Click Here for: 2 KINGS 8:7-13
As we look at the reputation of Elisha, kings would approach him seeking godly advice and a word from the Lord. They knew he was a man who would give them truth from God, not his own opinion. That is godly wisdom.
In this matter the king of Aram wanted his assistant to consult with Elisha to see if he will get better from his illness. No one can give that answer. Medical physicians might examine the body and assist with medicine, but the king wanted godly wisdom from above.
Although we can discuss how Elisha’s comments fell short of the desire of the king, he tells him he will recover from the illness. At the same time Elisha spoke a conflicting prophecy that the king will die at the hand of his assistant, Hazael, who wants to overtake the king by violence. That last part didn’t get reported, only the first part. It was half of the message.
There are also interesting phrases Jesus used in his teaching. “Those who have ears to hear let him hear.” “Those who have eyes to see let him see.” Those who are open to God will understand things others are blind to. Sometimes truth is not always received based on the heart of the person and unfortunately, many Christians will only tell half the story. God is a God who blesses, but He is also a God of judgment. The judgment of God was to fall on the king, and later, on Hazael. The time for repentance was over. Elisha's prophecy revealed the evil of Hazael’s heart.
It is important to seek the Lord’s will, but one must first decide if he or she really wants to know God’s will. Often, we only want our will confirmed not confronted.
As a chaplain student I was taught a counseling philosophy made popular by Carl Rogers. It is non-directive counseling. He claims you support others by listening to them allowing the counselees to draw their own conclusions and help them explore their other options while they make their own choices.
Listening is so vitally important. However, many people cannot solve their own problems because they lack truth. From a Biblical perspective our own wisdom is limited. God is all knowing. We are sinful. He is holy. We are short sighted. He has a perspective worth trusting. Talking can help get release of emotions and may help us see options for our decisions, but what does God's Word say about it? What principles may apply to different situations?
Unfortunately, many people do not really want to do what the Bible says. They do not really want God's will for their lives. They want to continue in their own ways and wants and have a clergy confirm that what they are doing is ok or at least not so bad.
Do you really want to know God's will? Are you willing to obey His teaching? Are you willing to be in sincere prayer about it? If you are, I believe God will lead you and direct you in His time.
"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6.
“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. One who seeks God about all matters and not builds up himself is a truly wise man.” (Prov. 5:6,7).
Prayer: Oh Lord, how I love Your Word. May it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path that I may fully desire Your Will in my life.
