Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, February 21, 2019
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-21-2019
This is devotional thought number 25 in our devotional series, “Stewarding the Heart.”
“And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;” (2 Kings 2:12, 13).
The great prophet Elijah was approaching the end of his earthly journey. Word was circulated amongst the faithful students in the schools of the prophets that he would be translated into heaven without seeing death. His spiritual protégé, Elisha, followed him everywhere he went. When Elijah asked his son in the faith what he wanted from him, Elisha said, “A double portion of your spirit.” Elisha recognized the mighty work that God had performed through his master and he wanted to be used on an even greater level. “And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” (2 Kings 2:10).
Eventually, as they were speaking to one another, a chariot of fire came and took Elijah away. Elisha saw it; therefore, his master’s promise was fulfilled. Elisha received a double portion of the Spirit of God that occupied Elijah. He then was fully prepared to do God’s work. God’s Spirit so attended Elisha, that even in his death, God showed His favor. He was dead in a sepulcher and a dead man was let down into the same place. The moment his body touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet (2 Kings 13:21). The dead man whose body merely touched Elisha’s dead bones was raised to live again.
Jesus Christ lived a perfect life on earth and promised that when He went to His Father in heaven, His followers would perform greater works than even He did. The ministry of Jesus Christ was all about saving souls. Those of us who claim to love Him will go about the same work. The same Spirit that attended Him is still available to those of us living in the last days. Take up the mantle of Jesus Christ.
Experience the effects of a greater portion of power than was available even to His first apostles. Heal the sick, raise the dead, and restore sight to blind eyes. This is the will of God.
Pray that you will receive the power of the Holy Ghost without measure. Those, whom you touch, by having contact with the One who died to save us from our sins, will be restored to spiritual life. Take up the mantle; the mantle of Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)
#theproestisnotover #stewardingtheheart