Key Scripture – “But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 NRSV)

The Lord of Hosts is a title that emphasizes God’s rule over every other power in the material and spiritual universe. When you pray to Yahweh Tsebaoth, you are praying to a God so magnificent that all creation serves His purposes.

Elisha experienced first hand how God rules over everything when he saw how God was fighting on his side against the king of Aram. Elisha had irritated that king by using his prophetic gifts to inform the king of Israel of the whereabouts of Aram’s army. Furious, the king of Aram ordered his army to track Elisha down.

When Elisha’s servant awoke one morning and saw Aram’s army surrounding the city in which they were staying, he panicked.

“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city.”Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked.”

But Elisha prayed, asking God to open his servant’s eyes. The man was astonished when he looked out and saw a vast army of the heavenly host—horses and chariots of fire—surrounding the enemy.

“And Elisha prayed,’O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:15-17)

That was great, but it gets even better.

Next Elisha asked God to close the eyes of his enemies. Then he approached the soldiers, who were suddenly blinded, coolly informing them that they had made a slight miscalculation. They had surrounded the wrong city. But not to worry because he would rectify matters by leading them straight to the man they were looking for.

“So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Then Elisha marched them to Samaria, the capital of Israel. After that the prophet prayed a third time, asking God to open their eyes. Imagine the soldiers’ surprise at finding themselves captives in the heart of enemy territory.

Now Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” But he led them to Samaria.

So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria!” (2 Kings 6:18-20).

No wonder the psalmist says that “he who sits in the heavens laughs” at all the kings of the earth. Perhaps in this case, Elisha, the wiliest of prophets, fell over laughing too.

“The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.” (Psalm 2:2-4).

This story reminds each one of us of an important reality: No matter who is against us, God is for us. The next time you feel like panicking, besieged by an army of troubles, cry out to the Lord of Hosts for His help. Ask Him to open your eyes so that you can see how He is already working on your behalf. Remember the words of Elisha: “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered.”Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for always being a present help in times of trouble. Forgive me for the times I have doubted Your ability and desire to help me. Father, open my eyes and my heart so that I see how much You love and care for me, and so that I can see how You are already working on my behalf. Help me to always remember that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). You are my helper and defender Who always fights for me. “Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.” (Joshua 23:10). Men can do nothing against You and all that they do against me, You will turn to my good. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 Laura Ingle