A made-for-TV miniseries chronicled the experiences of the US 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The episode of the Marines storming the beaches of Iwo Jima was emotionally difficult to watch. Of the young Marines who survived the barrage of bullets and mortar fire, many froze on the beach in utter terror, not knowing what to do next.
Their understandable fear reminds me of an episode from Elisha’s life (2 Kings 6:8-23). The King of Aram (who was at war with Israel) was out to get Elisha for warning the King of Israel of the Arameans’ military plans (2 Kings 6:8-13). After learning of Elisha’s whereabouts, the frustrated king sent a great army to capture him (2 Kings 6:14).
Like the terrified Marines, Elisha’s servant cried out when he saw that the enemy had them surrounded, “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” (2 Kings 6:15). Elisha asked God to reassure his young servant by opening his eyes and letting him see God’s vast army that outnumbered the enemy troops (2 Kings 6:16-17).
But hold on, the story gets even better. Elisha asked God to blind the enemy army. He then went out and told the enemy that they had surrounded the wrong city, and that he would lead them to the right place. Not knowing it was Elisha, the enemy soldiers followed him to Israel’s capital city, where he turned them over to Israel’s king. Once there, Elisha asked God to restore their sight (2 Kings 6:18-20).
It looked like Elisha set them up, but when Israel’s king wanted to kill them, the prophet said, in essence: “No. Feed them well and send them home.” Elisha’s kindness so moved the Arameans that they stopped raiding Israel’s land (2 Kings 6:21-23).
Want to make a friend out of an enemy? Try kindness. It sure beats hostility.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 15:6-24
More:
Read Romans 12:20 and note Paul’s instruction on how to treat an enemy.
Next:
What opportunity do you have to show kindness to an enemy in your life? How will you proceed for Jesus’ sake?
ehdlive on September 25, 2013 at 2:05 am
I am greatly amazed by the humility displayed by the King of Israel when he decided to take heed and obey the advice of Elisha to feed the enemies instead of killing them. The opposite is the most viable thing to do – and even considered as an opportunity – but the King of Israel did the most honorable thing. What a radical obedience! No wonder, Jesus taught the same… a great benchmark for each one of us.
GChoo on September 25, 2013 at 7:07 am
Jeff, thank you for reminding us through the scriptures how God wanted us to treat our enemies. Truly, ‘an eye for an eye’ when will it end?? May we follow the way God had shown us through His Word to show kindness to those who have hurt us.
amille0123 on September 25, 2013 at 8:14 am
It is refreshing to hear from believers who strive to exemplify Christ’s love for one another. Remember, that enemies come in many forms and you have to examine your own family members and close friends who at times may cause you to act unruly. Although it is natural to show acts of kindness to those we love, do we show love when we are angered by them as well. Just a thought.
Yovoyan Abraham on September 25, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Elisha has set a very good example for us to emulate. Many see Jesus command to love our enemies as very improbable, Elisha has widen the scope of its possibility. It’s truly noble to show kindness to one’s enemies, remember that by so doing, you’re heaping… It’s now left for the enemy whether to choose life or death. If the enemy still continue to attack, then, it is bound to destruction, but if the enemy is remorseful and repent like the Arameans, then, he’ll live. May the Holy Spirit give us the grace to do things beyond our human capability out of obedience and reverence to God.
mike wittmer on September 26, 2013 at 10:57 am
Love this story. It also reveals that God has a big sense of humor!
winn collier on September 26, 2013 at 5:32 pm
Fear stops us in our track. Love sets us to dancing.