LIGHT OF VISION FOR VICTORY (3)

“…Lord, I pray, OPEN HIS EYES that he may SEE.” Then the Lord OPENED the EYES of the young man, and HE SAW…” – 2 Kings 6:17

On this occasion, with the Syrian army surrounding Dothan, Elisha prayed for his servant to encounter the LIGHT of VISION for VICTORY: “And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, OPEN HIS EYES that he may SEE.” Then 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 round Elisha” (2 Kings 6:18). God can open our Spiritual Eyes to the Light of Vision – to “SEE” into unseen, supernatural realms. Through his intimate relationship with God, Elisha’s spiritual eyes, ears, and heart were always open, ready to receive a vision, a revelation, an instruction, or command. His standing in faith and supernatural vision buoyed him, and turned him into a spiritual “Secret Service Agent” for the king of Israel (vv.8-10).

The king of Syria was becoming paranoid. It was clear to him that someone was telling Israel’s army their secret plans. He was sure he had a mole (v.11). But his servant explained that Israel had The LORD Who knows what is said in secret, and it was Elisha, the man of God who was telling the king of Israel their plans (v.12; Mt.6:4). Filled with his power and pride, the Syrian king then devised a plan to send a great army to capture God’s prophet. The army came by night and surrounded the city (vv.13-14). Of course, the Lord told Elisha and he didn’t give in to fear. What is a great army against the armies of The Lord of Hosts? (Rom.8: 31-35). So, the Syrian army headed to capture Elisha.

Elisha’s servant walked out in the morning and his natural eyes showed him a fearsome sight. He reacted to those terrifying circumstances, saying, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (v.15). But Elisha assured his servant, who could only see the two of them, that those who were with them were greater than those who were against them (v.16). He had the Spirit of God on him and knew there was nothing to fear. He never gave in to fear because he chose to see, hear, and think in the Spirit. He remained calm because he saw his circumstances through the Spirit’s eyes and not his own (2Tim.1:7). But his servant needed a vision!

Elisha prayed for his servant to see through God’s eyes – for God to activate his spiritual eyes, to inspire faith and courage. In that instance, like a veil uncovered from his eyes, the hitherto visionless servant saw with vibrant vividness, the vast visitation of the heavenly host that was on their side. Fear took flight! Faith came to the fore! The enemy was temporarily blinded and led to Samaria, until Elisha prayed for their physical eyes to open (vv.18-20). The Vision of Victory conquered! The Syrian Siege came to a permanent end (vv.21-23).