Today’s Devotions
Topic: More On Our Side
(Self Assessment)
Background: At a point in time in Israel’s history, the king of Aram decided to surprise the former in battle. Little did he know that the Almighty God had a far more overwhelming plan. Gather the family; it’s time to delve into God’s Word for the edification of our souls.
Text: 2 Kings 6: 8- 17
8 When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.” 9 But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.”
10 So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there. 11 The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?” 12 “It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”
13 “Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.” And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” 14 So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.
16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. Amen
Questions
i) From verse 8, we read that the king of Aram would always confer with his officers on their battle plan. How important is it to seek counsel before embarking on projects. Would you say it is easy to find the right counsel in these days and from whom?
ii) Read verse 9 & 10 again. Is it possible, in our days, to have God reveal the plots of our enemies to us time and again? In what ways does He do this?
iii) Who did the king of Aram suspect to be the traitor? Why did he not think of anyone outside his camp? (vrs 11-13)
iv) Describe the state of Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, when he saw the great Aramean army the next morning. Why was he in that state?
v) In today’s world, what are the situations that can plunge us into similar states and rob us of our confidence in the Lord?
vi) According to verse 16, Elisha said “Don’t be afraid! For there are more on our side than on theirs!” What does this statement mean, and why couldn’t Gehazi see this before?
vii) Practically, in what ways does God deliver us from the hands of the evil one. Please cite personal examples, if any.
viii) What have you learnt from today’s bible study please?
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