A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Surrounded by Horses and Chariots of Fire

2 Kings 6:15-17

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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 no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that 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 NIV

Israel and Aram, their neighbor to the north, were engaged in border skirmishes. Repeatedly the king of Aram plotted ambushes against Israel’s king. But each time Elisha, a prophet of God to Israel, warned the king of Israel about the ambush. When the king of Aram determined that Elisha was the one providing the warnings he determined to capture him. So he sent out a force of men to the small town where Elisha was living. In the morning Elisha’s servant saw the surrounding force and was understandably alarmed.

Encouraged by the Horses and Chariots of Fire

But Elisha was not worried. He knew something that his servant did not. The servant saw an army against just the two of them. Elisha saw them as well. But he also saw another army. He saw a heavenly army that was surrounding him. An army that was full of horses and chariots of fire. Elisha has no reason to fear the puny army that Aram had sent to capture him. And he prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant as well. So that he could have confidence in God’s protection.

I love this story and the encouragement that it provides. Even when things are at their bleakest, we are not alone. The one we serve is greater than those who rule in this world. But all too often I am like Elisha’s servant and fail to see the real battle that is going on; seeing only with my physical eyes. And that can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Lord, open our eyes so that we can see your provision for us. That we may be encouraged to take our stand for you against all of the forces of evil in this world (Eph. 6:10-13).

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

6 thoughts on “Surrounded by Horses and Chariots of Fire – 2 Kings 6:15-17”

  1. Good day sir the sermons are good they help me to understand what the scripture is telling us about God bless.. I am a new born again I want to learn more and more.. Amen

    Reply
    • I am glad you find them helpful. I am also very glad that you have come to know the Lord. And I do pray that your journey in the faith will be blessed and fruitful.

      Reply
  2. Deep and very insightful. I pray God open my eyes to see beyond the physical.
    This will be a blessings to me as I journey throughout the year.
    God bless you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Thanks. Even if we cannot see them like Elisha and his servant, it is good to recognize that our enemy is not the people they are using. Our battle, as believers, is against the forces of spiritual darkness.

      Reply
  3. sir good morning, sermons are good, but they are very short, it is my request to you ,please extend the message with some more valuable matter. so that it can be more encouraging and helpful. thank you.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your feedback. The near-daily devotional posts that I make are intentionally short. They are hopefully encouraging to those who will spend a minute or two reading them. For longer and more in-depth posts, look in the Theology or Extended Studies section of the website.

      Reply

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