The power of love

February 16, 2021 (Tuesday)

 

In 2 Kings 5 we met Naaman, who was the general for the king of Aram (Syria). In 2 Kings 6:8 we read, “When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.” [NLT] If Naaman was still alive and in service, this could have been a conflict of interest.

 

Remember there is a prophet in Israel. God continued to make his point through Elisha. “But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” [2 Kings 6:9 NLT] Remember Elisha was dealing with an apostate king.

 

This intel saved Israel and frustrated Aram. “So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.” [2 Kings 6:10 NLT] God continually warned Israel. Think about it for a second. God never left the people without a witness or godly influence. Even in the midst of their stubbornness, God is continually faithful towards them.

 

Naturally this makes the king suspicious. “The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?” [2 Kings 6:11 NLT] There are two answers to this mystery. First, God revealed the information to Elisha or Naaman was sending the information to Elisha. Which is it?

 

The answer comes “It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!” [2 Kings 6:12 NLT] This is a strong statement from a person who should not be a believer. Again we see non-believers believing in stronger and more creative ways than God’s people.

 

On finding Elisha’s location, “So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.” [2 Kings 6:14 NLT] Strange to think we would fight God, even if we had some understanding of His power.

 

Elisha’s servant panics. Here we learn an important lesson. ““Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” [2 Kings 6:16 NLT] Elisha prayed and the servant was able to see the mountains filled with horses and chariots. When the Arameans advanced, Elisha asks they be blinded. It was so.

 

Elisha then leads the blinded enemy into the city of Samaria. They are at the mercy of Israel. “When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?” [2 Kings 6:21 NLT] Elisha commands they be fed and sent home. “So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.” [2 Kings 6:23 NLT]

 

Under pressure we tend to panic. We want to strike out against those we see as enemies. We tend to say angry things and paint others with ugly words.  Something that has happened through a bitter election cycle in the USA. Jesus taught us how to deal with such “enemies” (as we tag others) in blunt and simple language.

 

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” [Matthew 5:44 NLT] You see the mark of being a follower of Jesus is love. Let me be clear. It’s not just love for those who love you… It’s love for everyone; especially those who we perceive, rightly or wrongly, hate us. Love… no exceptions… no excuses.