Mar 20 - God Protects

Read 2 Kings 6:8-17

Context: Elisha was a prophet through whom many miracles were done. He spoke boldly of the things only God could do, and they were done. His life is covered in 2 Kings 2:1 - 13:25

Text:
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place."
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there." 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, "Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?"
12 "None of us, my lord the king," said one of his officers, "but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom."
13 "Go, find out where he is," the king ordered, "so I can send men and capture him." The report came back: "He is in Dothan." 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

While there isn't much text about it, this is one of the few stories that demonstrates how God protects us without our knowledge. He usually wants us to take action toward our goal, whatever that may be, but he is standing behind us to ensure that we are safe. It makes me think about all the battles the Israelites fought right after they moved into the promised land. In almost all cases, the Israelites took over the cities and killed all the people (on the Lord's orders) without any loss of life on their part (the only exception was when they had disobeyed the Lord's command). On those days when things look really bleak and there doesn't seem to be any way to make it through unscathed, it's nice to know that God has my back!