Isaiah is given a backstage pass to see the throne of God, and it terrifies him. He realises he is in trouble, but God intervenes to fix his problem and promises that he will come himself in the future.

As we celebrate Baptism Sunday, we’re offered a chance to see Jesus afresh. Our story this week is a description of spiritual blindness. Not only are the soldiers blinded but Elisha’s own servant is blind to the spiritual realities around him. There is an unseen reality that God wants to open our eyes too. The paradox is that it’s those who know they’re blind who ultimately get healed. It was the pharisees of Jesus’ day who thought they could see who remained blind. This story calls us to cry out to the Lord to ‘open the eyes of our hearts’ that we may see with clarity. Becoming a Christian is not just trying harder or exerting more willpower it’s being given the gift of spiritual sight. And what God wants to reveal to us is glorious!

In this latest example of God’s provision, we see Elisha pray that an axe head might float after being lost in the Jordan. God, we see, is sovereign over all aspects of our lives. He cares about the detail. Do you need God’s provision in your life? Are you wondering whether He’ll move? In this latest episode we see God working all things for good. Sending Elisha ahead to save the day. God is never caught out. Never caught unaware. He sees our need before we do and makes ample provision. He is a God who cares and who has gone to every length to rescue us.

God is our provider. In these 2 stories of first, dangerous provision, and then inadequate provision we see God make a way. God is able to reverse the danger of a poisonous stew and multiple a meagre offering to feed His people. God wants to meet us today where we are. Are you at the end of your own resources? In need of God’s intervention? Then God wants to meet you. With kindness and grace, God wants to show that He provides to those who need Him most.

Through the story of Naaman we see that a life of obedience to God leads to our blessing and His kingdom coming.

Elisha raises a woman’s son from death to life, but only after she has pursued him with tenacious faith. God is calling us to chase after Jesus with that same faith. Knowing with Him all things are possible. This resurrection story points to His resurrection story… that in the end all things will be made new. Throughout the story the woman’s refrain is ‘all is well’ as she trusts God through her darkest hour. Because of Jesus’ resurrection we too can testify ‘all is well’, not because life is easy but because one day, He will wipe away every tear.

Three Kings go to war, get into trouble and are rescued by God through the prophet Elisha. Then the story ends very strangely. We explore what we can learn about following Jesus from King Jehoram's terrible example, and see a God who is merciful in ways we might not expect.

Are you struggling, facing problems you can’t handle on your own? So was the widow of 2 Kings 4. This story is good news that we might take heart, God is a helper of the helpless! This widow finds rescue and abundant provision by crying out to a God who hears. Through obedient faith she listens to the voice of Elisha, collecting empty jars that God miraculously fills. She is rescued from debt and desperation as we are pointed towards a God who cares. A God who hears a widow’s cry, who meets our deepest needs. A God who ultimately will give everything to save us!

Where is the God of Elijah? Right here with Elisha. In this passage Elisha is revealed as a Prophet who wields a double-edged sword. Bringing healing and restoration to the city of Jericho and judgement and death outside the city of Bethel. The choice is laid before us, which will we choose? Elisha points us towards a greater prophet Jesus Christ who too offers us a choice between life and death. In Him is Eternal Life and praise God, Jesus has given everything that we might have it as a free gift. All we need do is choose Him.

Elisha takes over from his powerful predecessor, the prophet Elijah. He faces the same challenges, if not worse, of idolatry and unbelief in Israel. Will the God Elijah served prove still to be the living God and come through through again for the new generation, or was he simply past history? Is God the great I am or simply the great I was?