It’s that time of the year when many people make resolutions for the new year and make plans accordingly. And they go to all kinds of measures to get a glimpse into the future to that plan: tea leaves, tarot cards, and horoscopes. Let’s not forget Nostradamus—the 16th-century astrologer—whose 1555 text, “Les Propheties,” sees continued global strife, war on the seas, royal turmoil and humanitarian disasters for 2024. Aren’t we always in a time of global strife, war, and disaster?
May I recommend a more reliable text based, not on spirituality but the Spirit via the Word of God —11 Kings 6: 8-23. It will help you see better to do better this New Year.
Here is the important back story. The Prophet Elisha is at odds with Ben-hadad, king of Aram, archenemies of Israel. Whenever Ben-hadad tries to attack Israel, they would move, staying one step ahead of the Arameans. The king was suspicious that one of his servants was leaking his plans. Then one of the prophets of the Arameans advised the king that there were no spies in their midst. It was Elisha, the prophet of the God of Israel who tells the king of Israel the words Ben-hadad had spoken in private. Elisha was in Dothan. So, the king sent horses and chariots and a great army there at night to surround the hills of Dothan and capture Elisha. Elisha’s servant sees they are surrounded and is paralyzed with fear. “What are we doing to do?” Elisha’s response, “See better.”
16So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, "Strike this people with blindness, I pray."
Elisha’s plan for the impending doom was to have his servant see with the Spirit of God at work. King Ben-hadad had horses and chariots, but God had “horses and chariots of fire” at work—mightier spiritual weapons of war. God’s spiritual weapons are not easily seen. They require seeing with eyes of faith. God blinded the Arameans so that they would be led by the Israelite who would give them bread and water. The marauding Arameans never returned. Grace has a way of defeating enemies.
What has got you surrounded this coming year that lingers from the old year: debt, disease and deep disappointments? It appears you are again flanked and outnumbered at every side. Not to despair. Elisha encouraged you as he did his servant that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” You might be outnumbered but not out God.
You have allies and angels of fire at your disposal—the Church—God’s community of believers poised to encourage you, pray for you, fight for you. That is why the writer of Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us to:
25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging [one another]; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
I don’t know what is your strategy to approaching a new year: crystal balls, tarot cards, Nostradamus text? It is likely that the hills surrounding your 2024 will be full of the enemies’ horses, chariots and weapons of war. You can’t afford to trust spirituality. Trust the proven Spiritual Word of God. Pray, as Elisha did, that your eyes will be open to see the spiritual hand of God at work on your behalf through the community of God’s believers—the church.
Make a resolution this New Year, not to just get back in church, but be God’s encouraging, horses and chariots of fire church. See better, do better toward each other.
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