HOW TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL

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2 Kings 2:1,6,10,12,14

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal.

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”

Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.

He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.


Remember that Elijah had asked to be excused after his encounter with Jezebel. Well notice that the Lord did not take him immediately but asked him to go anoint his replacement. It is obvious that someone had to be mentored to take his place.


What do you think God saw in Elisha, for there were others who were already prophets, Elisha was just a farmer?


What the Lord always looks at - "the heart".


When the Lord was to pick Abraham, He saw His heart, same for Saul and even David.


Yes, the heart of man can change, yes but at that time the heart was acceptable. It is our duty not to let God's blessings and uplifting or even challenges, make us change our good heart.


Proverbs 4:23

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.


Jeremiah 17:9-10

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. 

I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”


Read the second verse again. Yes you can start with a good heart but you are rewarded for your works. Selah!


So Elisha started with a good heart with no experience but he stayed loyal to the Lord and Elijah and was discipled.


We see his loyalty and resilience:


2 Kings 2:2,4,6

And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.”But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel.

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.”But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho.

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.


Does this remind you of Ruth?


Loyalty to the right course and person will keep you till your time of uplifting. Don't mind those who take advantage to sabotage their benefactor, or steal from them. Gehazi comes to mind. They end up terminating their call.

Are you in training do it to the end, don't rush for immediate gratification. When you are fully trained you get less problems doing the work, then you can also train others.


Can our young people get this right?


Also, no matter what people say, be focused on your goal and calling.


2 Kings 2:3,5

The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”

Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”


Don't get easily distracted or discouraged once you understand the mission go ahead. Let the Caller lead you. Many who try to discourage you have nothing to offer you. Finally when you get it, they would bow to you.


2 Kings 2:15

When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.


He was not among the prophet but even as a novice he served faithfully and he reaped the reward.


Does this also remind you of Joshua!


Go through this second chapter of the book of 2Kings, see the pattern and add it to your archive of knowledge.


Remember:


2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.


Let it be God you reverence, all humans will come and go, the Lord will remain. When we also leave, we leave to go be with Him. Selah


PRAYER

Loving Father, let my report be that of the faithful. May I never  trade the glory from You for any immediate gratification or any other other foolish vice. Help me Good Lord. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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