In second Kings 2:19-21 we read: “The people of the city said to Elisha, ‘Look, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive.’ ‘Bring me a new bowl,’ he said, ‘and put salt in it.’ So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.’”
The city fathers came to Elisha about their city, Jericho. It was well located but there were some problems. Where ever you find people, there are problems. You cannot separate human beings from problems. You may be well positioned in life but believe me, there are problems for you out there. Money, you may have the money you want. Things may be balancing and you may be able to invest for your future, but as long as you are a human being, there are always problems to encounter. The city of Jericho was well located, but Jericho had problems. Let me share you with this radical idea: Problems are not going anywhere! Problems are here to stay.
I commend the city fathers of Jericho. They had problems in the city of Jericho. The water was bitter and the ground was not productive, yet the city fathers appreciated something out of that situation. They appreciated the location of Jericho. Do you know how to appreciate what you have? Learn to appreciate what you have. We have dwelt many times on the negative side of things, it is time to look at the positive side of things. Appreciate the husband you have, yes, he may be ugly but that’s what you have. We are living in that generation where people cannot only say good things about something. Even in olden times, the good and the bad were there. But what do you choose to dwell on?
It is human to fret and fume over those little things and be angry for a long time to come. That does not help us at all. When it comes to the loss of our beloved ones, let us try to focus more on the positive if we are to find healing and comfort.
The city fathers of Jericho had envisioned a better Jericho. They saw how things could get improved. We call this kind of seeing vision. And vision is defined by Jonathan Swift and Irish author as: “vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” Vision is seeing that Jericho can be a better place. The city fathers had a vision for a better Jericho. What is exciting is that they brought the problem to Elisha the prophet, the man of God. The best way of solving the enigmas of life, the problems of life, is to bring ourselves to God, with our problems. Let me say this: Problems are the breeding ground for visions. This is the right time to see vision. In our grief, catch a vision. When we lose a parent, catch a vision. When you lose a spouse, catch a vision. When you lose a child, catch a vison. When you lose your workmate, catch a vision. When you lose your job, catch a vision. When you lose your money, catch a vision. When you lose your faith, catch a vision. The problem of Jericho was resolved when the men of Jericho caught a vison of a better Jericho. In our crisis, catch a vision. In Coronavirus pandemic, catch a vision. Vision sees through the grave!
Blessed are those who in the death of their beloved ones can catch a vision. Vison is seeing that which is invisible to others. Look through the grave and see Him, He who said “I will come again to take you so that where I am you may be also.” Vision allows you to see Him come with a trumpet sound, voice of an archangel, and the dead in Christ rising first. And we who are alive and remain shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Catch the vision!
Problems are not going anywhere. Problems are here to stay!
Problems are the breeding ground for visions!