Things Unseen: God is on the Move
Are You Walking Past Your Miracle?
Seeing the Unseen: God's Kingdom at Work
The word focuses on one strong truth: God's Kingdom is in operation in our lives most of the time when we cannot see it. We looked further at that through the lens of 2 Kings, chapter 6:8-17 and Luke 17:20-21.
“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst”
“8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha”
The Story of Elisha and the Invisible Army
The scripture tells of the story of Elisha, a prophet of God, who repeatedly warned the King of Israel about surprise attacks from the King of Aram. The King of Aram, incensed by having his plans foiled, sought to capture Elisha. Elisha's servant saw a great army surrounding the city and panicked. Elisha, however, was not ruffled and prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened. When the vision of the servant cleared, he saw the "Army of Fire" encompassing them; God had sent it to protect Israel.
Are We Blind to the Blessings Around Us?
This story reminded me of how often we overlook the blessings and leading of God because we simply aren't looking for them. We may be searching in the wrong places or focusing on problems instead of possibilities. The message placed a challenge before us to ask ourselves:
What are we looking for in life?
Could the answer to our prayers be right in front of us, unseen?
The Holy Spirit: Our Guide and Helper
As if that were not enough, even as Elisha received divine insight, so do we have a dynamic helper in the Holy Spirit inside us. The Holy Spirit guides and gives wisdom and insight into things. He justifies and points us in the right direction and reveals things which otherwise we cannot know.
The message also spoke to the reality of spiritual attacks. Just as the King of Aram issued sneak attacks, so too might the enemy try to trip us up. By opening our eyes to that spiritual reality, we might be able to see the "Army of Fire" standing ready to fight on our behalf.
Living in the Kingdom: Action and Awareness
It was not a message of just receiving blessings, but one of action. We are active players in extending God's Kingdom on earth. At the same time, Jesus showed how one can be present in both the physical and spiritual realms. He saw beyond immediate circumstances and was able to respond to the needs around him.
The message ended with the speaker giving a powerful testimony. She related to a time when she was at the Swansea market and came across a stranger nudging in her spirit from God to speak with a stranger. That led to praying for the woman's ailing mother and showed just how the Kingdom works in everyday life.
A Call for Awakening: Open Your Eyes
It was a strong challenge: the message culminated in setting our eyes on what God is doing. Will you awaken to see the Kingdom in action in and through your life? Is there someone you need to reach out to, or a situation where God is waiting to move through you?
Let's Pray
Take a moment to reflect on the message. Ask yourself:
What am I looking for in life?
Am I blind to something God is trying to show me?
Pray and ask God to open your eyes to the unseen realities around you.
Ask Him to guide you and use you to be a part of His Kingdom's work.
Sermon delivered by Pastor Jess Silikiwai on September 29, 2024, at the City Church Swansea Sunday Service.