Tell your children about the chariots of fire

The recent actions of the Supreme Court regarding marriage are troubling. Even though the court acted in defiance of God’s word, God is not threatened or worried. We must remember that our eyes only reveal part of what is real. The most impressive aspects of reality are those that are unseen. Your children need to know that what we can see pales in comparison to the reality that we cannot see.

If your children’s view of reality is limited to what they can see, they are in serious danger. Man’s arrogance is only part of the picture. As we read pubic opinion polls, as we see election results, as we experience the actions of congress and the courts, as we see sexual purity mocked, it is tempting to think we are in the minority. However, such thinking is unsound. As Elisha said over 2,500 years ago,

“Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Elisha’s young servant was afraid of the army of Aram, which had surrounded Elisha during the night. He was afraid because his understanding of reality was limited. Elisha prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened so that he could see. This is one of those times that we should put our Bibles down and marvel at the power of God.

The young man’s eyes were open! But they were open only to the reality that can be seen. This is how he recognized the army of Aram has surrounded them. His vision was just like yours and mine. It reveals only part of what is true. Elisha then prayed that his servant’s eyes would see reality as it is.  Then the servant saw the chariots of fire.

Now, here is the question to ask yourself and your children. Was the existence of the chariots of fire dependent upon the servant’s ability to see them? Of course not!

If you look out your window right now and look for chariots of fire will you see them? Probably not. Does this mean that you are wise to conclude that the chariots are not there? Not at all. The power of God is not limited to what you can see. Faith is what expands our vision to see what is really real. There is great comfort in the unseen reality.

The unseen armies of God provide hope that we can speak of the gospel with power. We have no need to panic or despair because of a judicial ruling. If we are to be salt and light we must first be confident of the reality that we cannot see. It is foolish to live only for what we can see. Tell your children about the chariots of fire. Tell them that those who are with us are more than those who are with them!