The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there." – 2 Kings 6:9

Today's Scripture Reading (January 22, 2023): 2 Kings 6

On Sunday, June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany began its assault on the Soviet Union. The code name of the German invasion was "Operation Barbarossa," named after the twelfth-century Holy Roman Empire and German King Frederick Barbarossa. Operation Barbarossa is the largest land offensive in military history, with over ten million combatants participating in the battle. At the time, the United Kingdom, along with the countries of the British Commonwealth, was unsure what to do with Joseph Stalin and his Soviet Union. There were so many areas where the Allies disagreed with Stalin and his beliefs. But the one thing they had in common was the knowledge that Adolf Hitler and his Nazi war machine had to be stopped. And so, they held an uneasy alliance as the Soviet Union began to defend its territory against the aspirations of the German war machine.

On the eve of Operation Barbarossa, Winston Churchill made an important confession about Stalin to his personal secretary, John Coville. Churchill told him, "If Hitler invaded Hell, I would make at least a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons." Later, The Soviet Union would become a thorn in the security plans of the United States and Britain, as well as most of the "free" world. But for now, they could play at being friends. It is a good example of the ancient military philosophy that is summed up by the phrase, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Elisha had problems with the corrupt Kings of Israel. He wanted them to repent of their ways and return to the path that God had intended for their Kingdom. But where Ahab had made himself an enemy of Elijah, Jehoram and Elisha had at least an uneasy alliance. Elisha was willing to prove with his actions that God was still on the side of Israel, even if Jehoram and the rest of the kings had rejected him. And Jehoram had learned to trust the information given to him by Elisha. The two were not even close to being friends, but they were allies. And in their own way, both wanted what was best for Israel.

So, Jehoram makes Elisha a welcome visitor to his court. And the King of Aram begins to understand that it is more than just Jehoram against whom he has to fight. His war is also with Elisha and the God who insists on protecting his people, even when they have lost their way.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 7