“All born-again people are in training for rulership. Since the supreme law of that future social order, called the kingdom of God, is agape love, therefore their apprenticeship and training is for the learning of deep dimensions of this love. But deep dimensions of this love are only learned in the school of suffering. Purity is one thing, and maturity is another. The latter comes only through years of suffering. If we suffer, we shall also reign – because where there is little suffering, there is little love; no suffering, no love; no love, no rulership.” (Paul Billheimer)
In 2 Kings 5-6, the life of Elisha portrays how God trains you for rulership in His kingdom through suffering. You won’t reign until you endure suffering (2 Tim. 2:12).
Naaman, captain of Aram’s army, was told that a prophet could cure him of his leprosy. He came with his horses and chariots and stood before Elisha’s house. He sent a messenger to him saying to wash in the Jordan seven times so his flesh could be restored. Naaman was mad that Elisha did not come to him, but followed his washing instructions. His body was restored like a little child’s flesh (2 Kings 5:1-14). God heals apart from your own understanding.
Naaman said he knew there was no God except in Israel, but Elisha refused his gift. Naaman offered his servant earth that two mules could carry saying he would never make sacrifices to any god but the Lord (2 Kings 5:15-19). Healing shows that only God can be worshiped.
Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, pursued Naaman and asked for a talent of silver and two sets of clothing for two young prophets. Naaman gave him two talents and clothing that Gehazi hid in his house. When Gehazi lied to Elisha saying he went nowhere, he warned that Naaman’s leprosy would cling to Gehazi’s and his descendants forever (2 Kings 5:20-27). You suffer consequences if you try to profit in your healing ministries.
The prophets said to Elisha that the place where they met was too small. They asked Elisha to go with them to the Jordan to get a pole to build a place to meet. As they cut down trees, a borrowed iron axhead fell into the water. Elisha cut a stick, threw it where the axhead fell and made the iron float so a prophet could pick it up (2 Kings 6:1-7). God performs miracles to help you accomplish goals in practical areas of life.
The king of Aram warred against Israel. Elisha warned the king of Israel repeatedly not to pass in a certain place where the Arameans were camping. This enraged the king of Aram and his officers said that Elisha “tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” The king of Aram surrounded the city by night with horses, chariots and a strong force to capture Elisha (2 Kings 6:8-14). God gives supernatural insight to overthrow evil strategies against you.
His servant saw the army and Elisha said to not fear since “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” When Elisha prayed that the Lord would open his servant’s eyes, he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. As he prayed, God struck the army with blindness. Elisha asked them to follow him to the man they sought (2 Kings 6:15-19). God’s host of angels fighting for you are greater and more powerful than Satan’s.
When they came to Samaria, he asked the Lord to open their eyes. Elisha told the king of Israel to not kill them but set bread and water to eat and drink before going to their master. The Arameans did not come again to Israel (2 Kings 6:20-23). Overcome evil with good by loving your enemies in feeding and giving them drink.
Ben-hadad king of Aram laid siege to Samaria during a time of famine until a donkey’s head was sold for 80 shekels of silver. A woman asked the king of Israel to give up his son so they could eat him and tomorrow to eat her son. The king tore his clothes passing by on the wall. He said for the Lord to deal with him severely if Elisha’s head remained on his shoulders today. Elisha sat in his house and told his elders to hold the door shut against a messenger seeking to kill him. The messenger came as he was talking and said, “Behold, this evil is from the Lord; why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” (2 Kings 6:24-33). The world seeks to kill God’s servants during tough times because of disobedience to Him.
What circumstances is God using to teach you how to reign with Him through suffering? Continue to endure knowing that God is more powerful than the evil one as you saw in 2 Kings 5-6.
