31/10/2022 - THE WORD WAS WITH ELISHA

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And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.  2 Kings 3.12

A person’s dedication to the Kingdom of God is proven in his simple acts. The servant of the Most High will never accept a favor if it is done by a person who does not serve the Lord with all his heart. In the little things, a leader knows whether or not he can give the worker the chance to learn and be used in the work in his place. The prophet Elijah saw Elisha’s humility, so he gave him the necessary teachings.

By placing water on Elijah’s hands, the son of Shaphat proved himself to be modest and capable of serving the Lord with integrity. From the moment the prophet threw his cloak over his apprentice, he knew that God had set apart a man to be his successor (1 Kings 19.19). Thus, it led him to understand the role of the true servant of the Most High. In ministry, we must give sons to God, who will not put to shame their position as ministers of the Gospel (1 Timothy 1.2; Titus 1.4).

We see what a person will be in the future by the love they show for the Gospel. Those who are concerned about walking according to the latest fashion, thinking only of futilities, without ever preparing themselves to please God, are not sent to the noblest mission on earth: to be Heaven’s representatives (2 Timothy 2.4; 2 Corinthians 5.20). Those called by the Almighty have other goals in life, because their concern is to do good.

Jesus’ response, who, at the age of 12, was already taking care of the Father’s business, reveals a characteristic of one chosen to continue leading the work and why He stayed in Jerusalem: And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2.49). No wonder that the faithful devote themselves to God with all their heart and all their strength, without worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6.25-34). The saints need to serve the Lord in the best way possible!

We can observe David’s preparation in the remark made by King Saul’s servants when they told him about Jesse’s son: Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.” (1 Samuel 16.18). Instead of using his gifts to win the girls, David showed that he loved God.

Jehoshaphat feared the Lord and went with Ahab and the king of Edom to fight against the king of Moab, who no longer wanted to be tributary to the new king of Samaria, son of Ahab. Seeing that they were in trouble, for there was no water for them or for their cattle, he asked if there was not a prophet there. When he heard that Elisha was pouring water into Elijah’s hands, he understood that the Word of the Lord was with the prophet (2 Kings 3.1-11). If you are in a difficult situation, look for the one who has the Word. God solves it!

The Most High speaks through His Word, using His servants. Therefore, when you are in church, keep your heart alert in order to understand the message that will be given to you. Battles and suffering will be avoided if we listen to the Lord. When you receive His message, claim it to be done. After all, God would not speak for nothing (Ezekiel 12.25).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares