2 Kings 6:8–23 ‘And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.”’ (v17)
The historical narrative of Kings focuses more on the practical outworking of Elisha’s faith in God than on the prophet’s conversations with Him.
One such example is the glorious story we’re reading today. You may be well acquainted with it – Elisha is being hunted down by the king of Aram, but he doesn’t fret.
Such is his faith that he glimpses what some have called the ‘unseen real’ – that is, the spiritual realm where God lives and moves.
Neither does Elisha confuse God’s might with his own influence, for he knows full well that God alone has the power to rout an opposing army or enlighten His own king.
If you have time to reread the passage, do so while considering the themes of light and dark, vision and blindness. Note how Elisha can see, and how twice he asks God to open the eyes of others (vv17,20).
Then, turning the tables, he asks God to strike the enemy with blindness (v18). As a man of God, the scales fell from his eyes some time ago, and now he welcomes others into the kingdom of light.
Centuries later, a man travelling on the road to Damascus would lose his sight for three days before the scales would fall from his eyes, too.
Paul would also welcome many into God’s kingdom, that they would be able to discern the light from the dark (Acts 9). Like Paul, as we journey with God, growing in wisdom and maturity, we will increasingly sense the things of His kingdom.
We’ll have glimpses of the unseen real, which will encourage us and strengthen our faith. And we’ll experience joy in welcoming others into that kingdom.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, open my eyes so that I might see. Help me to see beyond the material so that I might grow in wisdom and discernment. May I serve You with joy this day. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Research charities working with those who are visually impaired to see if you could become involved.
Scripture To Consider:
2 Kgs 6:15–17; Dan. 10:2–9; 2 Cor. 4:16–18; Heb. 11:1–3
