30/12/2022 - RECOGNIZED AS A WORKER

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Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”         2 Kings 2.3

The sons of the prophets told Elisha that on that day, God would take Elijah to Heaven. They recognized that Elisha would succeed that brave and obedient prophet. However, they neither showed jealousy nor were they hurt by the divine choice. This shows that their leader knew how to prepare them for the replacement that would one day follow. Men of God must give their lives to form leaders, because this produces good disciples (2 Timothy 2.2).

If Elijah had been an improper man before the Lord and all the people, he would have raised up as successor whomever his deceitful heart desired, without waiting for the divine choice (Jeremiah 17.9). In God’s harvest, succession should never occur that way. The Almighty has the preeminence to separate the one who can really represent Him. Those chosen by man tend not to care for the work as the one the Most High calls, teaches and tests.

God chose Saul, but he went astray, and it was not the Lord’s fault (1 Samuel 16.1ff). Leaders should keep in mind that many allow themselves to be led astray by temptations. Now, those who love the Most High never stop doing what pleases Him. Therefore, never be frightened by those who let go of the purpose of the Kingdom and start their own plans. Cry out for the Church, that there may never be division in the work (Philippians 2:3,4). He is the Master!

The Lord makes His children know His purpose for their lives and reveals His plan to them (Amos 3.7). However, if some give in to the enemy, the attitudes of these people sever the bond of Father and son. In such cases, the unfaithful need to repent. If they persist in their error, they will suffer at the hands of the devil (Proverbs 29.1).

It is interesting to note that the sons of the prophets at Bethel knew that on that day God would take Elijah over Elisha’s head. They were shown the purpose of the Most High and they equaled Elisha in that revelation. The future prophet made a request for them to be silent about it. The revelation received on a subject should never be published until the right time, but shared with the other members of the ministry of intercession!

Elisha followed Elijah’s steps with twofold attention. Deep in his heart, he felt that he would have to see his master’s transfer to Heaven. His diploma as a successor would depend on it. There are essential things that the apprentice must receive in order to perform his task. By serving the Lord under the guidance of that courageous prophet, Elisha was prepared and approved for the replacement.

For Elijah, traveling on the wings of God’s Spirit was the most important thing. He would not die like other people. Now he was pleased to elect his successor. This was because the son of Shaphat knew how to be humble and dedicated to accomplish twice as much as his master (2 Kings 2.9).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares