REFUSING TO BE DISCOURAGED WHILE PLEADING WITH ELIJAH FOR POWER
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. 2Kings 2: 1-2
Elijah, about to be taken up to heaven, goes in company with Elisha from Gilgal to Beth-el. It appears that God had revealed this intended translation, not only to Elijah himself, but also to Elisha, and to the schools of the prophets, both at Beth-el and Jericho, so that they were all expecting this solemn event. Elisha thought deeply within himself that he would be so foolish to allow ELIJAH to depart with such a power. The other sons of the prophets thought otherwise. to them, "what is the need for the power of ELIJAH when they had enough experience in theology?" it is quite pathetic to observe today that many preachers don't really feel the need for the power of the holy ghost, since they are very vast and versatile in theology. They had head knowledge of the word but don't have the power backing the word. Elisha knew for him to be extraordinary in life and ministry, he will need the power and authority of the God of Elijah.
And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 2Kings 2: 3
They told him, "Why are you disturbing yourself seeking after Elijah's power? That task is impossible for mortar men like you. Do you think Elijah will sound so foolish to leave his anointing and power for ordinary man like you?" To them, Elisha turned deaf ears. Believers must turn down the ungodly counsel of the heathen. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. prov. 1: 10
After walking some miles, Elijah discussed the following conversation with Elisha
And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 2Kings. 2: 4
Elisha wasn't fearful and he refused to allow fatigue to creep in. he said, "I will follow you down to Jericho" Ha! Jericho is very far from here. Why don't you stay here in Bethel, and wait for me to deliver God's message in Jericho? Elisha's response to Elijah's injunction is, "I will not leave thee"
Elisha and Ruth share the same vision, and conviction. Elisha's face is set. Even though he had no companions, he had no confidant, no one seems to be supporting him in his mission, and he still maintained his focus.
And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 2Kings. 2: 5
"Keep your advice and words of discouragement to yourself" This seems to be the response Elisha gave the sons of prophets at Jericho. My sister, you've been having delay in childbearing for the past ten years, and your in-laws had been piling pressure on you to try some devilish means to get children into the family, and you've been seriously contemplating whether to dance to their tune. My sister, why don't you stick to your conviction and reject all their evil proposals just like the way Elisha did?
And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.
And they two went on. 2 Ki. 2: 6 Even Elijah's attempt to dissuade Elisha from following him hit a brick wall. He said, even though my body suffers pain, and my heath I can't regain, and my soul is almost sinking in despair. I know Jesus knows the pains I feel, and he will make a way for me. I will still follow you down to Jordan.
Elisha was tempted thrice just like CHRIST, In Gilgal, in Bethel, and in Jericho, and yet he still overcame. Many Christians would have failed at the second or third trial. Orpah failed at the second trial, and she returned to Moab, and she perished among the worshippers of Chemosh. It is he that endured to the end shall be saved.
Lot’s wife eventually came out of Sodom, but she perished in the wilderness. The mixed multitudes that accompanied Moses and the Israelites came out of Egypt physically but couldn't get to the Promised Land.
GOD BLESS YOU
DELE KELVIN AIYNEURO
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