The Battle in the Heavenlies

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

Elisha finds himself in the midst of a society that is breaking apart at the seams. A society caught up in a war between Syria and Israel. The Syrian king is on edge because his military strategy is pre-empted at every turn by Israel. He concludes that there must be a traitor in his ranks, and he is determined to leave no stone unturned to find him. When he confronts his officers, they all deny any wrongdoing. Instead, they point a finger at Elisha. They say, “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!” (2 Kings 6:8-12). The Syrian king is livid and sends a great army with many chariots and horses to Dothan to seize Elisha. When Elisha’s servant sees the army, he is terrified.

Elisha, however, is not afraid. He knows that Yahweh, the Lord of Hosts, has already dispatched His angel armies to defend and fight for them. He sees the hillside filled with horses and the chariots of fire, while his servant sees only the Syrian army. When he sees the terror in his servant’s eyes, he prays, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!”

We fight not against flesh and blood.

Elisha knew that his fight was not against flesh and blood, but against evil powers in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:12). He knew that the real battle was not the one being fought on earth, but in the heavenly realms, the spiritual realm. The very real spiritual realm.

This spiritual battle is a fight between light and darkness that takes place in every sphere of life. It takes place in our families, relationships, workplaces, schools, sports arenas, church communities and every system that Satan can gain access to. Once he gains access, he will wreak havoc and destruction to achieve his evil plans.

Whatever form our spiritual battle takes, we should be aware that our battle is not against flesh or blood. Elisha understood this. He did not call on the army of Israel to fight the Syrian army. Instead, he called on Yahweh, the Lord of Heaven’s Army, to save him. In the same way, we should not be engaging with those who are involved in this battle in a way that stokes animosity. Instead, we are to call on Yahweh to come to our aid and fight for us. To open our eyes so that we are able to see that the host of heaven’s armies are far greater than the forces of evil coming against us. So that we can see that the King of Glory, mighty in battle, is ready and able to save us.

Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8 (NKJV)

Reflection:

Will you trust the Lord of Heaven’s Armies to fight for you?

Prayer:

Lord, you see that I am worried and fearful about this spiritual battle. I give this battle to You. Open my eyes to see Your host of angels who are fighting for me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.