September 11, 2002 marked the first anniversary of the attack of terrorists on this country launched on innocent civilians by a hostile and hateful adversary. The Twin Towers are no more and America will never be the same. The war on terrorism continues and in all likelihood will last as long as our lifetime should Christ delay His coming. Many have questioned, “Where was God?” Such a question ignores the fact that God has been reaching out to man from the garden of Eden on to warn of danger and the need to be ready for the onslaught of evil. Satan is working in the hearts and lives of rebellious peoples to destroy God’s creation. Is God aware? In this passage we have the answer.

The King of Syria gathered together his counsel of war and set a place of encampment against Israel. Here they would attack the Israelites and catch them by surprise. However, Elisha told the king of Israel all about it. God knows His adversaries. Who they are, where they are and what they do. Nothing is hid from His eyes. (Jer 23:24) “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD.” The king of Syria thought he had an informer in the camp, but his advisers said Elisha the prophet was his problem. He knew everything happening. The king thought to capture Elisha. Wicked men do not as a rule reflect on the folly of opposing an Almighty God. So the Syrian king gathered his army and surrounded Dothan, where the prophet lived. He would solve this problem once for all. Today, we have the word of God that gives us directions and show us how to avoid the traps of the world, our flesh and even Satan. God reveals the way of victory. Sometimes it may appear we are hopelessly out numbered and helpless, but read on… God’s power is seen:

As morning broke there was no small stir among the people as they saw this great army. The servant of Elisha cried, “How shall we do?” Have you ever been in that situation? When you wonder how there can be any escape from the surrounding power of evil. No matter which way you turn you still have to face it. It’s then we need the encouragement of God the most. Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes that he may see.” It was then the servant’s eyes were opened and he saw the horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. In Psalm 34:7 it says, “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” In times of fear our tendancy is to focus on the enemy when we really need to focus on God. Ask God to open your eyes to His provision, His love and His grace in times of danger and need. We have His word, His promise and His presence. “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) We can have complete confidence in God. He not only sees us through times of danger and trial, but even death. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (Psa 23:4). Here we have a reminder of God’s power:

Again Elisha prayed asking God to smite this enemy with blindness and immediately they began to grope around unable to see nor to fight against God’s people. “Eyes have they, but they see not” (Psa 135:16) The Psalm writers also say, “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.” All the raging and counsel against God is for naught. He is in control. Elisha led the enemy out of Dothan and into Samaria. When the king of Israel asked if he should kill them, Elisha told him no, but rather to feed them and send them home. How this speaks to of us God’s grace. He is not willing that any should perish. Today God is reaching out with His grace to a world blinded by ignorance and rebellion. We dare not close our eyes to His offer of salvation in His Son Jesus Christ. With God’s help let’s reach out to those who are lost and lead them into the safe harbor of God.

“Tho Satan should buffet and trials should come/ Let this blest assurance control/ That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate/ And hath shed His own blood for my soul/ It is well, It is well, It is well with my soul.” (Philip Bliss) God bless.