O. T. #823 "What a Little Salt Can Do"
August 31, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 7
LET IT GLOW
If salt is omitted as an ingredient while cooking, one will certainly recognize it its absence in the finished product. Isn't it amazing what a little salt can do? In today's lesson, we read of another effect of salt.
The new prophet Elisha was approached by leaders of the town of Jericho. They shared their problem with Elisha: this town is located in pleasant surroundings, as you can see. but the water is bad, and the land is unproductive.
Why was Jericho in trouble?
In Joshua 6 we find the answer. Jericho was the first city the Israelites conquered after crossing the Jordan River. Joshua instructed the army to destroy everything except Rahab and her household (she aided the two spies to safety), and the silver, gold, bronze or iron, which were sacred to the LORD and was to be put into His treasury. Joshua cursed the man who rebuilt Jericho in verse 26.
It was during the reign of Hiel as king that a man from Bethel rebuilt Jericho, at the expense of loosing his 2 sons.
The water of Israel's religion had become corrupt and disease bringing. If Elisha were listened to, he could heal it. (Ellison)
Israel's sin-sickness was idolatry and disobedience to God's commands. Salt purifies water, however using only a bowlful would not purify the whole supply of water. It was symbolic of God's cleansing Jericho, freeing it from Joshua's curse.
Are we sometimes reluctant in following God's instructions? We are blessed if we are obedient.
LET IT GROW
Elisha called for a new bowl with salt in it and they brought it. Elisha took the bowl of salt out to the spring which supplied the town with water, and he threw the salt into it.
Elisha said, This is what the LORD says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility. "
Elisha confirmed his role as a channel for God's works by performing a miracle-one that demonstrated the practical benefits of God's great acts. (Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary)
The water has remained pure ever since, just as Elisha said. God's unique power is seen through His prophet Elisha.
Do we believe God for miracles today? He is the same God.
LET IT GO
Be obedient.
Believe God can perform miracles today as He did in O. T. times.
If He chooses not to, trust Him anyway.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Where is God?
O. T. #822 "Where is God?"
August 30, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 6
Where is the LORD God of Elijah? 2 Kings 2:14
LET IT GLOW
Where is God when tragedy strikes home? Where was God when the flood waters carry away all we have? Where is God when our loved one is suffering? Where was God when our loved one died? Where? Tell me where.
The answer is: God is still on His throne, in control, doing His will His way, carrying out His purposes in His time. Please keep reading, sweet one, for a better understanding.
It is by faith that we trust He knows best. So many times when we don't understand why a particular thing happened. We question God's good judgment in allowing something painful to come into our life. Dear one, we may not know all the answers while here on earth. So mentally label a file "I Don't Understand" or "Questions to Ask God" reserved for when we get to heaven. He can explain the big, overall picture to us. Then our suffering will be but a little thing.
In today's story, Elisha, God's prophet, experienced the loss of his master, mentor, wise teacher, Elijah.
Elijah and Elisha experienced a most miraculous, phenomenal event. As the two men of God were walking, a chariot o fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire between them. It drove between the two men, separating them. It was time for Elijah to go on to heaven. His work on earth was finished. Then Prophet Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. He did not die as men do. What a reward for this faithful servant. Isn't God creative?
Since Elisha saw this event, he was granted a double portion of the Spirit, as he requested earlier. MacArthur says that Elisha did twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah did. God's empowerment was more important than the wealth to Elisha's ministry. The mighty power that lived in Elijah lived through Elisha.
I don't want to forget or make light of the situation here. Elisha suffered loss of a beloved mentor and friend. He took time to mourn, then he picked up the pieces, the mantle of Elijah, and carried on his ministry, like Elijah would have wanted. Elisha carried on, with the Spirit of God leading him. In fact, he received a double portion of the Spirit which Elijah had. Yet, Elisha questioned God, as we might do in our time of confusion or sorrow.
Now with Elijah gone, Elisha takes over. He picked up Elijah's cloak, mantle, and struck the Jordan River so he could cross back over, asking, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?"
God was right there with Elisha. The evidence was seen when the waters parted and Elisha went across, as a confirmation.
It is all right to ask God "Why?" He loves us so much and hurts with us, but knows the answer when He does not reveal it to us. He understands pain, for He gave up His Son to die a cruel death on the cross to provide us with salvation and a relationship with Him, as well as eternal life in heaven.
Are we teaching the younger generation God's Word, how to pray, and walk by faith? Are we preparing them to serve in our place?
Do we ever wonder where God is as we go through trials that are flooding our soul and mind? What do we do when our life is a whirlwind? Do we ask God to part our problems so we can walk on? Dear one, He is not done with us yet, or we would be already in heaven, right? The same God who sends miraculous chariots and horses of fire and whirlwinds to bless His servants has not changed. Let us look up with expectation.
LET IT GROW
I was just wonder what those on-looking men who witnessed all of this thought, and then I read it in verse 15, Elijah's spirit rests upon Elisha! And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
This action was a symbol of their submission to Elisha as their major prophet in Israel. What did those men offer? They offered for 50 of their strongest men to search the wilderness for his master. All Elisha had to do was just say the word. They thought perhaps the Spirit of the LORD had left Elijah on some mountain or in some valley. They were wanting to give Elijah's body appropriate care. But really guys, you don't get it? You don't understand what you just saw?
At first, Elisha refused for them to go search, but since they persisted and shamed him into agreeing, he gave consent. You know, those guys searched 3 days for Elijah and did not find him. I chuckled as Elijah said to them upon their return, Didn't I tell you not to go?
When we experience a miracle in our life, it is sometimes difficult for others to understand what has happened. They may not know what's going on, recognize God moving, but it's up to us to tell them, "God did it," giving Him the glory.
LET IT GO
Ask for God's Spirit to work and He will.
Keep looking up for God's hand to come down and perform a miracle in my life.
Look around for His grace to find me and give Him the praise.
Pray.
Accept no if it comes.
Trust God's will to be perfect, best, right.
August 30, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 6
Where is the LORD God of Elijah? 2 Kings 2:14
LET IT GLOW
Where is God when tragedy strikes home? Where was God when the flood waters carry away all we have? Where is God when our loved one is suffering? Where was God when our loved one died? Where? Tell me where.
The answer is: God is still on His throne, in control, doing His will His way, carrying out His purposes in His time. Please keep reading, sweet one, for a better understanding.
It is by faith that we trust He knows best. So many times when we don't understand why a particular thing happened. We question God's good judgment in allowing something painful to come into our life. Dear one, we may not know all the answers while here on earth. So mentally label a file "I Don't Understand" or "Questions to Ask God" reserved for when we get to heaven. He can explain the big, overall picture to us. Then our suffering will be but a little thing.
In today's story, Elisha, God's prophet, experienced the loss of his master, mentor, wise teacher, Elijah.
Elijah and Elisha experienced a most miraculous, phenomenal event. As the two men of God were walking, a chariot o fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire between them. It drove between the two men, separating them. It was time for Elijah to go on to heaven. His work on earth was finished. Then Prophet Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. He did not die as men do. What a reward for this faithful servant. Isn't God creative?
Since Elisha saw this event, he was granted a double portion of the Spirit, as he requested earlier. MacArthur says that Elisha did twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah did. God's empowerment was more important than the wealth to Elisha's ministry. The mighty power that lived in Elijah lived through Elisha.
I don't want to forget or make light of the situation here. Elisha suffered loss of a beloved mentor and friend. He took time to mourn, then he picked up the pieces, the mantle of Elijah, and carried on his ministry, like Elijah would have wanted. Elisha carried on, with the Spirit of God leading him. In fact, he received a double portion of the Spirit which Elijah had. Yet, Elisha questioned God, as we might do in our time of confusion or sorrow.
Now with Elijah gone, Elisha takes over. He picked up Elijah's cloak, mantle, and struck the Jordan River so he could cross back over, asking, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?"
God was right there with Elisha. The evidence was seen when the waters parted and Elisha went across, as a confirmation.
It is all right to ask God "Why?" He loves us so much and hurts with us, but knows the answer when He does not reveal it to us. He understands pain, for He gave up His Son to die a cruel death on the cross to provide us with salvation and a relationship with Him, as well as eternal life in heaven.
Are we teaching the younger generation God's Word, how to pray, and walk by faith? Are we preparing them to serve in our place?
Do we ever wonder where God is as we go through trials that are flooding our soul and mind? What do we do when our life is a whirlwind? Do we ask God to part our problems so we can walk on? Dear one, He is not done with us yet, or we would be already in heaven, right? The same God who sends miraculous chariots and horses of fire and whirlwinds to bless His servants has not changed. Let us look up with expectation.
LET IT GROW
I was just wonder what those on-looking men who witnessed all of this thought, and then I read it in verse 15, Elijah's spirit rests upon Elisha! And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
This action was a symbol of their submission to Elisha as their major prophet in Israel. What did those men offer? They offered for 50 of their strongest men to search the wilderness for his master. All Elisha had to do was just say the word. They thought perhaps the Spirit of the LORD had left Elijah on some mountain or in some valley. They were wanting to give Elijah's body appropriate care. But really guys, you don't get it? You don't understand what you just saw?
At first, Elisha refused for them to go search, but since they persisted and shamed him into agreeing, he gave consent. You know, those guys searched 3 days for Elijah and did not find him. I chuckled as Elijah said to them upon their return, Didn't I tell you not to go?
When we experience a miracle in our life, it is sometimes difficult for others to understand what has happened. They may not know what's going on, recognize God moving, but it's up to us to tell them, "God did it," giving Him the glory.
LET IT GO
Ask for God's Spirit to work and He will.
Keep looking up for God's hand to come down and perform a miracle in my life.
Look around for His grace to find me and give Him the praise.
Pray.
Accept no if it comes.
Trust God's will to be perfect, best, right.
Monday, August 29, 2016
When Life is a Whirlwind
O. T. #821 "When Life is a Whirlwind"
August 29, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 5
LET IT GLOW
I can recall those busy days of getting the kids ready for school, as well as myself ready for work; making sure they had their homework completed and with them; they had studied for a test; going here and there for school activities; church activities and teaching Sunday School; having laundry done and meals prepared, house cleaned. Whew! Makes me tired again just thinking about it. Life was like a whirlwind back then. Today we read of a prophet who experiences a whirlwind, but in a good sense.
The prophets Elijah and Elisha knew this was the last day for Elijah to live. He went around visiting various places in Israel, some were the site of seminar students preparing for prophethood-Gilgal, a place of safety, Bethel, a place of altar, Jericho, a place of battle, and the Jordan river, a place of death. We will experience all 4 places in our Christian life, Charles Swindoll says.
The whole time they were traveling around, Elijah tried to persuade Elisha to stay behind, but he refused. Then Elijah and Elisha crossed over the Jordan in an unusual way-Elijah folded his cloak, or mantle as it is called, together like a rod and struck the water with it. (It as a symbol of Elijah being a prophet.) Immediately the water parted and the two men crossed over on dry ground, as a group of 50 prophet looked on to witness such a thing. Does this sound familiar? Moses did the same with his staff at the Red Sea in Exodus 14 and Joshua did as he and Israel crossed the same river, in Joshua 3.
Once again God's power was demonstrated and seen.
Are we looking around in our life to see God show His power in our life?
LET IT GROW
Crossing onto the east bank of Jordan was the same area where Moses' life came to an end (Deut. 34).
There Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for Elisha before leaving. Remember, this was Elijah's last day before going to heaven.
Verse 9b says, Elisha replied, "Please let me have a double share of your spirit and become your successor."
Elisha requested a difficult thing,as Elijah told him. What was Elijah's reply?
If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, you won't.
What does all of this mean?
The MacArthur Bible Commentary explains:
In Israel, the firstborn son inherited a double share of his father's possessions and with it the right of succession (Deut. 21:17). Apparently, Elisha was asking to succeed Elijah in the prophetic office, as God had promised, with spiritual power beyond his own capabilities to meet the responsibilities of his position as Elijah's successor. He desired that Elijah's mighty power might continue to live through him. Only God can give spiritual power. If Elisha saw his departure it would be the sign that God Himself would grant Elisha's request.
Was Elisha's request granted?
Look at verse 11: As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.
Yes, Elisha saw the departure of Elijah into heaven. Elisha called out to Elijah, calling him father, and remarking that he saw the chariots. When Elisha realized that it meant his mentor Elijah was gone, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.
MacArthur remarks that Elisha did do twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah. Elijah had raised the dead, called down fire from heaven, and revealed God's plan for a devastating drought which lasted 3 1/2 years. Won't it be interesting to read of the miracles which God did through his servant Elisha?
Friend, is your life like a whirlwind? Are you running there and there, doing this and that? Perhaps we need to stop and look up.
LET IT GO
Breathe, look up, surrender to Jesus.
Ask the Lord to part those busy waters.
Keep my focus on Him.
August 29, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 5
LET IT GLOW
I can recall those busy days of getting the kids ready for school, as well as myself ready for work; making sure they had their homework completed and with them; they had studied for a test; going here and there for school activities; church activities and teaching Sunday School; having laundry done and meals prepared, house cleaned. Whew! Makes me tired again just thinking about it. Life was like a whirlwind back then. Today we read of a prophet who experiences a whirlwind, but in a good sense.
The prophets Elijah and Elisha knew this was the last day for Elijah to live. He went around visiting various places in Israel, some were the site of seminar students preparing for prophethood-Gilgal, a place of safety, Bethel, a place of altar, Jericho, a place of battle, and the Jordan river, a place of death. We will experience all 4 places in our Christian life, Charles Swindoll says.
The whole time they were traveling around, Elijah tried to persuade Elisha to stay behind, but he refused. Then Elijah and Elisha crossed over the Jordan in an unusual way-Elijah folded his cloak, or mantle as it is called, together like a rod and struck the water with it. (It as a symbol of Elijah being a prophet.) Immediately the water parted and the two men crossed over on dry ground, as a group of 50 prophet looked on to witness such a thing. Does this sound familiar? Moses did the same with his staff at the Red Sea in Exodus 14 and Joshua did as he and Israel crossed the same river, in Joshua 3.
Once again God's power was demonstrated and seen.
Are we looking around in our life to see God show His power in our life?
LET IT GROW
Crossing onto the east bank of Jordan was the same area where Moses' life came to an end (Deut. 34).
There Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for Elisha before leaving. Remember, this was Elijah's last day before going to heaven.
Verse 9b says, Elisha replied, "Please let me have a double share of your spirit and become your successor."
Elisha requested a difficult thing,as Elijah told him. What was Elijah's reply?
If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, you won't.
What does all of this mean?
The MacArthur Bible Commentary explains:
In Israel, the firstborn son inherited a double share of his father's possessions and with it the right of succession (Deut. 21:17). Apparently, Elisha was asking to succeed Elijah in the prophetic office, as God had promised, with spiritual power beyond his own capabilities to meet the responsibilities of his position as Elijah's successor. He desired that Elijah's mighty power might continue to live through him. Only God can give spiritual power. If Elisha saw his departure it would be the sign that God Himself would grant Elisha's request.
Was Elisha's request granted?
Look at verse 11: As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.
Yes, Elisha saw the departure of Elijah into heaven. Elisha called out to Elijah, calling him father, and remarking that he saw the chariots. When Elisha realized that it meant his mentor Elijah was gone, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.
MacArthur remarks that Elisha did do twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah. Elijah had raised the dead, called down fire from heaven, and revealed God's plan for a devastating drought which lasted 3 1/2 years. Won't it be interesting to read of the miracles which God did through his servant Elisha?
Friend, is your life like a whirlwind? Are you running there and there, doing this and that? Perhaps we need to stop and look up.
LET IT GO
Breathe, look up, surrender to Jesus.
Ask the Lord to part those busy waters.
Keep my focus on Him.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Parting Troubled Waters
O. T #820 "Parting Troubled Waters"
August 25, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 4
The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! 2 Kings 2:8b
LET IT GLOW
Elijah and Elisha are traveling to 4 places on the last day of Elisha's life. We have discussed two cities: Gilgal, which was a place of safety and Bethel, a place of altar. Today they visit a city (Jericho) and a river (Jordan). Swindoll said that we will experience all 4 places in our Christian life.
Who doesn't know about the Battle of Jericho? Jericho was 14 miles southeast of Bethel. It was 550 years earlier that the walls of Jericho fell by faith after being encircled 7 days by Israelites. (Heb. 11:30) It was the first city they took possession of as Israel set out to take their Promised Land.
Swindoll calls it a place of battle.
If believers live by faith, the battles they will enter can be confronted with confidence because all faith is based in the promises of Almighty God. The promise to Joshua was that he would conquer (Josh. 6:3-5). Rahab was promised deliverance from the judgment on her country . For the Christian, it is laying hold of God's promises of salvation and victory over Satan (Eph. 1:3-14; Phil. 1:6)
(The Jeremiah Study Bible)
Jericho was a cursed city after God brought victory, all its inhabitants, except for Rahab and her family, were killed. Israel was instructed to not take anything from the city, lest they too be cursed. The only exception was the gold, silver, brass, and iron vessels were to be taken and consecrated to the LORD, in His treasury. (Joshua 6)
Later in this chapter we will see the curse on Jericho lifted.
What faith Joshua had, to march his army around Jericho, their enemy's city, and doing it quietly. If you are like me, we would have questioned God on that command.
How often do we ask God why? Or when are you going to...
Faith in God's ability brought down those thick walls and killed the enemy. What a lesson for us! Let's teach it to our children and grandchildren.
Where does our help come from? My help comes from the maker of heaven and earth, as the song goes. So lift our eyes unto the hills, friends.
LET IT GROW
The last place Elijah and Elisha visited that day was the Jordan River. Fifty seminary students followed these two men, for they sensed that something extraordinary was about to happen to Elijah. Elisha had faithfully followed Elijah for 10 years previously.
Verse 8 says, Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!
God's power had been demonstrated 3 times earlier in parting the waters-the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross after leaving Egypt, the Jordan River as the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land, and in Genesis in the beginning of creation.
With God all things are possible. Recently I thought I was drowning in deep troubled waters. Finally, God came and parted them so I did not drown. Praise His name! Anyone need to cross over on dry ground, through the middle of your troubles, as your deep water is parted and places you safely on the other side?
Well, we have to die to self in order to get there, so God's will is done and not ours.
LET IT GO
Deny my self, take up my cross, and follow Jesus.
Trust Him to part my troubled waters.
Praise the Lord Jesus, who is all-powerful El Shaddiah
August 25, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 4
The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! 2 Kings 2:8b
LET IT GLOW
Elijah and Elisha are traveling to 4 places on the last day of Elisha's life. We have discussed two cities: Gilgal, which was a place of safety and Bethel, a place of altar. Today they visit a city (Jericho) and a river (Jordan). Swindoll said that we will experience all 4 places in our Christian life.
Who doesn't know about the Battle of Jericho? Jericho was 14 miles southeast of Bethel. It was 550 years earlier that the walls of Jericho fell by faith after being encircled 7 days by Israelites. (Heb. 11:30) It was the first city they took possession of as Israel set out to take their Promised Land.
Swindoll calls it a place of battle.
If believers live by faith, the battles they will enter can be confronted with confidence because all faith is based in the promises of Almighty God. The promise to Joshua was that he would conquer (Josh. 6:3-5). Rahab was promised deliverance from the judgment on her country . For the Christian, it is laying hold of God's promises of salvation and victory over Satan (Eph. 1:3-14; Phil. 1:6)
(The Jeremiah Study Bible)
Jericho was a cursed city after God brought victory, all its inhabitants, except for Rahab and her family, were killed. Israel was instructed to not take anything from the city, lest they too be cursed. The only exception was the gold, silver, brass, and iron vessels were to be taken and consecrated to the LORD, in His treasury. (Joshua 6)
Later in this chapter we will see the curse on Jericho lifted.
What faith Joshua had, to march his army around Jericho, their enemy's city, and doing it quietly. If you are like me, we would have questioned God on that command.
How often do we ask God why? Or when are you going to...
Faith in God's ability brought down those thick walls and killed the enemy. What a lesson for us! Let's teach it to our children and grandchildren.
Where does our help come from? My help comes from the maker of heaven and earth, as the song goes. So lift our eyes unto the hills, friends.
LET IT GROW
The last place Elijah and Elisha visited that day was the Jordan River. Fifty seminary students followed these two men, for they sensed that something extraordinary was about to happen to Elijah. Elisha had faithfully followed Elijah for 10 years previously.
Verse 8 says, Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!
God's power had been demonstrated 3 times earlier in parting the waters-the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross after leaving Egypt, the Jordan River as the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land, and in Genesis in the beginning of creation.
With God all things are possible. Recently I thought I was drowning in deep troubled waters. Finally, God came and parted them so I did not drown. Praise His name! Anyone need to cross over on dry ground, through the middle of your troubles, as your deep water is parted and places you safely on the other side?
Well, we have to die to self in order to get there, so God's will is done and not ours.
LET IT GO
Deny my self, take up my cross, and follow Jesus.
Trust Him to part my troubled waters.
Praise the Lord Jesus, who is all-powerful El Shaddiah
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
A Place of Safety and Surrender
O. T. #819 "A Place of Safety and Surrender"
August 24, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 3
LET IT GLOW
Many years ago I heard a message by Charles Swindoll concerning this passage. He explained each of these four places where Elijah visited on his last day on earth. I wrote down that he said- we will experience all four places in our Christian life. Unfortunately, I did not write down any details of his message, only the meanings. I have found it to be so. I can name churches in which we served that correspond to each city. I hope you can, also.
Prophet Elijah is living his last day on earth. His successor, Elisha, is traveling with his mentor as Elijah visits other prophets in the cities of Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River. Elisha has declared that he will never leave Elijah. As they visited those cities, those prophets in seminary asked Elisha if he knew that the LORD was going to take his master away from him that day. Elisha would tell them that of course he knew and for them to be quiet about it. Another thing that happened between these two was that Elijah kept telling Elisha to stay behind at each city, thrice, for the LORD had told Elijah to onto another city. Some commentators seem to think this as a test of determination for Elisha since he stuck to Elijah like glue; others think Elijah was reluctant to hand over the mantle.
The first city, Gilgal, was a city of safety. Joshua had spent the night there after he led the Israelites across the Jordan River. It was the place where Joshua placed the 12 stones taken out of the Jordan. The purpose of these stones was so wen their children asked the stones meaning, the Israelites would tell of the mighty thing God did when they crossed the Jordan, saying, The hand of the LORD is mighty, that ye might fear the LORD your God forever. Keep in mind, this was before they encountered any of their enemies and have to fight for their Promised Land. They must have felt safe at Gilgal.
Anyone need a safe place where you can go and experience the Lord with you? We all do. Where is or was your place of safety?
LET IT GROW
The second city where the Lord led Elijah was Bethel. It was located 8 miles north of Jerusalem. What was significant about Bethel?
LET IT GO
Remind myself of my spiritual Gilgal and Bethel.
Once again, I surrender to You Jesus.
Make Jesus my Gilgal.
August 24, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 3
LET IT GLOW
Many years ago I heard a message by Charles Swindoll concerning this passage. He explained each of these four places where Elijah visited on his last day on earth. I wrote down that he said- we will experience all four places in our Christian life. Unfortunately, I did not write down any details of his message, only the meanings. I have found it to be so. I can name churches in which we served that correspond to each city. I hope you can, also.
Prophet Elijah is living his last day on earth. His successor, Elisha, is traveling with his mentor as Elijah visits other prophets in the cities of Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River. Elisha has declared that he will never leave Elijah. As they visited those cities, those prophets in seminary asked Elisha if he knew that the LORD was going to take his master away from him that day. Elisha would tell them that of course he knew and for them to be quiet about it. Another thing that happened between these two was that Elijah kept telling Elisha to stay behind at each city, thrice, for the LORD had told Elijah to onto another city. Some commentators seem to think this as a test of determination for Elisha since he stuck to Elijah like glue; others think Elijah was reluctant to hand over the mantle.
The first city, Gilgal, was a city of safety. Joshua had spent the night there after he led the Israelites across the Jordan River. It was the place where Joshua placed the 12 stones taken out of the Jordan. The purpose of these stones was so wen their children asked the stones meaning, the Israelites would tell of the mighty thing God did when they crossed the Jordan, saying, The hand of the LORD is mighty, that ye might fear the LORD your God forever. Keep in mind, this was before they encountered any of their enemies and have to fight for their Promised Land. They must have felt safe at Gilgal.
Anyone need a safe place where you can go and experience the Lord with you? We all do. Where is or was your place of safety?
LET IT GROW
The second city where the Lord led Elijah was Bethel. It was located 8 miles north of Jerusalem. What was significant about Bethel?
- Abraham built the Lord an altar there. (Gen. 12:8)
- Jacob dreamed of angels ascending and descending a ladder set up on the earth. God promised to not leave Jacob. Then Jacob built an altar using the stone which was his pillow. (Gen. 28) This happened before Jacob met Rachel, who would become his wife, and as Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, since Jacob took his birthright and blessing.
- Another time in Jacob's life, God told him to go to Bethel and build Him an altar there. God changed Jacob's name to Israel. (Gen. 35)
- So Bethel was a place of altar.
LET IT GO
Remind myself of my spiritual Gilgal and Bethel.
Once again, I surrender to You Jesus.
Make Jesus my Gilgal.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Never Leaving
O. T. #818 "Never Leaving"
August 23, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Previously we had a wicked king that left the world in disgrace and the greatest misery. Now we see a contrast between King Ahaziah and Elijah the prophet.
Elijah was:
What do others see our life as? Are we faithful to God, a prayer warrior, living by His Word?
LET IT GROW
Elijah urged Elisha to remain behind, but Elisha insisted on accompanying him-As surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!
Sounds like Ruth and Naomi.
Before Elijah departed, he visited the schools of the prophets, a seminary, in various locations-Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River.
How committed are we to following the Lord Jesus?
We have the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Heb.13:5; Gen. 28:15; Joshua 1:5)
LET IT GO
Let go of whatever is hindering my walk with Jesus.
August 23, 2016
2 Kings 2-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Previously we had a wicked king that left the world in disgrace and the greatest misery. Now we see a contrast between King Ahaziah and Elijah the prophet.
Elijah was:
- a holy prophet leaving in honor, the greatest bliss;
- an encouragement and example of faithfulness to other prophets;
- a portrait of the cost of witnessing for God against corruption;
- a part of the faithful few;
- a type of Christ as he ascended to heaven;
- is our example of faith and prayer;
What do others see our life as? Are we faithful to God, a prayer warrior, living by His Word?
LET IT GROW
Elijah urged Elisha to remain behind, but Elisha insisted on accompanying him-As surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!
Sounds like Ruth and Naomi.
Before Elijah departed, he visited the schools of the prophets, a seminary, in various locations-Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River.
How committed are we to following the Lord Jesus?
We have the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Heb.13:5; Gen. 28:15; Joshua 1:5)
LET IT GO
Let go of whatever is hindering my walk with Jesus.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Third Encounter of a Different Kind
"O. T. #816 "Third Encounter of a Different Kind"
August 22, 2016
2 Kings 1-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Surely some of you recall the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In it a man encounters aliens and goes with them in their spaceship. Well, today 153 men have an encounter of a different kind, one with a man of God. Join me as we see what happens to them at their encounter.
Moab was a nation which oppressed Israel 18 years during the judges. Later, King Saul defeated them and David enjoyed a peaceful relationship with them. then Moab once again troubled Israel.
Ahaziah is now king of Israel, apparently does nothing toward their rebellion.
King Ahaziah had an accident and fell off his second floor balcony, onto the ground. He sent messengers to the temple of Baal-zebub to ask the idol Ekron whether he would recover. Meanwhile, the LORD told Prophet Elijah to confront the messengers asking, Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to Baal-Bezebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether the king would recover? Because he did this, the king would surely die, to never leave his bed.
Well, the messengers returned to the king and told him of the encounter with Elijah. Then Ahaziah sent an army captain with 50 soldiers to arrest Elijah. This happened 3 times. The first two times the group was killed by fire from heaven, as a result of Elijah saying, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your 50 men."
Did you catch this? Elijah had seen God send fire from heaven earlier when he confronted the 400 prophets of Baal. Now he prays for it to come down 2 more times. What a prayer life! Truly, Elijah was a man of God. He obeyed what God told him to do, even when surrounded by evil. He knew
how powerful his God was, obeyed Him, and trusted His protection.
Are we prayer warriors like Elijah? Well, maybe we don't pray down fire from heaven, but does God answer our prayers since we are obedient?
LET IT GLOW
The third encounter was a different kind. Ahaziah sent another captain and 50 men requiring Elijah to come down from his hill at once. The captain fell to his knees before Elijah, pleading with him to spare his life and that of the 50 men. This man had learned the lesson of God's power and appealed for mercy, unlike their king.
This time, the LORD instructed Elijah to go down with him and to not be afraid of the king. Elijah personally delivered the deadly message from God to Ahaziah. Sure enough, the king died, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. Ahaziash's brother Joram succeed him as the next king of Israel. This took place during Jehoram's second year reign of Judah. He was the son of Jehoshaphat.
Do we desire to encountered God in a different way today? He is merciful, gracious, loving, kind, healer, strength, refuge, forgiving, etc...
LET IT GO
Open my spiritual eyes, Lord Jesus, so I can see You working in and around my life.
I want an encounter with the One and Only God.
August 22, 2016
2 Kings 1-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Surely some of you recall the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In it a man encounters aliens and goes with them in their spaceship. Well, today 153 men have an encounter of a different kind, one with a man of God. Join me as we see what happens to them at their encounter.
Moab was a nation which oppressed Israel 18 years during the judges. Later, King Saul defeated them and David enjoyed a peaceful relationship with them. then Moab once again troubled Israel.
Ahaziah is now king of Israel, apparently does nothing toward their rebellion.
King Ahaziah had an accident and fell off his second floor balcony, onto the ground. He sent messengers to the temple of Baal-zebub to ask the idol Ekron whether he would recover. Meanwhile, the LORD told Prophet Elijah to confront the messengers asking, Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to Baal-Bezebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether the king would recover? Because he did this, the king would surely die, to never leave his bed.
Well, the messengers returned to the king and told him of the encounter with Elijah. Then Ahaziah sent an army captain with 50 soldiers to arrest Elijah. This happened 3 times. The first two times the group was killed by fire from heaven, as a result of Elijah saying, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your 50 men."
Did you catch this? Elijah had seen God send fire from heaven earlier when he confronted the 400 prophets of Baal. Now he prays for it to come down 2 more times. What a prayer life! Truly, Elijah was a man of God. He obeyed what God told him to do, even when surrounded by evil. He knew
how powerful his God was, obeyed Him, and trusted His protection.
Are we prayer warriors like Elijah? Well, maybe we don't pray down fire from heaven, but does God answer our prayers since we are obedient?
LET IT GLOW
The third encounter was a different kind. Ahaziah sent another captain and 50 men requiring Elijah to come down from his hill at once. The captain fell to his knees before Elijah, pleading with him to spare his life and that of the 50 men. This man had learned the lesson of God's power and appealed for mercy, unlike their king.
This time, the LORD instructed Elijah to go down with him and to not be afraid of the king. Elijah personally delivered the deadly message from God to Ahaziah. Sure enough, the king died, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. Ahaziash's brother Joram succeed him as the next king of Israel. This took place during Jehoram's second year reign of Judah. He was the son of Jehoshaphat.
Do we desire to encountered God in a different way today? He is merciful, gracious, loving, kind, healer, strength, refuge, forgiving, etc...
LET IT GO
Open my spiritual eyes, Lord Jesus, so I can see You working in and around my life.
I want an encounter with the One and Only God.
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