Scripture:
2 Kings 13:14-19 ESV
[14] Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” [15] And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. [16] Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on 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 Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” [18] And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. [19] Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”
Observation:
Elisha had gotten sick. Honestly, I find this fact in itself kind of interesting. All the things he had done for others, yet he could not heal himself. Not to get distracted by this, I just thought it was proof that GOD’S anointing is not something that is turned inward to one’s self but outward to others. Now, to my point. Joash had come to Elisha. Complaining about the Syrians. It seemed there was some concern about the welfare of the chariots and horsemen as the king was crying to Elisha. The man of GOD gave him some instructions… fit an arrow into the string and draw it back. As he did, Elisha placed his hand on the kings, saying the LORD’S arrow of victory. After the arrow was released out the window, Elisha continued with more instructions. Now take your quiver and strike the ground. This is where it gets a little interesting. Joash follows the instructions, yet Elisha doesn’t give him a favorable answer to what he has done. The answer to why follows. I believe Elisha saw something that was lacking in Joash. Where is his passion? Why did he not strike the ground more? Is there doubt in what has been said? The “LORD’S arrow of victory.” Should that bring about a passion for the fighting? I see Joash looking up at Elisha with concern as he strikes the ground. Maybe his eyes said… are you sure about this. Either way, Elisha saw. Something that wasn’t right, whether it be doubt or insecurities or just a lack of passion for the fight. Something was missing. The statement that Elisha made after Joash struck the ground proved it. Had you struck the ground over and over, you would stand in victory, however, because you did not believe the word of the LORD. You will strike them back but not gain victory over them.
Application:
When we know that we have been given victory, our warcry will have passion. There will be an assurance to it. We won’t back down from the fight. In a sense, when we strike, we will strike over and over until we see the victory come to pass. It’s the difference between fighting for victory and from victory. When we step up to the fight, we have to know without a doubt what the LORD has done. HE did not bring us here to lose. Standing on what has been said is the key. Only then will we fight with courage and honor. Let us step into the battle knowing what’s on the other side. VICTORY. without a doubt. Strike the ground hard strike it fast and rest in the fact that if GOD is fighting for you, NO ONE can stand against you.
Prayer:
Father, help us to see that you have already won the battle. We are not standing here hoping to win. You have already won. Let us stand here courageously without fear. Furiously striking our opponent. We find our strength in you. The battle is yours. Let us rest in that. The mistakes of the past are gone. The fight was won with 3 nails and 2 pieces of wood. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.