Book 1 of Musings Chariots of Fire

I think the chariots of fire always surrounded Elisha; they did not appear for the special occasion. God gave His angels charge over Elisha, and gives His angels charge over all who abide in Christ. We need to have our eyes opened!

Elisha, by revelation, was informing the king of Israel of the battle plans of the king of Aram. Of course, this enraged the king of Aram. He sent a strong force to Dotham to capture Elisha.

By the next morning an army with horses and chariots had surrounded Dotham. The terrified servant of Elisha asked his master what they should do.

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (II Kings 6:16)

Then Elisha prayed the Lord would open his servant's eyes. The hills all around Elisha were filled with horses and chariots of fire. Evidently Elisha could always see the horses and chariots of fire. I have known for many years about this incident. I always had supposed the horses and chariots of fire came because the king of Aram had sent his army to capture Elisha.

But there is no evidence that Elisha's protectors had come because of the current threat. Perhaps it is true that this heavenly bodyguard was always protecting Elisha. Why would one person warrant such supernatural protection? Probably because Elisha represented the Lord. He stood before the Lord at all times and proclaimed His Word to Israel.

The kings of Israel were not known for their righteousness. Elisha's character was above reproach. His very presence reminded Israel of the holiness of God. Satan would have removed Elisha if he could, so there would be no testimony of the Lord in Israel. But Elisha was too well protected.

If we abide in Christ, in the secret place of the most High, the promise is that He will give His angels charge over us. You know, this protection is going to be terribly important during the age of physical and moral horrors we are approaching.

If you really serve the Lord with diligence, it always will be true that those who are with you are more than those who are with the wicked. It is very important that we are known to the angels of God. We shall be known to the angels if we are bearing a true testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are the ones who will be watching out for us in the day of trouble.

Elisha prayed that God would open the eyes of the servant. God did this. Perhaps we need to pray that our eyes will be opened. I know we have to walk by faith. But God answered Elisha's prayer, and I see no reason why He will not answer ours. I know I am praying to this end. If we are to set our minds on things above, as Paul exhorted, it certainly would help if we could see a little bit of the heavenlies once in a while. I am not advocating foolishness. I am speaking to solid Christians who are patiently bearing their cross after the Lord. Let's you and I ask God to open our eyes so we are conscious of what is taking place in the spirit realm.

They used to say, "We don't want to be so heavenly minded we are no earthly good." I don't believe is the problem today. I believe we have become so earthly minded we are no heavenly good.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (Psalms 91:11)