The Prophet ElishaShembull

Can God Really Do This?

“The captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, ‘If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?’” (2 Kings 7:2)

The inhabitants of Samaria were experiencing terrible days as the Syrians besieged their city, and food had become very scarce. They did not expect help from God anymore. As a messenger of the king exclaimed: “Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?”

But God would rescue them. Elisha foretold in God’s name that the very next day, food prices would get back to normal. There would be more than enough fine flour and barley. This was really excellent news! But it vastly exceeded the imagination of a captain present. He did not think this was possible. Not even by God.

This prophecy almost sounded too good to be true. It required both the removal of the Syrian blockade and an abundant supply of food that could be brought into the city. Both seemed unlikely. And yet, this was a word of the Lord God and, therefore, should be believed. The captain, however, ridiculed God’s promise. Therefore, Elisha told him: “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it” (2 Kings 7:2).

It is really dangerous to not believe God’s words. If our disbelief prevents us from accepting God’s gift of eternal life, we will one day “see it with our own eyes” but not profit from it! Please do not let that happen to you!

Can you name another example where God gave more than expected?