2 Kings 6:8-23: Those Who Are With Us Are More: A New Year's Eve Sermon

2 Kings 6:8-23: SummaryThe king of Syria, in initiating war with Israel, intends to encamp at a certain place in the hope of successful raids. The King of kings consistently frustrates his best laid plans. Elisha, the man of God, is God's vessel of revelation for the peace of God's people. Greatly vexed, the Syrian king learns of Elisha's debilitating ministry and seeks to capture him. An army of men is deployed against the man of God. Elisha's servant awakes to this enemy army. Elisha meets his fear and anxiety with a world present but unseen. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' According to Elisha's prayers for sight and blindness, the Lord helps the servant see the unseen, while blinding the enemy to what they could see. Elisha leads the blind into the seat of Israel's king and power. Expecting judgment, however, the prophet wins the king to pity instead of punishment. Mercy received, the raids end. The passage is for our confidence in the Lord when pressed hard by enemies, big, small, near, far. It's for living, not by sight, but by faith, with all its implications in tow.
Sermon Outline:
Be equipped with the Word: Israel's prophet (6:8-12)
Be equipped with a worldview: Elisha's perspective (6:13-18)
Be equipped for the wayward: Elisha's pity (6:19-23)