The Prophet ElishaSample

Trying To Use God for Your Own Purposes

“Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, ‘My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’” (2 Kings 13:14)

At first sight, the above Bible verse seems to picture a moving scene. Elisha was in his last days, and king Joash paid him a visit. The king was moved to tears by the loss of the prophet. He called him “my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen” — just as Elisha had called his mentor Elijah.

In order to understand Joash’ words correctly, however, let’s look at their context. Some verses earlier, we learn that this king “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 13:11). He was not a man of faith but promoted several false religions at the same time. He did not love or serve the Lord wholeheartedly, but just wanted His help in times of trouble. God was his “last resort”. Especially since Israel’s army had been destroyed by the Syrians for the most part (see 2 Kings 13:7), Joash did not want to lose the angelic forces that seemed to be at Elisha’s disposal. Now that Elisha was dying, the king feared that God would no longer help him. That was the reason for his tears.

King Joash wanted to use God for his own purposes. What do you need God for? Do you love and serve Him with all your heart, or do you just want Him to “serve” you?