28/12/2022 - THE FINAL EXAM

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And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Kings 2.1

All over the world, good schools are strict and have an interesting way of instructing, leading the student to give his best during the learning process. Bad schools, on the other hand, have flexible standards. If you were to choose a school for your child, in which model would you like to see him/her graduate and pass? In the first one, don’t you agree? Surely, you would be fulfilled to see them being invited to work in the best companies.

When we convert, we soon accept this invitation from Jesus: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11.29). He not only invites us to come to Him for healing, to be delivered from evil works, and to receive the Holy Spirit, but also to participate as students in the powerful school where He studied: that of the heavenly Father, guided by the Comforter (John 8.28).

Elisha was already serving the Lord and seeking to know His will. One day he felt that he would be invited by the prophet Elijah to learn to fulfill the mission determined for him. One day, while working on his father’s farm, Elisha noticed something being thrown at him and was thrilled: the anointing from on high had descended at that very moment. He looked and saw that Elijah had thrown his cloak over him (1 Kings 19.19). The apprentice left everything and engaged himself in the work.

Elisha enrolled in the school of the Holy Spirit, serving the man who would teach the necessary in the years to come. At first, he did nothing except throw water on Elijah’s hands to wash them. This served as a scoff to King Joram, when asked by Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, if there was no prophet in the Northern Kingdom. Although he was in trouble, he mockingly said that there was Elisha, who poured water on Elijah’s hands (2 Kings 3.11).

This mockery by Joram was a sign to Jehoshaphat, a man of God, showing that Elisha was exactly the man they needed. So, he was called in and gave the right direction. The good student shows the solution to crises. This is how we should act in times of need, for in the school of the Lord we learn the way to do God’s work: serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews (Acts 20.19).

In these messages, which form a group of ten studies on the election of Elisha, we will see how good it is to be patient, persevering, and a true servant of the Lord. Without these holy ingredients, no one will be approved by the Most High. Many have fallen by the wayside, and their blessing has been devoured by the devil (Luke 8.5). How sad it is to see some going astray, because they have received the heavenly call and have not moved forward. They will suffer greatly in eternity!

It was the beginning of the final test. Being in Gilgal, which means circle, and having already gone through different teachings and trials, they left for Bethel – the house of God. Study the Word carefully, because one day you will be put before a test and you need to pass it with praise. The Lord has a great and noble ministry for you!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares