What does "those who are with us" reveal about God's protection? Setting the Scene • Israel is surrounded by the vast Aramean army (2 Kings 6:14). • Elisha’s servant sees only chariots, horses, and impending doom. • Elisha sees something else entirely—and invites his servant to see it too. “ ‘Do not be afraid,’ Elisha answered, ‘for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ ” (2 Kings 6:16) Understanding the Phrase • “Those who are with us” refers to the unseen, heavenly host—God’s angelic armies. • Verse 17 pulls back the curtain: “And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” • God’s protection is already in place before the servant even knows he needs it. Layers of God’s Protection 1. Unseen Angelic Forces – Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” – Psalm 91:11: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” 2. Divine Presence – Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” – Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 3. Supernatural Advantage – God outnumbers and outclasses any opposition, even when we cannot quantify it. 4. Purposeful Protection – Hebrews 1:14: Angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” Living Under the Same Protection Today • God’s character has not changed (Malachi 3:6). • The same heavenly resources surround believers now (Hebrews 13:8). • Faith is the lens that lets us “see” what Elisha already knew (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Spiritual warfare is real, but so is the greater power within: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Key Takeaways to Remember • God’s protection is present even when invisible. • The size of the enemy never outweighs the presence of God. • Fear diminishes when we trust the One who commands the armies of heaven. |
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