Daily Reading: 2 Kings 13
And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands. And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! (2 Kings 13.15-17)
Devotional Thought: In 2 Kings 13, King Jehoash knew that the end was drawing near for his friend and his spiritual guide, Elisha. Jehoash’s name means, “God is Strong.” At this point, he felt anything but strong as he faced life without Elisha to help.
Elisha gave Jehoash four instructions:
· Take a bow and arrows. The arrows represent the Word of God. The bow represents the power behind the Word - the Holy Spirit. We need both - the bow and the arrows, the Spirit and the Word.
· Draw the bow. Jehoash needed to put forth his effort, energy, and work. We are truly partners with God. The Word and the Spirit are powerful, but God asks us to wield these “weapons” in our hands, to exert effort, to act in faith.
· Open the window. If Jehoash had not opened the window, he would have missed the problems and promises, the opportunities and obstacles. Jesus told us to look unto the fields. They are white unto harvest. He gives us a target: the world! We cannot be satisfied to remain cloistered in the church. Open the window!
· Shoot. Seeing was not enough. Jehoash needed to let fly the arrows! It was an act of faith. The problem with Jehoash was that he hedged his bets. He shot only a few arrows. He should have emptied his quiver! You and I need to shoot every arrow we have in order to do the work of Jesus. Let us leave no stone unturned; let us hold nothing in reserve. Shoot to win!
When facing difficulties and challenges, take the Word and the Spirit, work with all your energy, look outward and upward. Then, shoot!
Prayer: Father, help me to be a person of great faith in your Word and Spirit. Help me to then do my part to share your love and your Kingdom. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 17.6-12
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
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