“Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
—2 Kings 6:17 (ESV)
In 2 Kings 6:8-23, we find the prophet Elisha and his servant surrounded by an enemy army. The servant, understandably terrified, sees only danger and certain defeat. But Elisha, calm and assured, prays, “O Lord, open his eyes that he may see.” Suddenly, the servant’s vision shifts. The hills are ablaze with heavenly forces—chariots of fire standing guard. God’s presence was there all along; the servant just couldn’t see it.
How often do we find ourselves like that servant? Surrounded by challenges, feeling isolated and overwhelmed, blind to the fact that God is with us. In those moments, we must pray for spiritual vision—eyes to see that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16). God’s protection, provision, and presence are constants in our lives, even when our earthly eyes can’t perceive them.
But the story doesn’t end there. After God strikes the enemy with blindness at Elisha’s request, something remarkable happens. Elisha doesn’t take advantage of their vulnerability. Instead of leading them into a trap or calling for their destruction, Elisha leads them to safety, restores their sight, speaks to them kindly, and even prepares a feast for them. Imagine that: feeding the very people who came to capture him! This act of unexpected kindness and dignity not only disarmed the enemy physically but also spiritually. As Scripture says, “And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel” (v. 23). Elisha’s vision wasn’t just to see God’s protection—it was to see God’s purpose for reconciliation and peace, even with his enemies.
We often pray for God to help us see His presence in our lives, especially in times of trouble. But do we also pray for the vision to see how God wants us to act in the lives of others, even those who oppose us? Elisha teaches us that divine vision is twofold:
Vision to see God’s presence in our own lives:
When we’re surrounded by difficulties—whether personal struggles, conflict, or fear—we must ask God to open our eyes to His power and presence. His heavenly armies are with us, even when we can’t see them.
Vision to be God’s representative in others’ lives:
Especially with those who challenge us, God calls us to see them through His eyes. Can we show kindness where the world expects retaliation? Can we extend dignity where others anticipate judgment? Elisha’s grace toward his enemies led to peace—what could our grace lead to in the lives of those around us?
Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see Your presence in the midst of our challenges. Help us to trust that You are always near, surrounding us with Your protection and love. But don’t stop there, Lord. Give us the vision to see others, even those who oppose us, through Your eyes. Teach us to be instruments of Your grace, kindness, and reconciliation. May our actions reflect Your love, and may they lead to peace and transformation in the lives of those we encounter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge:
Think of someone in your life who has been difficult to love—maybe even someone who has opposed or hurt you. Pray for God to give you a vision for how you can represent Him in that person’s life. It could be through a kind word, an unexpected act of service, or simply praying for their well-being. Watch how God can use your obedience to bring about peace, just as He did through Elisha.
