31/10/2023 - PERSONAL CONTACT WITH GOD

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Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.’ ”  2 Kings 2.21

The participation of God’s servant in the restoration of Jericho was crucial. We do not know why Elijah was not used to do this before Elisha came. Some say that the Lord’s time had not yet come, and that may be true. The important thing is that, on hearing the request of the men of the city, the prophet felt how he should act and asked to be given a new bowl, with salt. So, he set out to do what was necessary, and the problem came to an end!

The salt was placed by the people as an act of faith. Elisha went out to the spring of water and poured the salt into it. I have been to that city and have seen a great fountain gushing all the time, and I have even drunk of those waters, which were once worthless. But now they are good to drink. How much time has passed since the prophet’s act we don’t know, but about 2,850 years. The work done by the Lord is good and eternal, and will never be undone by any human action.

Elisha did not give that vessel into the hands of the citizens of Jericho because he did not feel that guidance in his heart. Sometimes people want us to fulfill their desire. Now, if it is not the purpose of the Most High, we will refuse to fulfill it. As a servant, Elisha was guided by the Lord. This must also be our method, for God must have great tasks in store for us too. Their revelation is in the Word!

It does not matter where we go or what we do; the divine will must be done as we are instructed: Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does the works (John 14:10). The obedient follow the Lord!

Elisha knew that the people needed to share in the blessing, so he asked for the new bowl. In this interaction, the prophet got them to agree to the Father in heaven doing the work. Jesus said: Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven (Matthew 18.19). Many cry out but do not agree. Pray!

After taking action, Elisha prophesied. For him it was more than right. After all, he had heard such a command from the Lord; therefore, the matter was settled after he had fulfilled it. The work of the man of God crowned the faith of all. So, it should be with his family and any member of Christ’s Church. The prophet’s assurance was the faith he had received from hearing the Word.

The man of God spoke what the Lord had said, so everything returned to normal. For the Word to be confirmed, the right measure is needed, according to what God declared: So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Be fearless not to hinder the execution of the work!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares