2 Kings 2:1-18
Monday, 5 September 2022
“As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” -2Kings 2:2
We read of Elisha smoothly transitioning into the ministry that Elijah was leaving to him at his departure. From the time Elijah left from Gilgal until Elisha received the blessing, several trials crossed Elisha’s way that attempted to hinder them. However, Elisha remained focused on obtaining the double portion.
Opposition Did Not Shake His Determination
At every turn the sons of the prophets ask Elisha the same question, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” This question is literally this: “Why are you still following that old man? The Lord is through with him and is calling him to heaven today. You would be better off to stay with us, or to strike out on your own.”
If you decide that you are going after God until you obtain the double portion, you may face opposition from the people around you. Wholehearted commitment to the cause of Christ leaves many people perplexed. Don’t let the crowd shake you, just run with God!
Opportunities Did Not Shake His Determination
Every time they passed through a city, Elijah even attempted to get Elisha to stay, it was designed to test his determination. Of course, each of the places (Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and Jordan) has a special place in the heart of the Jew. These were opportunities for Elisha to stop and to settle down!
We too find ourselves at these same places in our walk with the Lord. Far too many believers spend their entire Christian lives at Gilgal, never grow and they never leave the place of beginnings. Some go as far as Bethel. They catch the vision of God’s great work which must be done, but never take the next step of making those dreams and visions realities. Still others hold onto their Jerichos. They live in the victories of yesterday, remember what happened back there, forgetting that the same God Who blessed then is desiring to bless now. Then some come to Jordan. This is the barrier between the self-life and the Spirit-life. Few ever take that final step of faith to be enthusiastic and go with God all the way. Out of all the prophets, only Elisha had enough faith to cross the river and go with Elijah thus received the double portion. Don’t allow the opportunities to settle down along the way to hinder your progress, but by faith, proceed with God and watch Him remove the barriers.
Obstacles Did Not Shake His Determination
Elijah tried three times to get Elisha to stay behind. The Jordan also stood as a barrier between Elisha receiving what he desired. Still he went on! He resolved in his heart to stay with Elijah. Even the Jordan was no obstacle to this man’s faith. He did not want to miss the blessing despite the difficulties.
When you determine to go with God, be forewarned that obstacles will cross your path. Remember when they do that they are there because God has permitted them in your life, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) These obstacles will test your resolve, but they are God’s responsibility! If God has put a determination within your heart to go with Him, then let nothing keep you from going with Him! Receive the double portion of His blessing despite all obstacles.
Food for thought:
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
- Charles Spurgeon