What an amazing recount of events we have in the life of the Prophet Elisha, relating to all the phenomenal ability of God to demonstrate His Power to protect and provide security for His own, and mercy and grace toward His enemies; anytime, anywhere. In verse 14 – 15 + 17 – 18: we read, “And he (the king of Syria) sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city (where Elisha was). Now when the attendant of the man of God (Elisha) had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire (from Heaven) all around Elisha. And when they (the army) came down (against) to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray. So He (the Lord) struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.”
If the story had ended there we would be perplexed that only Elisha, his servant, and the blinded army would have witnessed this mind-boggling fearful miracle, however, Elisha personally leads this massive group of people to have their eyes re-opened, and for them to know and receive the wonderful Mercy and Grace of the only true God of Israel. We read it in verses 22 – 23: “And he (Elisha) answered, “You shall not kill them…Set bread before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” So he (the King of Israel) prepared a great feast for them (the captive army); and when they had eaten and drunk he sent them away…and they did not come again into the land of Israel.”
In Matthew 5: 44 – 48: Jesus says, “But I say to you, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father Who is in Heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect (growing in perfect maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity), as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Jesus says in Luke 6: 26 – 28: “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets. But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” 1 Peter 3: 12 – 15 says, “For the Eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His Ears attend to their prayer, but the Face of the Lord is against those who do evil. And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify (Jesus) Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ (Jesus) may be put to shame.
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so much for the great examples of God’s mercy all throughout Your Holy Word. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and enable us to grasp that You desire us to be merciful and gracious sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, in order to demonstrate through our lives the awesome Benefactor that He is to all who would call upon Jesus for Salvation. Glory to You alone!
