When the Holy Spirit took me through this story in the bible today, it put the biggest smile on my face. I will be speaking about the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was a prophet called by God to bring those who worshiped other Gods to serve Jesus. His ministry was a very popular one, and he did marvelous things with the power he was given. Today, my focus will be on Elisha.
Elijah was struck with fear of Jezebel, after he had called down fire upon her false prophets. This was victory in the eyes of God. We must know that when we overcome the enemy, he still comes after you, except harder than before. So upon hearing that Jezebel wanted to slit his throat, Elijah fled in fear and asked for death to consume him. God instructed Elijah to return back to his home ministry, and to continue to preach and save the lost. Elijah did not want to because that was where Jezebel was. Because of his disobedience to the lord, God told him that he was taking away his mantle, and that he already had the person for it. Important lesson on obedience is better than sacrifice.
Upon receiving instructions from the lord, Elijah traveled to where Elisha was, removed his mantle and placed it on Elisha. This was the first step in being CALLED BY GOD! Scripture stated, that Elisha followed Elijah for TEN YEARS! I REPEAT FOR TEN YEARS! During these ten years, Elisha was a servant to Elijah. He was not preaching, or bringing down fire from heaven like Elijah. Elisha was learning all that he could. Learning what to do, and more importantly what not to do!
Elisha was humbled through this journey, to be called and chosen by God is an awesome feeling. Now, let's get to the basis of my post. "And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, thou knowest that the Lord will take him away thy master from thy head today? And he answered, Yea, i know it; hold your peace" 2 Kings 2:5
These sons of the prophets had extensive knowledge. They all went to school, had what we today would call biblical degrees. They were filled with all the knowledge you could think of. They could not understand why God chose Elisha to take the mantle instead of one of them. They felt that they were more qualified than Elisha was. Elisha did nothing but follow Elijah around for ten years what makes him qualified?? This is what separates those who have been called, and those who have been chosen!
God looks past the wisdom and knowledge, he searches the matters of the heart. Even though the sons of the prophets had the wisdom and knowledge, one thing we can clearly see they lack is HUMILITY! Humility is very important to God, for without it, we cannot effectively do the work he has called us to do. Elisha served Elijah for ten years and learned all that he could. Not once did he get angry or upset, asking why he was not doing "real ministry work" he followed Elijah faithfully.
My words of encouragement to those who are chosen by God is this; Never allow others to tell you that you are not worthy enough. Those biblical degrees mean nothing in the eyes of God. If they are not backed by HUMILITY, consider it vanity. God knows your heart, and knows that your intentions are pure, and wanting to faithfully serve his children. Keep your eyes on God, and not man. Keep this in mind, GOD IS THE ONE WHO DOES THE ORDAINING! NOT MAN! I REPEAT.. GOD IS THE ONE WHO DOES THE ORDAINING.. NOT MAN! Seek God and allow him to show you your purpose while here on his earth.
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