2 Kings 3-4

Read 2 Kings 3-4

Verses chosen for meditation: 2 Kings 3: 11, 12 ESV

11 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of  Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

Reflect

Who was Elisha? How was he regarded? 

What can we learn from the alliance of the three kings, namely the kings of Israel, Judah and Edom? 

What can we learn about God from the miracles?

Relate

Elisha was the successor of Elijah. Through signs and wonders, he was assured of the double portion of Elijah's spirit that he had asked for. His own response to the call had been immediate, leaving behind the comfort of family and home at the drop of a hat to follow Elijah, who when prompted by the Word of God put his cloak around Elisha as a sign that he would eventually assume all of his responsibilities.

As a protege, Elisha loved Elijah like he would a father, refusing even to leave his side until Elijah was finally taken into heaven in a whirlwind. After which, he continued to serve a total of 60 years as an advisor to the third through the eighth kings of Judah, holding the office of ‘prophet in Israel'. True to what's been assured to him by the Lord, he performed twice as many miracles as Elijah, earning him the well – deserved tag 'miracle worker'. 

Elisha was well regarded as a prophet in his time, judging from the fact that he was favourably remembered by one of the servants of the king of Israel. Even Jehoshaphat, the good and godly king among them, affirmed that the Word of the Lord was with him, and with good reason. For Elisha would often introduce what he was about to do with one of his trademark statements: 'This is what the Lord said'. Then, in remarkable fashion, miracles would follow in accordance with the Word of the Lord.

Indeed, vested in the Word is the power of El Shaddai, the Lord Almighty.

The banding together of the 3 kings in the passage makes them strange bedfellows in their fight against Moab. Although independent of one other, and possibly even hating one another's guts, it is not altogether surprising that they would come together since they shared common roots as descendants of Abraham before going their separate ways. In a way then, they were still brothers.

But clearly, the favour of the Lord rested only upon Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. Joram, the king of Israel wouldn't have made it on his own, and he knew that. Though not a Baal worshipper, he was a polytheist. The king of Edom, on the other hand, seemed to be an incidental character in this whole alliance, roped in mainly because the plan to attack Moab required a  passage through the desert of Edom.

The first question raised by Joram the moment they met with an obstacle is telling. If someone were to be held responsible, it would be the gods. As far as he is concerned, God was no different from all the other gods that he knew. In contrast, Jehoshaphat sought to hear first from God. By so doing, he instantly acknowledged the sovereignty of God by singularly setting God apart from all the other gods. It could be said that if not for Jehoshapat, Joram would most certainly have lost the fight. For even Elisha wanted nothing to do with him, but relented on account of Jehoshaphat.

We have often been told to mind the company that we keep when it comes to choosing the people we want to work or associate with. But from this story, we learn that it is still possible to associate with people that we would rather not be with if the cause is for the glory of God. In fact, we might even be asked to be in their company. This is provided that we stay true to God and be the beacon in the group. This is only possible with the Word and Spirit of God acting as our guide and shield.

Lastly, looking at the miracles that took place, which is a considerable concentration of them in two chapters, it shows that God meets us at our greatest point of need. Just as he met them when they were at the end of their tether, being out of precious drinking water and money to pay off their debts. Or when they were at the end of the road where their long - awaited hopes and dreams of bearing a child came crashing against a wall. Or when they were faced with an end - of - life crisis such as the sudden death of a loved one whom they cherished.

We see from all the miracles a God who actually delivers more than he promises. In fact, he gives us more than what is necessary. It can be argued, that the provision or delivery of his promises is almost always proportional to our faith. For example, if the valley had been dug deeper, more water would have been filled. Likewise for the jugs, if more had been available, much more oil would have been collected. 

Therefore, the limitation has nothing to do with the willingness or ability of God, but rather our faith and obedience. But more than the satisfaction of our physical needs is the satisfaction of our heart and mind by his peace, which surpasses all understanding. 

For only then will our heart and mind learn to fixate on Christ (Philippians 4: 7).

Rest

Lord, you are there at the end of our tether, at the end of the road, and at the end of life's crisis. You always deliver more than you promise. Help us learn to appreciate this fact and let us know you at the end. As for now, let us learn to fixate on you.

Naville Chia