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Elisha (5): The Cost of his Service

E Baijal, Wick

Introduction

In the chapters from 2 Kings 6 to 8, there is a record of some of the difficulties and trials the man of God faced. In these instances, the trials and attacks were not those common to the people of God, but rather were as a direct consequence of being a servant of God. There is a similar cost to obedient service today (Mt 16.24-26). The servant of God is sustained in such circumstances by living in the light of a certain hope, and being captivated by Christ (Heb 12.2-3).

As indicated, Elisha experienced three difficult, but different trials:

1. An attempt from the enemy

2. An attack from the king

3. An apprehension from the Lord.

Turning to look at these three incidents, it is worth noting that, in each case, there was personal cost and suffering for the man of God, because he understood, was guided by, and obeyed, the word of God. It is the same today; but the same type of encouragement Elisha received, can be enjoyed by saints in the present.

An attempt from the enemy (6.8-23)

Clearly, the blessing that had fallen to Syria in Naaman's deliverance had not prevented a further attack on Israel. Chapter 6 records that once again war was made. However, that war was marked by continual Israeli victories; it seemed to those around the king of Syria, that even the words he spoke in private, in his bedroom, were being repeated in the ears of Jehoram, the king of Israel. Israel seemed to be able to anticipate every move to be made by the Syrians. God had his man. By relying on the word of God, the people of God experienced mighty deliverance.

Jehoram was not relying on sophisticated espionage as the Syrian king suspected. Rather, Elisha was telling Jehoram what the Syrians were saying, as it was revealed to him by God.

In summary then, interest in, and obedience to, the revealed word of God disturbed the activities of the enemy. It is the same today. The word of God is still what is required by servants of God if our enemy (1 Pet 5.8) is to be kept at bay, and defeated practically day by day (2 Tim 3.17).

However, the enemy having been disturbed, Elisha became the focal point of their considerations. It has been well taught that the devil does not have to be concerned with those not engaged in the battle. Rather, specific and personal attention is turned to those who disrupt his activities. Is the reader's name known as a threat to the enemy?

Such was the concern about Elisha that the Syrian king organised forces to spy on him and then kidnap him (6.14). The reader can perhaps draw the spiritual lessons without explicit application: they attacked at night when naturally Elisha would be at the most vulnerable. The enemy advanced with horses and chariots, likely speaking of the strength of its power. However, while others were afraid, Elisha was resolute in his trust in divine deliverance. Note in the passing that Elisha prayed for a young man that was with him (6.17). It is good when an older servant has a genuine concern for the protection and development of a younger man.

While it is true to say that believers may not always be delivered from attack, God will always deliver through a trial (1 Cor 10.13). Elisha's confidence was not misplaced optimism - he was demonstrating spiritual perception. The forces for were greater than those against (v.16).

It would be foolish to underestimate the wiles and strength of the enemy. However, believers should be encouraged that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn 4.4). God will and does protect his people. Something of the nature of divine protection was revealed to Elisha - again it is worth noting in passing that understanding of the divine purpose was given to a man that was obedient and close to God. The protection was comprehensive and personal. It was not understood by the world around. So it is today; we are provided with such protection as spiritual warfare rages (Eph 6.12ff).

Finally in relation to this incident, it can be observed that God gave the victory, and led the enemy into captivity without earthly weaponry (2 Cor 10.4).

An attack from the king (6.24-7.20)

An attack from the Syrians may have been expected, but perhaps it is more surprising that Elisha was attacked by King Jehoram. The second half of 2 Kings 6 narrates the sad situation that arose at Samaria as a result of the Syrian siege. The people of God were impoverished. The values they set and estimated were outrageous. The king was vexed at the situation (the people had turned to cannibalism, 6.28-29). He reacted in rage, unjustifiably blamed Elisha, and vowed to kill him.

It seems unclear as to exactly why he was so enraged. Did he think Elisha ought to have delivered them? Did he think Elisha had brought the siege as punishment? In either event, he unjustifiably blamed the prophet, who served God and was representative of His revealed word. This was clearly a rejection of the godly influence. Elisha was willing to suffer the unjust contradiction of the leadership in order to be faithful to God (cp. Gaius, 3 Jn).

Servants of God suffer similar attacks today. The people of God must be careful, when passing through trial, neither to blame those who faithfully present God's Word, or who stand for Him, simply because circumstances are beyond human understanding. It is an easy reaction to blame those exercising public responsibility when the people of God are experiencing difficulties, but it is usually not the right one. Here the difficulties were not of Elisha's making, but reflected divine chastisement over the longstanding poor spiritual health of the nation. The king ought to have reflected and repented. He chose to attack the man of God instead. May the people of God be delivered from similar short-sightedness today, and instead be given the grace to examine themselves personally in light of trial. It is worth adding, lest the writer be misunderstood, that trials will often not be connected to discipline for sin. However, they all stand to teach us lessons (Heb 12.5).

Any aspiring servant of God should note that Elisha responded to the unjust criticism with the word of God (7.1). He foretold deliverance, and that came through an unexpected source in the lepers (7.3). The chapter also ends with an important principle: the captain who rejected the word of God, did not come into the good of the blessing, which it offered (v.20).

An apprehension from the Lord (8.7-15)

The cost of service to Elisha was not just what he unjustly suffered, but also being close to God, understanding the spiritual condition of the nation, and the consequences of that condition.

Chapter 8 records Elisha travelling to meet Hazael and anointing him king over Syria. It is a remarkable testimony to the power of Jehovah that Hazael understood the reality of the anointing from a prophet of Israel's God. Elisha wept as he considered the damage that this man would do to the people of God, albeit in the permissive will of God, as the nation were punished for their sin (vv.11-12). Hazael denied he would be involved in such acts, but Elisha knew his future more accurately, God having revealed it to him.

Spiritual men have sometimes had to minister judgment to the people of God. It is sometimes a necessary thing, but should never be an enjoyable task (2 Cor 2.4). Men who are close to God will have a more accurate appreciation of the spiritual health of the people of God than others. They will often perceive declining conditions or weakness. Such appreciation can, and perhaps ought to be, a burden. Like Elisha's experience it is another evidence of the cost of service. However, there is a desperate need among the assemblies of the saints, for men who see conditions as God sees them. Elisha was able to bring the word of God to bear. Similarly, in the twenty first century, a Biblical perspective on weakness is required, that there might be collective (as well as individual) repentance and that there may be reviving amongst the people of God.

Conclusion

These three incidents serve to remind the reader that Elisha's obedience and call had a cost. However, he was willing to bear the cost to honour his God. The Saviour knew the cost of service but still gave Himself (Heb 12.2-3). It is for writer and reader to follow that example.

To be continued.

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