2 Kings 3:13-20 –Living a life that can influence outcome

When the three kings came before Elisha, the prophet could not help but sneer at the king of Israel. It was obvious that he despised him. Although Jehoram had removed his father’s sacred pillars dedicated to Baal, he was still idolatrous at heart. So Elisha sarcastically asked why he did not consult one of Baal’s prophets whom his parents trusted. To save his own skin, Jehoram borrowed the presence of Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom. He forwarded the reason that it was the LORD who had set them up and led them into the hand of Moab. His excuse showed how conceited he was to suggest that their predicament was the LORD’s making. He certainly had a very faulty view of God.  

He was fortunate that Jehoshaphat was with him. It was on his account that Elisha accommodated them and was willing to seek God on their behalf. He told the wicked king that it was because of Jehoshaphat’s presence that he entertained him. He then asked for a minstrel. It was only as the musician played his instrument, most likely a harp, that the Lord moved and told them what to do. Through Elisha, the LORD revealed to them what they should do.

In verses 16 -17 the LORD  told them to dig trenches in the valley for he was going to bring water despite the arid condition. Even without wind or rain, the LORD would fill all the trenches with water, so that they, their cattle, and the animals would have water to drink. Furthermore, the LORD  promised to deliver Moab into their hand so that they could do whatever they would to them. God told them saying, “…you shall strike every fortified city and every choice city, and fell every good tree and stop all springs of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.’” Verse 2o said that as Elisha had unfolded, everything happened as he said. In the morning about the time of offering the sacrifice, water came by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

In this account, the presence of Jehoshaphat brought blessings to an otherwise adverse situation. On his account, Israel and Edom were rescued from their certain destruction. Do we have the power of influence like Jehoshaphat whom people are blessed by God because they are in our company? Have we built a relationship with God so that He will make us His channel of blessing to the lost? Like Abraham, we have a mandate. We are blessed so that we can be blessings to others. Like Jehoshaphat, we can cultivate a rich relationship with God and be His instrument that can influence outcomes. Let’s do it for the glory of God!