Psalm 119:97-120; 2 Kings 6:1-23; 1 Cor. 5:9-6:8; Matt. 5:38-48
I have no idea what to make of the story of the floating axe head or why it was included in the record, all I can do is affirm that I believe it must have happened as recorded. The second story here, of the king of Syria coming against Elisha for warning the king of Israel of the Syrian king’s intentions, is a powerful statement of God’s provision and protection. Although they are surrounded by enemies in Dothan, Elisha sees with spiritual eyes the protection of the Lord’s armies about them. His prayer is not for the destruction of the Syrian army but for blindness to come upon them and when that prayer is answered Elisha reverses the situation, leading the Syrians into the midst of their enemies. Instead of delivering them to destruction by the Israelites, however, he instructs the king to treat the soldiers well and send them back to their king. All this convinces the king of Syria that the people of Elisha’s God are not to be trifled with and peace is won.
Elisha showed forth with his actions that God has always wanted us to love our enemies and to not seek to retaliate against our enemies for their wrongs against us but to leave such things to Him. Jesus teaches these very things and it is difficult to hear, both then and now. We live in a world of violence and danger and terrorism and it is natural to us to seek vengeance on those who would attack us and wrong us but is that truly God’s way? It poses difficult ethical questions to consider these teachings and to understand the proper use of force in war or in our own defense. There are no easy answers because sometimes God sent out his people to war both offensively and defensively and then there are times when they were supposed to pray. The conquest of the land was partially both these things, Jericho was conquered by marching round the walls and blowing horns but the people were put to destruction. Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites. Sometimes God used other nations against His own people. At times, like the story of Jonah, He sent a prophet and the nation repented of their sin. We must be a people of prayer if we are to know the Lord’s will in such matters.
We are to deal with sin in the body of Christ and our disputes with one another are to be dealt with within the body. Paul here enumerates multiple sins that Christians are to confront when they see them in other Christians and these sins are to be dealt with in the same manner as the sexual sin which prompted this part of the letter. Sexual sin is not more important than other sins and Paul never singled it out for his focus. Disputes between Christians that are played out in the public square send a signal to the world that we are no different from them so why is all this worth the bother. We should be able, through the power of the Holy Spirit working in parties to the dispute and in the body Christ as a whole, to resolve all such disputes internally. Jesus’ teaching should show us the way of love with one another that we should follow. What is more important, my stuff or my soul?
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
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