02/01/2023 - ELISHA REAFFIRMS HIS DECISION

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Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on.  2 Kings 2.6

Elisha’s trials continued, and he stood by his decision, for he would follow Elijah to the end. To walk with the Master should be the choice of all those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Some have already abandoned the faith, believing that once saved, always saved, regardless of their bad practices: And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved (Mark 13.13). Pray!

When enlightened by the Word and remain persevering, we will gain the greatest blessing of all: to ascend with Christ at His return (1 Thessalonians 4.16,17). Those who exchange Him for sin, money, or fame will be eternally sorry. When they have to walk into the lake of fire and brimstone, they will see that they have made the biggest mistake (Revelation 21.8). This is what happens to those who have committed crimes and were then condemned to great punishments.

What good did Saul’s plan to kill David do? The monarch wanted one of his sons to replace him in the kingdom of Israel. The Lord had planned that one of Jesse’s sons would be king of His people, but the demon-possessed Saul thought he could stand up to God and be victorious. He died a tragic death, committing suicide so that the archers would not catch him and mock him (1 Samuel 31:3-6). Whoever defies the Lord is crazy! Love God, and He will honor you!

In the same battle of Gilboa, Saul and three of his sons – Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchishua – died. We must submit to God, for we come from Him and must live for Him. Loving the Lord will make you loved by Him (John 14:21,23). It is rewarding to have Him as your Father! There is promise in that recognition: When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16.7).

It would have been better for Saul if he had let David lead his men, because he never lost a battle. How many wrong decisions do we make to offer more to our family? That king’s choice brought him the worst. He only didn’t finish David off because of the protection that the Most High gave to those who were after His heart, and that makes all the difference (Acts 13.22). Make an effort to be as God pleases, and be happy.

The order for Elisha to stay in Jericho was Elijah’s last request to his apprentice. However, he would never leave his master, because he knew that he would succeed him and thus help the Lord’s people. Our will must be for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus instructed us: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6.33).

In Elisha’s final test, we see that an instruction from the Father to someone must be taken seriously. The future prophet was to stand by Elijah’s side in order to learn the lessons coming from the actions of this man of God. Never feel tired, but go all the way!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares