The following chapters recount events that are not in strict chronological order. They serve to demonstrate that the Lord works in the lives of His people even when they are disobedient. He works in the lives of the common people as well as the powerful and the rich to effect His will. We see here how the Lord used the Arameans to discipline and trouble Israel. He used Elisha at various times to promote this discipline for it was necessary yet at other times he encouraged the Israelites and eased their pain with God; promise of mercy. Ultimately, however, Israel would not and did not repent and so was doomed for destruction.
The scene of the chariots of fire that compose God’s army was encouraging to Elisha’s servant and it serves the same purpose for us as well. Many times we get frightened about the forces we see arrayed against us, forces of evil sponsored and controlled by the devil. We are worried that the forces of evil and of terrorism will overwhelm us and our loved ones. We are worried about the forces of relativism in our nation that enforce sinful laws and promote immorality. Yet as great as such forces are, they are no match for the powerful forces of the Lord. He surrounds us with His mighty chariots of fire that demonstrate that He is in control and that evil and chaos will never disrupt His Kingdom. Laws enacted to promote immorality and sin in this world will never change God’s law.
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