What is Today Daily Devotional Says?

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022

TEXT: 2 Kings 6:15-23

15. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, Alas, my master! How shall we do?

16. And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray you, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of the fire round about Elisha.

18. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray You, with blindness. And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

19. And Elisha said to them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek. But he led them to Samaria.

20. And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

21. And the king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, my father, shall I smite them? Shall I smite them?

22. And he answered, You shall not smite them: would you smite those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

23. And he prepared great provision for them and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

(King James Version Easy Reading)

TOPIC: EXTEND GRACE TO YOUR ENEMIES

Biblical teaching, when compared to everyday reality, seems as if God doesn’t understand the situation in which we are. Otherwise, how do you explain Jesus’ demand that we should “love our enemies” and “pray for those who persecute” us (Matthew 5:43-48)? Paul amplified it when he echoed the same principle in Romans 12:14-21. The African Christian who is daily facing terrorist attacks and evil intentions to take away his homeland finds this command rather disturbing.

The prophet Elisha in today’s text chose to show grace to the invading Aramean army. God granted his prayers and blinded the enemy which was also an opportunity for the Jews to simply wipe them off. However, Elisha had them led to the capital city and after being well fed, instructed that they should be allowed to go!

In the same manner, God demands that we exhibit His grace and mercy to our enemies, irrespective of their hatred for us.

QUESTION: DO you think you can be gracious and merciful to the terrorists attacking your people today?

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I have been hurt so badly that the thought of forgiving and showing grace and mercy to my most dreaded enemy to do this with joy as unto You, Amen.