Some mornings I’m a bit groggy . . . don’t feel too sharp . . . enough going on to read and observe . . . even ask questions . . . but not enough, it seems, to form answers and conclusions. It’s then that my journal comes in handy as I look back on previous years’ entries. The me of a few years ago can help the me of this morning as I hover over a passage asking, “So what?” . . . kind of provides a “kick start” to getting the juices going. Such is the case this morning . . .

. . . You gotta think that Elisha was a pretty interesting guy to be hanging with “in the day.” He had a double portion of the spirit of Elijah on him (2Kings 2:9-15). So, if Elijah was a mighty prophet, then Elisha was a mighty, mighty prophet. If Elijah was a man of many miracles, then Elisha was a man of many, many miracles. If Elijah was a pathway through which God’s power touched the earth, then Elisha was a four-lane highway.

And I’m reading in 2Kings 6 this morning and the miracles range from the mundane to the magnificent. Miracle 1: Elijah goes with the “sons of the prophets” down to the Jordan on a “work party” where they’re going to cut down some trees so they can build a bigger prophet house. Here’s what happens,

But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.   (2Kings 6:5-7 ESV)

I’m not exactly sure why retrieving an axe head from the river was “miracle worthy” . . . but it was . . . and to have been there would have left you in awe realizing that it was just a small demonstration of the power of God on this man, Elisha.

Miracle 2 . . . a lot bigger . . . a lot more amazing. The king of Syria makes war with Israel . . . but he can’t win a victory because Elisha is doing reconnaissance for the king of Israel . . . i.e. God is revealing to Elisha what the king of Syria’s next move is and Elisha is telling the king of Israel. Finally, the king of Syria goes after Elisha, surrounding the city where he’s staying. For those within the city with Elisha this isn’t looking too good . . . and fear sets in . . . Elisha’s servant speaks the words they are all thinking, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” Check out the prophet’s response . . .

[Elisha] said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.   (2Kings 6:16-17 ESV)

And again I think, what would it be like if that’s the way it was today.

And then it occurs to me . . . it is!!! In fact, don’t Elisha’s words have a New Testament ring to them?

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.   (1John 4:4 ESV)

The power of God hasn’t changed. His miraculous workings on this earth haven’t diminished. There’s still horses and chariots of fire filling the hillsides — even if I don’t see them. The heavenly realm is alive and active . . . the spiritual conflicts on earth still occur . . . and God is still Sovereign God and Lord of all working His mighty power when and where and how He determines. In fact, it’s not just about heavenly hosts on the hillside, I have the very presence and power of God dwelling in me . . . “the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in the heavenly places” . . . “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you” (Eph 1:19-20, Rom. 8:11).

Sure, it would be so very cool to have my eyes opened like Elisha’s servants eye’s were opened and see some of the stuff going on in the spiritual realm. . . but because I don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. And, I guess, in a way, this morning I do see it as the Spirit causes me to linger and meditate over this passage of Scripture. He opens my eyes by faith.

Eye may not see . . . ear may not hear . . . but God is active and working in ways that I can’t even imagine. At the very least I can look around from time to time and wonder what’s happening around me . . . wonder what’s the bigger picture of this situation I’m in. And in those moments be reminded of the spiritual dynamic going down within me as the Spirit empowers and intercedes on my behalf.

I guess my point is that sometimes we read this miraculous stuff in the Word and think that it was for another time and another place . . . instead of realizing that it illustrates what’s going on in this time and in my place as God works in ways beyond imagination. I think it’s pretty to cool to think about . . . who knows, maybe one I day I’ll get a peek . . . who knows, maybe I already have!