03.44. The Intervention of Elisha

The Intervention of Elisha The aspect of things for Naaman was at present not very cheering. Could then the hint of the Israelitish maiden have been only a delusion? Had imagination raised up visions which sad reality was to dispel? Naaman had reached the end of his journey, but hitherto it appeared to have been performed in vain. Is then Samaria as Damascus? Is there no help in Israel? Was the leper’s last hope to be given up? Not so. Here was only one of those many instances, in which it has been "good for a man to wait and quietly hope for" the Lord’s mercies. The more desperate the case appeared, the more signally was it to display the Lord’s power. The world with its wisdom, its skill, and its expedients, was first put to shame: and the reason is obvious; for the granting of Divine relief, after every human means had failed, would the more evidently redound to the glory of God, and to the consequent benefit of man. The news of the celebrated stranger’s arrival in Samaria, and of the scene that had taken place in the palace, quickly spread throughout Israel, and soon reached Elisha’s humble dwelling at Jericho. When he heard of the reception given by the king to the afflicted stranger, he was not a little affected by it. He was devoted to the honor of Jehovah, and thus to see it clouded, could not fail to pain him at the heart. Could the king already have forgotten that there is a living God in Israel! Could he thus, expose Israel to the scorn of the heathen, as if here also the fountains were dried up, as if all truth had failed! The zeal of the prophet does not pine away in musings, but displays itself in action. He instantly dispatches a messenger to the capital, with orders to appear before the monarch, and to say to him in his name, "Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel!" What great words! How sublime this interposition of the man of God! He comes forth from his seclusion, like the sun breaking through the dark clouds. He assumes, indeed, a high and lofty tone, but it is warranted. It is no idle boast. Let others rend their garments at will; but for Israel on such an occasion to do so were unworthy. The kingdom of Jehovah is not a realm of poverty. How noble and public-spirited was the feeling of the man of God! Wave proudly aloft, thou banner of Zion. There is no shade like thine. Come hither, come hither, all ye who need counsel and help. What a whole world cannot furnish we here possess. Is it wisdom that you seek? Do not doubtfully inquire what it is, and where it is to be found. It is found already; its fire is in Zion. Is it peace? Rend not your clothes, as if peace were unheard of in Zion. Seek it on her rich pastures. Here its streams murmur, and its gentle breezes blow. Is it righteousness? O take courage, though you have not yet attained it in your spiritual bondage. In Zion a heavenly righteousness prevails, the righteousness of God, and you may be clothed with it, as with a robe of light. Is it strength, to triumph over the cares of life and the fear of death, that you desire? The inventions of human wisdom cannot impart it. But fear not, there is still no reason for despondency. Come to Salem, and we engage that whatever opposes you shall be vanquished at your feet. Yes, search out your innermost wants, express your most hidden desires, however great or many they may be; give vent to them all: within the boundaries of Christ’s kingdom we promise you their most ample gratification and fulfillment. Here there is an end of poverty; here heaven pours out its fulness. Here is the termination of every grief. Then "let him that is athirst come." Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness."