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2 Kings 7:1-2, Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”

The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?”

“You will see it with your own eyes,” answered Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it!”

At the end of yesterday’s chapter, we read about how the king of Aram and his large army laid siege to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  This led to a famine and a great deal of anguish among the people.  People were desperate, going so far as to resort to cannibalism.  The king of Israel is horribly distraught and seeks out the prophet Elisha. 

At the beginning of today’s chapter, we hear the prophet’s response.  Elisha says that the Lord has spoken and that by that time tomorrow, there will be fine flour and barley available at affordable prices.  The officer who was present with the king was highly skeptical and you can see his response in our focus verses for today.  He says, “…even if the Lord should open the floodgates of heavens, could this happen?”  Elisha declares that it will but that because of his cynicism and lack of faith, he wouldn’t get to enjoy any of it.

As we read through the chapter, we begin to see how God takes care of the situation.  The Aramean army is scared off and the Israelites get to enjoy the plunder.  Food becomes readily available and the siege is over.  Once again, the Lord has spoken through Elisha.

Over the next week, we will continue to see Elisha at work.  What’s fascinating to me is that Elisha served as prophet of Israel for six decades.  His words were often unpopular and not always heeded, but he persevered.  It takes a strong person to be a prophet.  I wanted to mention that God is still giving people the gift of prophecy; certain people bring a message from God to his people.  Just like in Old Testament days, prophets are often ignored, maligned, and/or pushed to the fringes.  The reality is that rarely do prophets bring a message of approval.  They typically bring a word from God that challenges the faith community and the religious leaders.  I have known several people with the gift of prophesy, and they typically have a difficult time finding a church that accepts them. 

Have you known someone with this gift?  What’s been your reaction to it?  If you haven’t known a prophet, how do you think you might respond?  How does reading about Elijah and Elisha affect your view of prophets?

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us hear your message.  Give us ears to hear.  In Your Name, Amen.