Strike but don’t pick the wrong target !

Hello Beloved,

In 2 Kings 6: 8-23, the Bible tells us the story of a conflict wherein the king of Syria sent an entire army to surround Dothan (2 Kings 6:14) in order to capture Elisha, the prophet who thwarted his attack plans against Israel (2 Kings 6: 8-12). When the servant of Elisha saw the great and hostile army that surrounded the city of Dothan, he was afraid because they were only two facing it. But Elisha reassured him: he did not say that those who are with us are more than them, rather “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6: 16). Who was Elisha talking about ? On one hand he was speaking of the small troop of demons that were with the Syrian soldiers and on the other hand the mighty heavenly army that surrounded Elisha, which the servant finally saw when the Lord opened his spiritual eyes (2 Kings 6: 17).

To overcome them, Elisha prayed for the Lord to strike the enemy’s troops with blindness and God hearkened. Thus, the Lord struck with blindness the demons that were with the Syrian soldiers and they let Elisha lead them right in the middle of Samaria – without realizing where they were going. It was not a physical blindness (if it were so, how could Elisha have guided on his own an army of the blind people ?) but a spiritual blindness that struck the small spiritual army that inspired the Syrians. Once they found themselves at the core of Samaria, the land of the enemy, and their spiritual sight was restored, the Syrian soldiers completely froze with fear.

The king asked Elisha for permission to kill the Syrian soldiers, but Elisha forbade him. Why ? Because they were not the target; the real target was the demons, having been spiritually defeated by the heavenly host ! On Elisha’s recommendation, the king prepared a great feast for the Syrian soldiers and then they returned to their master. 2 Kings 16:23 emphasized “So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel”

What lesson can we learned from this fabulous story ? In the face of adversity, you must pick the right target: that is, the evil spirits influencing your enemies. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). Flesh and blood represent human beings. In your battle, do not target people; on the contrary, you must show them love, as Elisha recommended the King of Israel. But the spirits that influence them must be cast out in the name of Jesus. (Mark 16:17) Above all, do not fear them. They have already been defeated at the cross by Jesus and you can trample on the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10: 19).

Is your husband cheating on you ? Cast out the spirit of adultery oppressing your home and keep loving him and being submissive to him; proclaim that he is faithful husband and you will see him becoming one. Is your boss more and more unfair to you ? Cast out the spirit of injustice and continue to be a faithful and loyal employee. Thus, you will see the change taking place in him. Does your father come back home drunk every night ? Do not disrespect him. But, cast out the spirit of drunkenness !

I am not saying you should see demons everywhere, rather may the Holy Spirit help you discern their manifestations so that you target them and cast them out when necessary. Do not remain passive in the face of the works of darkness opposing you; but get up, put on spiritual armour and fight ! Your victory is guaranteed because Christ has accomplished everything on the cross !

May Beloved