Impossibly Easy

Reflections on 2 Kings 1-3 in a Time of Crisis

A divine perspective has the power to pull us out of the despair of an uncertain crisis.

The book of 2 Kings opens with both a transition and a crisis. Following Elijah’s whirlwind departure from this world in a chariot of fire, Elisha steps into his role as the prophetic voice. And facing the impending threat from the rebellious nation of Moab, a trio of kings from Israel, Judah, and Edom join together to fight.

From a human perspective, these three kingdoms would unquestionably fall into the hands of the Moabites. A seven-day march had left the three armies and their animals were completely without water. Despair and hopelessness seemed inevitable; defeat was imminent. But the desperate kings turned to a prophetic voice as a last resort.

Elisha promises a miracle of God that eventually provides victory as the valley fills with pools of water and the Moabites are driven back to their land. But Elisha does more than simply predict what will happen.

In addition to telling the kings how God will give them victory over Moab, Elisha reminds them of a much needed truth about the God who is granting their victory. Second Kings 3:17-18 reads, “This is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle, and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands.” A miraculous flow of water without the expected rain and wind is the answer to the kingdoms’ impending defeat by the Moabites. But notice carefully how God describes His mighty act: this is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord.

Contrast the perspective of the kings and the promise of the prophet. The kings are looking at an impossibility. The prophet sees an easy solution.

The transforming power of a biblical perspective in light of the crisis of our day is desperately needed. News cycles on 24/7 repeat remind us of the insurmountable problems we face, especially today. The global pandemic is wreaking havoc on everything that feels normal, and the unsettledness of life is fertile soil for despair and defeat. Can we stop the spreading virus? Will life ever get back to the way it was? The loss of jobs, the financial hardships, the missed gatherings and celebrations, the mourning of the normalcy, and more can make us feel as though we are parched in the desert. Disoriented. Confused. Lost. Defeated.

How God will work in our crisis is unclear. But we know He will work. The God of 2 Kings 3 is still reigning today. He has not changed, and He is still in charge. Impossible things are easy for Him. Unbeatable odds are no match for His power and might. There is no crisis too great for our God to redeem; the God of whom we can say: “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Is there a miracle on the horizon? Perhaps. But regardless of how God chooses to work during this time, we can rest confidently in Him. Speaking hope into your despair is easy for Him. Providing for you in an unsettled economy isn’t too hard for God. Healing the incurable is not problematic for Him. Restoring that which is lost is effortless for God’s mighty power.

This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord. And that changes everything.

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by Michael Gunnin, Chief Growth Officer of Walk Thru the Bible.