2 Kings 8 - Power and Authority

Elisha continues to ensure that the Shunammite woman is provided for.  After seven years of living in the land of Philistines during the famine, she returns.  Because of her connection to Elisha; because it is her son that the infamous Elisha has raised from the dead, the king intercedes for her and makes sure she receives her land back.  Not sure why this woman was picked as a favored one by God.  But, she was.  Elisha has seen to it that she has been blessed. 

The rest of the chapter seems to be about deceit and war and way too many kings.  I try to imagine this land that we're reading about.  It doesn't appear to be all that large; yet, there are a whole lot of kings (and their people) who spend a whole lot of time over the generations killing each other to get this land and to lord it over others. 

I'd much rather be reading about the exploits of Elisha who hears the word of the Lord and speaks it, than to read about all these kings killing each other and the people over property and power.  It is sad that they do not know that all power and authority belong to God.  It is sad that so many today do not comprehend this reality and spend their lives trying to make a name for themselves instead of supporting one another.

May our eyes be opened to see the futility of our strivings against one another.