Revealing Glory

“And Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so that he may see.’” This one sentence from 2 Kings 6:17a has played out in my mind over and over again. This account of Elisha’s revelation has gripped my heart and I cannot let it go. Here’s how the story goes.

The Arameans were at war with Israel and had made several attempts to capture them. To no avail, the king of Aram became frustrated because it always seemed as if Israel’s king was one step ahead of him. How was this possible? How did he always know when and where the Arameans were planning to attack? Israel had a secret weapon, and his name was Elisha.

Elisha was a prophet in the Old Testament who walked so intimately with God that the Lord allowed him to hear the very words the king of Aram spoke in his bedroom (see verse 12) and he was able to warn the king of Israel each time a plot was planned against them. Most importantly, Elisha had a relationship with God, and he was familiar with the voice of God. He spent time in the presence of God. He was well acquainted with the glory of God.

Imagine the indignation of the king of Aram when he learned about the person responsible for each military failure against Israel. He wanted Elisha captured. In his rage, the king sent in strong forces with horses and chariots to surround the city of Dothan where Elisha was staying.

In great terror, Elisha’s servant panicked and began to fear. Overwhelmed by what he saw in the natural, he questioned Elisha and wondered what they would do in this situation. Surely, there was no way of escape as they seemed to be obviously outnumbered.

I absolutely love Elisha’s response in verse 16 as he boldly proclaims to his servant, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Notice, the man of God did not waver, doubt, or flinch in the face of the enemy. He had a revelation of God that caused him to remain fully persuaded of victory amidst adversity.

Then, by the time we get to verse 17 he prays this prayer for his servant: O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Take note, Elisha did not pray for God to calm the servant’s fears. He did not pray for a miracle to manifest on their behalf and supernaturally take out the army of men surrounding them. He did not even ask God what he should do next. No. Elisha already knew what to do. He already perceived the supernatural miracle of protection and provision from God. And, he had the confidence to boldly walk out his conviction.

Why is it he was able to see what his servant could not? Elijah had a revelation of the glory of God. He lived in such close fellowship with God that the supernatural was commonplace to him. There was no place of unbelief because his faith had been elevated as a result of the revelation he understood about God. His relationship with God was so intimate, he was able to see natural circumstances in a spiritual way and respond as a result of that revelation.

Who were “those” with them? Well, they represented angels present on horses and chariots of fire all within the hills surrounding Elisha (see verse 17b). Elijah prayed again that God would strike his enemies with blindness, and that’s exactly what happened. By the end of this story, Elisha led his blind enemies to Samaria, where the king of Israel was at that time. Needless to say, God’s spirit led Elijah all the way. He even prayed again that the men’s sight would be restored after arriving in Samaria.

Today, I want to remind you to live in the glory no matter what may be going on around you. When you have a revelation of the glory of God, it transcends the way you see everything else. We were created by God to be supernatural beings. When we live in this place relationally with God, we won’t be moved by tests and trials that happen in our lives.

So remember, things are never truly as they seem. There is revelation we access from being in the glory of God. It is this insight which causes us to assume a position of confidence, trust, and faith in God knowing every outcome is working out in our favor and for our good.

Will you join me in praying this prayer today? “O LORD, I see your hand at work on my behalf. May I never forget you’ve already given me victory. Because I’ve been in your presence, I can clearly perceive your will in every situation. I have revelation because of your glory. Thank you Father, my eyes are open, and I can see you.”