In chapter 6, when the army of the king of Aram had Elisha’s place surrounded, his servant was afraid
and said, “Alas! (Or ‘Oh no!’) my master! What shall we do?”

Elisha’s answer was perfect. He said, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And then Elisha asked the Lord to allow the servant to see. And he saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

We live in perilous times, my friends. A few days ago, just about fifteen miles from where I sit right now in my home studio, Islamic terrorists killed 14 and injured 21 people. At least one of the injured attends a church of the same denomination as I attend, and one was a Jewish Christian. Some reports have said that one of the dead victims had had discussions with the male attacker who worked there at the Inland Regional Center about religion, and the attacker had been angered during the conversation.

At this point, there is a lot we don’t know, and probably even more that we never will know about this particular attack. But one thing we do know is this: Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.

Of course that does not mean that our bodies will necessarily be saved from attacks or even murder. But there are worse things than dying. Matthew 10:28 says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

And for those who belong to Christ, we have no need to fear Him. As a matter of fact 2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us, “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.”

Elisha’s answer to his servant would be a good thing to commit to memory for those times when you feel fear creeping in. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.

Your thoughts?