Dear HLPC family,
This morning I read one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament. It’s found in 2 Kings 6:8-19. Elisha the prophet, the successor to Elijah, is in the city of Dothan, and the king of Syria is after him, angered that Elisha had been giving prophetic warnings to the king of Israel.
Told that Elisha is in Dothan, the king of Syria surrounds the city with his army. Elisha’s servant awakens one morning to see the horses and chariots of Syria ringing the city, and he is in fear and despair. Then we read: [Elisha] said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So, the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:16-17)
Then the Lord struck the Syrian army with blindness just as Elisha had prayed. What strikes us as we read this passage, among other things, are the words “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The Lord and His army dwarf any opposition! In many respects that’s the same message that the book of Revelation gives us. It shows us, in symbolic form, the harsh realities of life in a fallen world, but God opens our eyes, in a manner of speaking, to see reality. We see that God is in control. We see that He is sovereign, and He will indeed rescue His people and bring justice.
I’m thankful the Lord spared Elisha on that day so we can read of it and be encouraged. The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, promised to never leave us or forsake us. That promise can put steel in our collective spines!
As we approach Reformation Day on October 31st, let’s be reminded of something Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “One with God is a majority.” Luther stood up to the unbiblical church structures and teachings of his day to help fuel the Reformation and the recovery of the gospel. We can be encouraged as well in our day and time by this same thought, as much of the world around us seems to revel in that which displeases the Lord. We can be encouraged to hold fast to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with confidence. He is with us, and that means everything!
Your Pastor,
Paul