live boldly for You.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane