In the second book of Kings is recorded an occasion when Elisha, the prophet, and his servant found themselves in a city surrounded by the horses and chariots of the king of Syria. Elisha was undisturbed by the situation confronting him, comprehending through spiritual sense the encompassing angels of God's presence, the spiritual truths which bring deliverance in every age. Elisha's servant, however, had not yet attained that calm and steadfast trust and was terrified, crying out (II Kings 6:15), "Alas, my master! how shall we do?"
Elisha neither rebuked nor condemned this fearful thought, nor did he pray for anything to happen humanly in order that they might be delivered. Instead he reassured his servant of their safety and prayed compassionately for him, "Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see." The record says, "The Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." In the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy the following definition of "eyes" is given (p. 586): "Spiritual discernment,—not material but mental."
God's protecting angel thoughts appeared to the servant in a form that he could comprehend. He saw them as horses and chariots—symbols of power and strength— and his human need of comfort and assurance was met. The world's great need today is for comfort and the assurance of God's ever-present love and protecting care, and this need is met in the same way now as in Elisha day. Whatever error is presented, whether it be war, lack, sickness, or sin, we should pray primarily for increased spiritual discernment, that our eyes may be opened to behold the omnipresence of good.
