More Important Than Chariots and Horseman
Kings are most generally Type-A men whose egos are big and who rely on the power of their military might to squash any rebellion within their jurisdiction and to defeat any enemy of their respective countries. Throughout history, the world has seen many powerful men who have amassed greater and greater armies in their pursuit of power, land, and wealth. It is interesting, then, to compare these typical kings with the atypical King Joash of Israel in II Kings 13.
As Elisha (the man of God and protégé of Elijah) lay dying, King Joash made the effort to travel to his bedside and see him one last time. With tears falling down his face, Joash said, "O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!" (II Kings 13:14). What a scene to imagine! Here is the great king, powerful, respected and feared by his subjects. He was likely know and a tough and ready warrior who should not be messed with. And here is this great man -- crying his heart out, leaning over a dying man.
More importantly than the scene itself is to ask why this was occurring. The reason seems clear: Joash had an acute understanding of God's tremendous power. Joash was aware of all that Elisha had done (and maybe even Elijah) and respected that power which came from God.
More than any chariots or any horses, more than swords, and more than any great armies, God was the One capable of bringing both victory and defeat.
What a wonderful lesson for us! Being in awe of God's power and having faith in that power, as opposed to having faith in the things of this world is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. A leader of any business, political state, or any family that believes in God is better because of it. When given the choice of a dependence on the world and its wisdom or relying solely on God, our desire to lean on God is absolute.
The faith that Joash had in Elisha and in the God of creation is a faith that you and I must work on each day. In spite of all the challenges we might face and advice we might received from the world in how to combat those challenges, the best decision we'll make is to turn to God and seek His care. Let us carry this message in our hearts each day and do all we can to share this message with others.