Some time must have passed between our last reading and the events that are unfolding here. You’ll recall Elisha had made quite a statement with Aramean leadership, and they “stayed away from the land of Israel.” But those memories soon faded, and now we see Israel’s neighbor to the northeast coming to attack again (imagine present day Syria).
War is never a good thing, even worse when it causes a famine. I’m not a fan of what we read about happening to the two women and neither was the king! I can’t even imagine having the discussion much less acting on such a desperate solution. Clearly, these women had lost hope and were not relying on God.
I think of all the people around the world today lost in hopelessness. Circumstances in life can be paralyzing even to a devout believer. Imagine not knowing God while walking through some of the events of your life? If you’ve ever felt separation from God, you know how much better being close to him feels. Yet, we know there are plenty of people who just don’t know.
Rather than cast blame on those who don’t accept Jesus as their Savior, we have to love them into making that decision. Many don’t know about Jesus and, if they do, have never really understood how a relationship with him can be so life changing. That’s where we come in. We have the honor and privilege of sharing with our friends and neighbors the truth about Jesus, including the hope and peace that come from knowing him.
Back to our drama. Did the king’s vow to kill Elisha come as a surprise to you, too? It’s as if he blamed Elisha for the war besieging the town and causing innocent children to die. What didn’t surprise me was how God protected Elisha and gave him advance warning of incoming danger. Someone that doesn’t know about God’s love for us would have been surprised by that piece of the story.
Not only did God give Elisha a “heads up” to the drama heading his way, but he also gave a message. It must have sounded crazy or at least impossible, for the king’s official said, “That couldn’t happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!” Oh, ye of little faith!
The LORD can do much more than what he promised that day regarding the price and supply of goods. This man’s unbelief will catch up to him in some way based on Elisha’s concluding words, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!” I’m leaving you with a bit of a “cliffhanger.”
For now, think about how you have seen God working through the drama of your life. Drama will come. It’s just so much better when we realize that God is the one directing the play and in control of the ending!
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for your loving arms around me, bringing me peace. Forgive me for my times of unbelief when I have let fear get the best of me. I don’t want that for anyone, so help me be a light to show them the way to you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
