29/12/2022 - THE FIRST TEST

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Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.   2 Kings 2.2

In the first test, Elisha was tireless, telling Elijah that he would follow him wherever he went. In the same way, we should be with God, no matter how far we have to walk to do His work, nor how costly or painful it may be. Once we have surrendered our lives to Him, we will carry out the orders. Whoever has been in Gilgal, walking back and forth, praying and asking to be used, must take advantage of the opportunities that arise.

Elisha could have thanked the prophet for having ordered him to stay in Gilgal. But, because he was his disciple, he wanted to be by his side to learn a little more of the work that one day he would do alone. So, he decided to stay with Elijah. In any situation, stay with God, and you will behold His glory. He knew that this would be his last chance to be with the person who really served the Most High. Elisha would not leave Elijah for nothing!

He who knows the Almighty makes the right decision. He knows that God is what matters to have in life. Ruth, even though she was a descendant of Lot, acted differently from Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 13.1-11). She clung to Naomi, declaring: Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God (Ruth 1.16). Choose the best!

If the Lord had sent Elijah to Jericho, why would Elisha stay elsewhere? As his disciple, he was obliged to go with him to the end. Beware of proposals that appear to come from God out of nowhere! If you take them for yourself, you will lose the glory reserved for you. Marriage is a commitment before God, so don’t let death destroy it, or a murderous spirit enter your heart to wish the worst for your spouse. Do not separate what the Lord has joined together (Matthew 19.6)!

Being a worker for a man of God is like a marriage, complete fellowship, excluding that which relates to marital intimacy. Those who have the patience to learn, and the wisdom to reject anything that takes them away from the leader, will come to the final test uncontaminated and with glory set apart for them. Trials come to show who we have believed. Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10). Pray!

Elisha said: I will not leave you. This is how all Christians should behave. Not even death can separate us from the love of God. With white clothes and no lack of oil on our heads, we must endure to the end (Ecclesiastes 9.8). Ignore the enemy, for his “hints” in times of trial is a lie. If you accept it, you will be cut off from the Lord’s wonderful plan.

Elisha’s firm stand made Elijah nod in his choice of apprentice – in continuing at the prophet’s side. There at the Jordan, Elisha heard confirmation of the plan that would soon be realized. Watch for what God will do along the way. Everything recorded in the Bible came from the One who is Omniscient.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares