One Sunday morning, a preacher noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church, staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names with small American flags mounted on either side. The boy asked the preacher, “What’s this?" He replied, "It's a memorial to all the men and women who died in the service."
Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, Alex’s voice, small and trembling, asked, "Which service, the 9:45 or the 11:15?"
Pardon a little humor to introduce a very serious subject—war—as we celebrate Memorial Day, a time to remember those who lost their lives in war. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday by an act of Congress. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. A meal of some sort—hot dogs, barbeque, and the like—is usually part of our Memorial Day as we remember the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in 76 wars—many in unconventional conflicts. Those are staggering numbers. But a recent report noted that twice as many Americans have died in school shootings than in current U.S. military conflicts. This draws attention to the unprecedented battle grounds we now face—our schools and workplaces—the most recent: a public transit rail yard in San Jose, California where nine were killed. Unconventional warfare is nothing new, especially if you are a Christian. Christians have never had a break from war against a strange enemy:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
What is one way to fight our an unconventional fight? The Prophet Elisha was in an unconventional war worth remembering in II Kings 6:15-23 where he used an unconventional strategy. First, we will see we need to look at our enemy’s attack differently, and, secondly, treat our enemies differently. We need to take them to—of all places—the table as we fight a strange fight with strange fire.
First need to see the fight through the eyes of God. In verses 15-19 as Elisha was surrounded by Arameans, God opened the eyes of his fearful servant to show him that God was in the fight.
17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he can see.” The Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When we face an enemy, we need to see that there is more help from God that cannot be seen with the natural eye. We need to see with spiritual eyes. Look for the spiritual help in our unconventional fights. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Pray for God to show himself.
Secondly, we need to treat our enemy the way we want to be treated. God blinded the Arameans. They were now completely at Elisha’s disposal. The natural response would be to kill the enemy. But in verses 20-23, we see that God’s way was to fed Elisha’s enemy. The outcome was loving and lasting. They ate and left, never to return again as an enemy.
22 He replied, “Do not strike them down! You did not capture them with your sword or bow, so what gives you the right to strike them down? Give them some food and water, so they can eat and drink and then go back to their master.”
God has always stressed that we fight our enemies unconventionally with love. In Matt: 5:43, He says to love our enemy. In Romans 12:20, He calls for us to feed our foes.
Ro. 12:20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Ro. 12:20-21
We need to remember the unconventional war strategy of forgiveness. At the Table of The Lord, forgiveness being served:
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28
As Elisha brought his enemies to the table, bring your enemies the Communion table and remember to feed them forgiveness. Our strangest enemy was sin. Even stranger is God’s strategy against it—His Son’s body and blood. Now that’s fighting fire with strange fire. Pray for all the victims of the San Jose shooting.
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