What can we learn about God's expectations from Elisha's reaction in 2 Kings 13:19? Setting the Scene King Joash visits the dying prophet. Elisha tells him to shoot an arrow—“the LORD’s arrow of victory”—and then to strike the remaining arrows on the ground. Joash stops after three strikes. Elisha’s Strong Reaction “The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have struck down Aram until you exterminated them. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.’ ” (2 Kings 13:19) What God Expects, Line by Line • Wholehearted faith, not half-measures – “With my God I can scale a wall” (Psalm 18:29). The expectation is bold confidence. • Persevering obedience – “Let us run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). • Expectation that matches His power – “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10). Joash’s timid action revealed small expectations. • Zeal that keeps striking until the job is done – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Why Three Strikes Were Not Enough • Stopping early exposed lukewarm commitment (Revelation 3:15-16). • It limited what God was ready to give—victory proportional to effort (2 Corinthians 9:6). • It signaled more fear of appearing foolish than faith in a prophetic command. Living This Out Today • Pray big, specific prayers; don’t quit after a few timid requests (James 4:2-3). • Serve until the task is finished, not merely started (Luke 17:10). • Believe for complete victory over sin habits, not partial truce (Romans 6:14). • Keep “striking the ground” in evangelism, generosity, and study, trusting God to multiply the effort (Galatians 6:9). Related Passages That Reinforce the Lesson • 1 Samuel 15:22-23—partial obedience cost Saul the kingdom. • 2 Kings 5:13-14—Naaman had to dip seven times, not fewer. • Matthew 9:29—“According to your faith will it be done to you.” • Ephesians 3:20—He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Takeaway God invites bold, persistent, wholehearted participation in His purposes. Elisha’s frustration exposes heaven’s disappointment when we settle for “just enough.” Keep striking until the arrows are spent and watch God fulfill the full measure of victory He intended. |
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