The Man of God Warning Israel's King vv. 8-12 Twice in these five verses Elisha is called “ the man of God.” (Also in v. 15.) In the New Testament ministers of the gospel are so designated, e.g., 1 Timothy 6:11. And there is surely a broader sense in which every believer is a “man of God.” Such individuals ought always to be ready to give a word of warning to their fellows when they see them about to be overtaken by some enemy. Elisha warned king Jehoram of the secret pur poses of the Syrian king with the result that he was saved from a humiliating defeat (w . 9, 10). Furthermore, the heart of the king of Syria was thrown into confusion until it was made known to him that God’s prophet Elisha was aid ing the cause of Israel, thus a testimony to the power of Israel’s God was borne. The Man of God Opening His Servant's Eyes vv. 13-17 The king of Syria had the idea that if he could capture Elisha, the power of God would no longer be able to operate through him. How short-sighted is man! So the king sent a detachment of horses and chariots to Dothan and surrounded the place where the prophet was abiding (w . 13, 14). The servant of Elisha was paralyzed with fear when he saw the sur rounding army (v. 15). It was then that the prophet manifested his magnificent faith and assured his servant that “they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (v. 16). He also prayed that the eyes of his fearful servant might be opened that he might see with the eye of faith God’s abundant protection in the time of need. God answered the prayer, and the young man saw: “ and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and char iots of fire round about Elisha” (v. 17). How often we need to pray for opened eyes to see God’s provision for His own! The servant of God often finds himself in the midst of circumstances that speak of defeat, opposing forces are all about. No escape seems possible. He needs then to know that “they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Helps For the Children The Room on the Roof 2 Kings 4:8-37; 6:8-23 Memory Verse: "Be not forgetful to enter tain strangers" (Heb. 13:2a). Elisha, the prophet who was God’s mes senger following Elijah, often visited in a home in Shunam. The wife in the home at last suggested to her husband that they make a guestroom for the man of God to use when he visited in their home. Elisha was grateful for her hospitality and asked what he might do for her in return. Be cause the couple had no children, they desired that Elisha would pray for a child for them. God heard their prayer and sent a son into their home. When the boy was grown he became ill and died. His mother took his body and placed it upon Elisha’s bed. Quickly the woman rode her ass to the town where Elisha was staying. She told him of the death of her son and asked him to return home with her. Elisha went into his room and prayed and laid his body upon the body of the boy. God brought the boy to life.
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APRIL 1954
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