DoublePortion_October2023_8.5x5.5_REV.indd

An anointed prophet- In response to Jehoshaphat’s question, an officer of the king of Israel replied, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah” (2 Kings 3:11). Elisha was in the early stages of his ministry and thus still identified with Elijah. That proved to be a positive, of course, so the kings sent for him. Note Elisha’s edgy response to their invitation. “Why do you want to involve me? Go to the prophets of your mother” (2 Kings 3:13). Perhaps he remembered his mentor’s reply to Ahaziah, choosing a new twist in his answer.Whatever the motive for his answer, it triggered this swift retort from the king of Israel, “No . . . because it was the Lord who called us three kings together to deliver us into the hands of Moab” (2 Kings 3:13). Here, we see the good side of an otherwise pagan Joram. Was he thinking of the tragedy surrounding the death of his predecessor Ahaziah? Whatever the case, Elisha wasn’t impressed, respond ing, “As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you” (2 Kings 3:14). Agreeing to get involved, Elisha says, “But now bring me a harp ist” (2 Kings 3:15). Perhaps he was thinking of these words from the psalmist: “Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp” (Psalm 147:7). Music is a powerful force in all realms of society, especially that which is sacred. Such music should honor and glorify God, Who is worthy of our praise.As David penned, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3, KJV). Praise to God also silences demonic forces. Martin Luther said, “Come let us sing a psalm, and drive away the devil.” I believe the Bible teaches that the angel Lucifer was once the praise leader of heaven before being cast down to earth. At that point, in his fall en state, he became the devil himself (Isaiah 14:12-15). Our praise

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