If God Be for Us
2 Kings 6:11–17
Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. 2 Kings 6:16
It is having a God like this that transforms opposition for God’s people. For it is not that we do not face spiritual enemies. We do! It is rather that we have a God who is greater than any circumstances and all enemies and who promises to be with us, bless us, and keep us through everything.
When the servant of Elisha saw the Aramean armies, he was terrified. We can see him dropping his water jug, running back up the path to the city, bursting through the gates, finding Elisha, and exclaiming, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (v. 15).
Elisha was calm. “Do not be afraid,” he answered. “For those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” At this point Elisha asked God to open the eyes of the servant, and when God did so, the young man saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. The end of the story shows how, when the armies of Aram began to move against Elisha, God struck the soldiers with blindness and Elisha led them in their blind state into the armed city of Samaria, where they were captured by Israel’s king.
What is it that surrounds us? Is it the world with all its temptations and ensnarements? The flesh with its lusts? The devil with his malicious hatreds and eternal enmity against God? It does not matter: “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
“But I am in sore straits, O Lord, and in misfortune; no one regards me, no one gives me anything, all blame me and speak ill of me.”
“Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
“But Lord, Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now they want to take away Benjamin.”
“Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
“But I don’t see those who are on our side, Lord.” It doesn’t matter. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
The one who is above all and who is on our side is alone sufficient; and if he is for us, who can be against us?
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Rom. 8:32–34).
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.