What a great blessing Elisha had been to the nation of Israel. He faithfully used his God given double portion for the benefit of others. Israel was facing another persistent enemy, the Syrians. Prophet Elisha is on his death bed, over 80 years old in a weakened condition, yet God’s people are still on his mind. The king of Israel, Joash visits Elisha concerned and almost in despair. He seems to be wondering, what will we do without Elisha? How can we move forward without Elisha? Elisha had been the protector of the nation. In spite of wicked and sinful leadership, Elisha continued to pray for Israel. Elisha addresses the problem with solution before King tells him what’s wrong. Many victories in Israel’s past were resolved quickly. During Elisha’s ministry, the Jordan River parted instantly, poisoned waters were healed, the borrowed iron ax head flowed to the surface, dead children had been raised to life, but the miracle Israel needed now would be difficult. This miracle will require a sustained effort. The pandemic has been that way; for some the struggle continued for weeks and months; for others the struggle is still not over. If we are going get complete victory we must give a sustained effort. Taking proper precautions, getting the vaccine, wearing masks, must all be a part of the plans as we face the future. This has not been easy or quick. This will require a sustained effort by all of us.
Some believers fail to receive the promised blessings of God because they fail to put forth and maintain the necessary effort needed to receive the desired reward. The word sustains means to carry or support, to undergird or stand strong. Some believers’ faith weakens, their effort lags, and they give up. They stop believing, stop praying, and stop working. Others start well, but will not continue in their well doing. The word of God is true. Everything God promised in His word, He will bring to pass.
Ps 119:89-91 “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.”
2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
God word is settled and his promises are yes. You and I must agree or add the Amen! That does not mean that it will be easy or quick, but it does mean that we will receive if we faint not. God will perform His word and we must agree by saying “so be it!”
Ga 6:7-10 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
God gives us an unchanging Law: We will reap what we sow, if we faint not. God will not be mocked. This is a passage of responsibility and reward. The only thing that can cause an individual to miss the harvest is to become weary, give up or fail to put forth a sustained effort. You did run well, but who hindered you. (Gal. 5:1) Christians may become discouraged with spiritual sowing or doing the right thing, because the harvest may be delay. Others become weary and will not put forth the needed effort. Yet some are too lazy to receive the harvest. The harvest is sure and will come at God’s appointed time.
2 Kings 13, illustrates this point. King Joash visits the sick and weakened prophet Elisha on his death bed. This text shows us that even great men of God, faithful and loyal, are not immune from the troubles of life. 80 years of toil has taken its toll. Despite his personal trauma, Elisha strengthens himself to give the king a word from the Lord. There are countless blessings waiting in the presence of Godly people nearing death. Paul encouraged Timothy while nearing death. 2Ti 4:7,8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Here Joash is encouraged during Elisha’s dying hour.
First, let’s reverence the ministry gifts God has given us. Notice the reverence king Joash displayed toward Elisha, “Joash wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.” This is the same title Elisha used about Elijah as he was being taken away. We should revered the presence of God in the lives of his servants. Although we donot select who God uses, we can show our appreciation for them.
Second, let’s reverence the word of assurance God gives and obey his instructions. Elijah gives the king a word of assurance. God will give you success as you look to Him for strength and direction. Your own strength is important, but not enough. Your own ability is important, but not enough, you will need God help. So open the window, take the bow and arrows, and shoot towards Syria. God knows the concern of your heart.
Third, let’s recognize that God knows all about our enemies. God knows all about our enemies. “15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. 16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. 17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.” God’s arrow of deliverance will protect you and the arrow of deliverance will subdue your enemy.
God knew that Syria on the east was Israel greatest problem, so God aims the remedy towards its target. The king’s obedience and the Prophet’s anointing would make all the difference. Elisha was sick and bedridden, but he was still God’s man. He words still had power. God can use whoever, however and whenever He chooses. King never doubted Elisha’s word and God would not let his words fall to the ground. “You shall smite them and consume them.” God knows all about our enemies.
Finally, let’s put forth a sustained effort until the victory is won. Every Opportunity will require effort on our part. Our only choice is to decide what kind of effort we will give. God is our healer, yet you may be required to put forth an effort. God gave Israel manna and water from a rock, yet Israel had to gather it. God may give you increase, but you must manage it properly. The King must take the arrows in his hand and strike the ground, if he wants victory. Never underestimate the value of your participation. You cannot do it without, God will not do it without you! God will do what you cannot do, but God will not do what you can do.
18 “And he (Elisha) said, Take the arrows. And he (the King) took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. 19 And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.”
Even though God’s desire that their enemy would be completely consumed, yet the king’s action limited the scope of his victory. Joash did not put forth the necessary effort for complete victory. He started out well, but quit before he obtain total victory. His actions caused the Prophet to become angry. The prophet was angry because of the king’s nonchalant response. May be Joash did not realize the importance of the moment. May be Joash thought a hard hearted effort was good enough. Many victories are won by those who persist and give it their best. In Luke 18, the widow woman refuse to take no for an answer, even from an unjust judge, she was persistent.
Col 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Some victories cannot be won quickly or easily. Joshua had to march around Jericho seven times before the walls came down; Elisha sent Gahazi to go and look toward the sea seven times before he saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand; Naaman had to dip in Jordan seven times before he became clean; even Jesus laid his hands on a blind man a second who saw men walking as trees. Blind man required a second touch for clear vision. Couldn’t God have healed him the first time? Couldn’t God have given Israel the victory without the help of the king? Without the king smiting the ground? In every case, it seems that God wanted to involve people in his miracles. We are invited to participate in the work of God on earth. We should give it our best. Our best prayer, praise, worship, witness and work will be used by God to accomplish his purpose! We should never give up until we receive everything God promised. Days like these require a sustained effort! Do you have enough fight in you to keep on keeping on? Let’s reverence the ministry Gifts God has given us; let’s reverence the word of assurance God gives and obey his instructions; let’s recognize that God knows all about our enemies; and let’s put forth a sustained effort until the victory is won. Let’s give our best to master!
