25/10/2023 - DECISIVE MOMENT

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Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.  2 Kings 2.15

In Jericho, the sons of the prophets were astonished at what they saw in the act of Elisha not taking his eyes off his master. Elisha saw the prophet’s cloak fall off and went after it. After picking up the cloak, he walked toward the Jordan River, whose waters his predecessor had caused to open for both of them to pass. From then on, with the garment in his hands, everything that followed would be like a test of approval or not for Elijah’s successor. We must approach the Lord approved as workers (2 Timothy 2:15)!

Just at is was with Elisha, people about to be led by a new church leader also need to see if the newcomer has God’s power at work in his life, or if he is a mere storyteller. Now, isn’t that what Jesus guaranteed we would have? But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). If we have power, it will manifest itself!

If the new pastor of the congregation does not show that he is used by the Lord as much or more than the previous leader, the church may empty out if members start visiting other places. But if the new worker demonstrates that he has been called to do works equal to or even greater than those of the Master himself (John 14:12), he will be successful. His attitudes will prove whether he truly believes in Jesus. The Savior did not say that some would be special, but that whoever believed in Him would do the same works done by Him!

Elisha had asked for a double portion, and the “homework” was given to him, for, as the prophet said, his request was hard (2 Kings 2:10). However, if he fulfilled the task, his request would be granted. Here was Elisha’s secret: he had accepted what he felt in his heart and, just as the prophet loved the Lord, he was also loved by the Most High and strived to keep his eyes on the man of God. Those who keep their focus on the Lord will learn to do the work with heavenly ability.

The prophets stayed afar because of divine fear. It was not their desire to see the work being done, but rather they were led by the Lord to observe how Elijah would be led above Elisha’s head. Thus, they would never forget it. Their hearts rejoiced in a wonderful and supernatural way. Those witnesses no longer stood before that vision, but prostrated themselves before him, as if to say, “We are your servants; use us as you wish.” 

The same thing happened to David while he reigned only in Hebron. There the rulers of Israel came to meet him and told him that they were glad to have him on the throne. They were so many that the king marveled. As David rode along on foot or on the back of an animal, many declared themselves his servants. The king greeted them and listened to what they said, and all with one voice were ready to honor him. When something comes from God, one should say yes!

Then the sons of the prophets bowed to the ground, showing that they honored the new leadership. Today, there needs to be this acknowledgment before a new pastor. Thus, the work of the previous one will not suffer damage. Otherwise, the damage will be equal to or greater than the problems already existing in that church. If God commands, we must obey Him!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares