God's Army Still Marches

    Israel has often had wars with their neighbors, but one with Syria
about 875 B.C. speaks to us today about how God is concerned for His
people.

    II Kings 6 gives the account of when the King of Syria decided to
invade Israel.  His plans, however, were continuously foiled as Israel
seemed to know their every move.  He first thought that he must have a
traitor on his general staff who was informing his enemies of their
plans but after asking around, he was told that what was really
happening was that Israel had a prophet who was telling them "the
words that you speak in your bedroom."

    After finding out that the prophet was currently in Dothan, the
king sent his chariots and a large number of foot soldiers to come in
at night and surrounded the city.  The next morning as the prophet's
servant went outside, he saw the great army surrounding them he cried
out in fear to Elisha, "Alas, my master!  What shall we do?"

    Elisha was not worried about it, however, as he understood what
the real score was.  He responded to his servant by saying, "Do not
fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with
them."  Elisha then prayed and said, "'Lord, I pray, open his eyes
that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and
he saw.  And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of
fire all around Elisha."

    Elisha then prayed that the Lord would strike the Syrian army with
blindness.  The Lord heard and answered Elisha's prayer, throwing the
army into confusion and they didn't know what to do.  Elisha then said
to them that "This is not the way, nor is this the city.  Follow me,
and I will bring you to the man whom you seek."  Elisha then led them
into Samaria.

    Elisha prayed again and the blindness left them.  They regained
their sight to see that they were surrounded by the armies of Israel. 
The King of Israel inquired of Elisha if he was supposed to kill them
all, but the seer answered, "You shall not kill them.  Would you kill
those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow?  Set
food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to
their master."  After having a great feast, the Syrian army went back
home and never came again to war with Israel.

    Many times today we find ourselves worrying about what our enemies
are doing.  We worry about the Communist's military build-up or about
the threat of nuclear war.  We worry about all kinds of things, but
fail to see the Armies of God.  Is our God any less powerful or
concerned for His people today than he was for Elisha?  Of course not. 
Our only trouble is that we put our confidence in our own abilities
and schemes rather than in His Son Jesus, who gave His life for us. 
Surely if God was concerned enough for his people that he heard the
prayers of his servant Elisha, how much less will he hear the prayers
and intercessions of His own Son who is now at His right hand!  In
Luke 12:32, Jesus says, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your
Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Frank Cooke