The Syrian troops were sent by the king to find and capture Elisha. (2 Kings 6:13-14). Elisha did not ask God to destroy the troops that surrounded him; instead he asked God to blind them temporarily. Elisha led the blind troops back to Samaria and the King of Israel. The king asked Elisha if the men should be killed. Elisha told the king to give them food and drink and send them home to their master. The king made a great feast for them and sent them home unharmed! (2 Kings 6:18-23). Now that is an amazing example of showing kindness to your enemies! Would you agree that we should show mercy and kindness to our friends and family? Most people would agree; but our enemies – really? Yes, really! Jesus spoke about this in Luke 6:32-36: “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” This Passage doesn’t leave any doubt. We must treat our enemies with kindness. What makes us different than the world; showing kindness and mercy to those that love us? No! What makes us different is how we treat people who don't like us! This is God's way, not the world's way. We can't do it on our own. We need God’s Spirit to show His love and compassion to others! Our natural instinct is to treat them like they treated us. But, Jesus in Luke 6:31, instructs us to act differently. "Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Is this easy? No, certainly not, but our reward from heaven will be great and we will represent the Most High God. As God's children, we must show compassion as God does; especially to our enemies. (Luke 6:35-36).

Elijah’s time on earth was about to end. He asked Elisha what he could do for him before leaving earth. Elisha asked for a double share of Elijah’s spirit to be God’s prophet in Elijah’s place. He wanted a double blessing from God to serve Him. A double blessing is associated with the inheritance of the first born son. God had previously told Elijah to anoint Elisha to replace him as God's prophet. (1 Kings 19:16, 19-21). So, this was not an arrogant request from Elisha. Elisha’s request showed his desire was to continue in Elijah’s footsteps! Elisha did not ask for earthly power, fame, or wealth. Instead, he asked for spiritual power to do God's work (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak and divided the Jordan River. His request had been granted! This served as a sign to the prophets that Elisha was God's man! “When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” (2 Kings 2:13-15). What would you say if asked the same question? Would you place a priority on God’s things as Elijah did? Or, would you focus on your needs and wants on earth? Matthew 6:33 says: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” God does want us to ask for what we need; but this verse says that when we seek Him first, we will receive everything else! Colossians 3:1-2 says: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” What are you focused on today; the things of God or the things of the earth?

What does it mean to be loyal? To be loyal means to be faithful in supporting something or someone. It means that you are dependable and reliable and can be counted on and trusted. Three times Elijah told Elisha to stay back when he traveled to different places. Each time, Elisha’s response was the same: “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” To receive a double portion of God’s Spirit and take Elijah’s place, Elisha needed to see God take Elijah away. Elisha was walking and talking with Elijah when the chariot of fire took Elijah to heaven (2 Kings 2:9-12). Elisha passed the test! He was without doubt, loyal to Elijah. Elisha remained loyal to God and his calling throughout his ministry. It is still important today to be loyal and faithful to God. These are also important traits to have as a friend too. It is easy to be a friend in good times, but how about in difficult times? What if others turn against them, will you stay by their side? The Bible tells us that a loyal friend is not easy to find. “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” (Proverbs 20:6). Elijah must have been relieved and comforted knowing that when he left the earth, Elisha would faithfully continue to do God’s work. The Bible tells us that there are great rewards for those who are loyal. “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” (Proverbs 3:3-4). Would you like to walk in God’s favor and have favor with people too? That is a double blessing that is promised to us when we are loyal!

Elisha became Elijah’s assistant. He watched as God’s chariots of fire took Elijah to heaven. (1 Kings 19:19-21). What an example Elijah was in the short time they were together! Elisha wanted to be like Elijah. He asked for a double portion of the Spirit that rested on Elijah. So, who can we follow? Who can we imitate? The best example is of course, Jesus. He modeled to His disciples how to serve God and others. In one example, Jesus even washed their feet to model to his disciples the importance of humility and service. He told them in John 13:35: “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” Yes, Jesus is the ultimate example for us to follow. He obeyed God perfectly while on earth. Though we can't be perfect; we must strive to follow Jesus' example with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is also important to spend time around those who faithfully follow Christ; just like Elisha hung out with Elijah! Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” Don't just follow anyone! Be careful to imitate only those who imitate Christ!

When Elisha’s servant went outside, there were Syrian troops, horses, and chariots everywhere! He asked Elisha what they should do. Elisha told him not to be afraid; there were more on their side than the enemy had. Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be able to see what he was talking about. The servant looked up and saw that the hillside was filled with horses and chariots of fire! (2 Kings 6:15-17). Have you ever been afraid and thought you were alone? We all have. What could we see if God opened our spiritual eyes like Elisha’s servant? God is always with us and He is for us! Romans 8:31 says, “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” As a follower of Jesus, you may find yourself pressured to do or say things that are contrary to God’s Word. It isn't easy to be outnumbered! With God, we are never alone. Like Elijah and his servant, we outnumber whomever or whatever comes against us. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the garden, Peter drew his sword and cut off a man’s ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and said, “Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?” (Matthew 26:52-53) Jesus didn't submit to the guards because He was outnumbered or overpowered. He knew God was for Him and His angels were at His command. Jesus chose to give himself up to follow God's plan. Yes, God is for us! “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).