YEAR 2, WEEK 40, Day 7, Sunday, 5 October 2025

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 5 October 2025:

Psalm 92:1-2 — It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.

Praise is not only right, it is spiritually nourishing. It is “good” for us because it aligns our hearts with truth. Declaring God’s love in the morning is like spiritual armor for the day ahead. David prayed, “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust” (Psalm 143:8). By beginning the day with God’s love, you are reminded of your security in Him. Ending the day by declaring His faithfulness ensures that gratitude triumphs over anxiety. Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10), and Paul exhorts us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). If praise is neglected, discouragement fills the void. Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison (Acts 16:25), and their praise shook the foundations. Praise recalibrates the soul to see God clearly.

Psalm 92:5-7 — How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever.

God’s thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). His wisdom is not discovered by natural intellect but revealed through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Those who ignore Him are blind to eternal reality. The wicked appear to prosper briefly, like grass that grows fast but withers quickly (Psalm 37:1-2, James 1:10-11). Pharaoh flourished in wealth and power but was destroyed by God’s hand in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28). Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and was humbled to madness until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:33-37). The fool lives as if God does not exist (Psalm 14:1), but faith enables the righteous to see the deeper reality — God rules forever and will judge.

Psalm 92:12-14 — The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.

The palm tree is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions; the cedar is strong, enduring, and fragrant. These images point to the flourishing of the righteous who are rooted in God. Jeremiah 17:7-8 describes the man who trusts in the Lord as “a tree planted by water” that does not fear heat or drought. Jesus declared that those who abide in Him will bear much fruit (John 15:5). Spiritual fruitfulness is not limited by age or circumstances — Moses was called at 80, Caleb claimed the hill country at 85, Anna the prophetess served in prayer and fasting into her old age (Luke 2:36-37). This means your usefulness in God’s kingdom does not expire. If you are planted in Him, you will flourish in every season.

2 Kings 6:1-4 — Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.

The ministry of Elijah and Elisha was bearing fruit. The number of prophets had grown so much that their dwelling place was no longer sufficient. Healthy things grow — whether in nature, in families, or in the kingdom of God. When the Holy Spirit is at work, there is multiplication, not stagnation. In Acts 6:1, we read that “when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose….” Growth created both opportunity and challenges, but it was evidence of God’s blessing.

The sons of the prophets took initiative to expand their facilities, yet they wanted Elisha’s blessing and presence. Notice: Elisha did not personally build the house, but the work would not have gone forward without his approval and guidance. His presence represented God’s presence, and their growth remained tied to God’s word and authority. The same is true today — churches may grow in number or in activity, but if Christ is not present at the center, the work is vain (Psalm 127:1).

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32). Though tiny, it grows amazingly large. God brings supernatural growth beyond human ability. Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” The question for us: who is guiding and influencing the growth of the church today? Is it man’s strategies, or is it the Spirit of God through His word?

2 Kings 6:5-7 — But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

This was no small loss. Iron was costly, not easily replaced, and here it belonged to another — it was borrowed. The servant was rightly distressed because he had lost what was entrusted to him. God cares about such “small” matters of daily life. His concern is not only for kings and nations but also for a borrowed tool. Jesus assures us of this same tender care: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God” (Luke 12:6).

Elisha threw a stick into the water and the iron floated. There was no natural connection between stick and iron. God simply overruled the laws of nature. This was a true miracle, in which God suspended ordinary processes. Spurgeon said, “God can do all things, he can make iron swim — we cannot — and yet you see the prophet did it, and he did it by the use of a stick.” God works through means, but only He does the impossible.

The miracle also carried a lesson: God cares about what is borrowed. The servant’s sensitivity reminds us of Psalm 37:21 — “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” God honors integrity and responsibility, and here He graciously restored what was lost.

Importantly, Elisha told the man to pick it up for himself. God did what no man could do — He made iron float. Yet Elisha did not place the iron into the servant’s hand; the man still had to reach out and take it. This interplay between God’s part and our part is a pattern throughout all of Scripture. God alone raises the dead, forgives sins, turns hearts, and makes the impossible possible. Yet His miracles are often completed in partnership with human obedience. When Jesus healed the paralytic, He commanded, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk” (Mark 2:9). God supplies the power, but we must respond with faith and action.

Jesus used the analogy of the Vine and the branches to explain this partnership (John 15:4-5). “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The branch cannot produce life on its own, and the Vine does not bear fruit without the branch. The branch exists for no other purpose than to bear fruit, but only as it abides, continually connected, with the life of the Vine flowing through it.

Fruit-bearing is completely outward. The branch does not feed on its own fruit, nor does it benefit from the fruit itself — it exists to bless others, to reveal the vitality of the Vine, and to multiply beyond measure. Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but no one can count the number of apples in a seed. When we are connected to Jesus, His life flows through us, and the harvest far exceeds anything we could calculate or imagine.

This mystery of cooperation reveals the paradox of grace and effort. Dallas Willard said, “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” God does what only He can do — He gives life, He makes iron float, He raises the dead, He abides in us — but we must do what we can do. We must abide, obey, step forward, reach out our hand, love others, and walk in the Spirit. Jesus promised, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

God has already equipped us with all that is necessary: His Spirit, His Word, His commission, His presence. Nothing can stop His will from being accomplished through us if we are willing to step into it and abide in Him. Paul expressed this balance beautifully in Philippians 2:12-13: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Without Christ, we can do nothing; but if we do nothing, it will be without Christ.

Thus Elisha’s command, “Take it up for yourself,” becomes a living picture of how God calls us to participate in His work. God does the miracle, but He does not bypass us. He invites us to join Him, to act in faith, to step forward and receive what His power has made possible.

2 Kings 6:8-10 — Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.

Here we see God revealing to Elisha the secret counsels of the Syrian king. This was divine revelation, not human intelligence. Scripture affirms that “the secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us” (Deuteronomy 29:29). God at times reveals hidden things to His people: Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream when no wise man could (Daniel 2:27-28). Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisees before they spoke (Matthew 9:4). Paul was caught up into the third heaven and heard things inexpressible (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).

• Amos 3:7 — For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.

Jehoram, son of Ahab, though not a godly king, benefited from Elisha’s counsel. Unlike Elijah, who often fled from Ahab, Elisha was received as a trusted counselor. This demonstrates God’s mercy. He may bless an ungodly ruler for the sake of His people, just as He blessed Egypt during Joseph’s time (Genesis 41).

Elisha served as God’s ambassador in Israel, and we are called to the same role today. Paul writes, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Just as Elisha brought God’s wisdom to a corrupt king, so we are to bring God’s word into workplaces, families, communities, even to those who may not yet know Him. And like Elisha, our goal is not to prop up human power, but to point others toward the salvation and will of God.

2 Kings 6:11-13 — And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?” And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.”

The Syrian king assumed there was a traitor in his ranks. Instead, God Himself was the source of Israel’s intelligence. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). No secret counsel escapes Him.

Elisha’s reputation spread, even his enemies knew he could not be outwitted. This should remind us of how the early church was known: “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (Acts 17:6). When the Spirit of God is at work, even the world recognizes something beyond human explanation.

2 Kings 6:15-17 — When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Fear arises when we see only the visible. The servant panicked, but Elisha lived by faith, knowing the unseen reality of God’s protection. Hebrews 11:27 says Moses “endured as seeing him who is invisible.” Psalm 34:7 promises, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him.” Revelation 19:14 gives a picture of God’s heavenly army — Jesus’ victory is never in doubt. Elisha didn’t ask God to change the situation, but to change the servant’s vision. Sometimes the greatest miracle is not a change in circumstances but a change in sight, a total change in perspective as we see all circumstances through the reality of God’s sovereignty, perfect love, perfect providence, and guaranteed promises. Paul prayed for believers’ eyes to be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18), because spiritual blindness distorts reality. Faith is walking by unseen truth rather than visible fear (2 Corinthians 5:7). What we see with physical eyes is temporary, but what we cannot see is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

• 2 Corinthians 5:7 — For we walk by faith, not by sight.
• Hebrews 11:1 — Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
• Romans 10:17 — So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
• Romans 1:17 — For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
• Romans 5:1 — Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Hebrews 11:6 — And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
• Galatians 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Kings 6:18-20 – And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.

God not only opens eyes but can also blind them. Just as He confused the Egyptians with the pillar of cloud (Exodus 14:19-20) and struck the men of Sodom with blindness (Genesis 19:11), here He removes the Syrians’ ability to perceive. Spiritual blindness is both judgment and mercy — it prevents enemies from succeeding in destruction but also humbles them. Paul was struck blind on the Damascus road, which led him to true sight (Acts 9:8-18). Blindness of the heart is the default condition of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), but God in His mercy gives sight through the gospel.

2 Kings 6:21-23 – As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?” He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.

The king wanted vengeance, but Elisha modeled mercy. Rather than killing his enemies, he fed them and sent them home. This principle anticipates Christ’s teaching: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). Paul echoes this: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (Romans 12:20). The result was peace — Syria no longer raided Israel. Mercy achieved what violence could not. David spared Saul’s life multiple times, leaving vengeance to the Lord (1 Samuel 24:12). Jesus Himself prayed for His enemies from the cross, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Showing mercy in the face of hostility demonstrates the gospel’s power more than retaliation ever could.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 5 October 2025: The unifying theme in both Psalm 92 and 2 Kings 6 is spiritual sight. Psalm 92 contrasts the blindness of the fool with the sight of the righteous who see God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. 2 Kings 6 shows that sight determines whether you respond in fear or in faith, vengeance or mercy. To live with true sight is to interpret all things through God’s character and promises, not through your circumstances. Today, choose to see life through the lens of God’s truth. Begin the day praising His love, walk through the day trusting His unseen power, and end the day reflecting on His faithfulness.

Pray: “Lord, open my eyes to see You clearly. Keep me from the blindness of the fool who judges by appearances. Teach me to begin each day with thanksgiving, to see Your invisible hand when fear surrounds me, and to respond with mercy rather than vengeance. Help me to fix my eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, trusting that Your steadfast love and faithfulness surround me in every circumstance. Give me sight that transforms my fear into faith and my enemies into opportunities for mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”