June 3, Chariots of Fire

"Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (II Kings 6:16)

What happened at Dotham to the young man, who was a servant of Elisha, reveals the power and love of God in a dynamic way. This incident serves as a potent reminder of the might of the God we serve.

In 893 B.C. Samaria, the northern nation of the kingdom that had been Israel, was at war with Syria. Since things were not going well for Syria, the Syrian King Ben-hadad thought that there was an Israelite spy in his camp. The truth he discovered was that Elisha, who was obviously blessed by God with information, was directing the war from Israel’s side. Elisha was a prophet, who was given the power of the Holy Spirit in order to woo back Israel from the evil they had fallen into. Through the supernatural events allowed in his ministry, Elisha was giving the king of Israel a last chance before the captivity. God sent Elisha to do the work, and He supplied the mighty prophet with a host of angels. When the king of Syria realized that Elisha had special knowledge that made Samaritan spies in his camp unnecessary, he sent Syrian spies to look for the man of God. "See where he is,that I may send and seize him," Ben-hadad said.

The spies did their job. They found Elisha in Dotham. So Ben-hadad sent horses, chariots,and a very big army. They arrived at Dotham under the cover of the night, and they encompassed the city.

The next morning Elisha’s servant awakened early and went outside. He saw a huge army with horses and chariots surrounding Dotham. "Alas, my master! How shall we do?" the servant said. Just imagine the servant standing there ringing his hands in despair.

Notice what Elisha said. This is a powerful verse! Memorize it. Elisha answered, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (II Kings 6:16)

In our time believers are a minority. We need to think like Elisha. One man with God is a majority against any number of evildoers!

Elisha prayed for his servant: "'LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.' And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."(II Kings 6:17)

I pray that God will open our eyes the way He opened those of Elisha’s servant so we can see the supernatural protection that we, as His chosen children, have. Whatever struggles He allows to touch us are trials to make us stronger. When He is ready for us, He will send,the angels to take us to the eternally safe place by His throne.