imported_rachel
08-24-2006, 12:02 PM
In our current series of messages, we've considered Elijah as he
experienced great victory on Mount Carmel but was then overcome with
fear and loneliness. We saw how God provided comfort by first sending
an angel and then through the gentle whisper of His presence (1 Kings
19:5-13). But Elijah clearly revealed some long term Spiritual needs
which could not be ignored; "I have been very zealous for the Lord God
Almighty...{but} I am the only one left" (1 Kings 19:14).
Elijah felt alone in his devotion to God and alone in his
ministry. This loneliness was affecting his judgement as well as his
ability to persevere under stress. He needed a Spiritual companion who
would encourage him and walk by his side. God recognized this need and
sent him Elisha; "anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to
succeed you as prophet" (1 Kings 19:16). Elijah was not being
replaced; rather, given the many "opportunities" for future
discouragement, God provided someone to share the burden, provide
encouragement, and be trained for future ministry.
Elisha was in the field plowing with a team of oxen when Elijah first
called him to follow. Elisha's response was immediate and decisive,
and he was devoted to Elijah for the remainder of his ministry.
1 Kings 19:21
"He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing
equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate.
Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant."
God never intended for us to go into battle alone. While He is always
at our side, ready to intervene, His Word also directs us to draw upon
the strength of others; "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is
called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's
deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).
Immediately after creating the first man, God said; "It is not good for
the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). We were created to be people who
need one another; "Two are better than one...if one falls down, his
friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Jesus demonstrated this
wisdom as He sent messengers to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is
near; "the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them TWO BY TWO ahead of Him" (Luke 10:1). Difficult tasks require mutual support and encouragement.
As we travel down God's path, let's listen to His counsel and not walk
alone. Let's entrust our lives to our Heavenly Father and seek other
believers who will encourage us to remain in His presence and aligned
with His perfect will. Let's pray that God would bless us with courage
and strength...and also with an abundance of committed Spiritual
companions.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
************************************************** ***
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive06.htm
Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to devotions@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm
experienced great victory on Mount Carmel but was then overcome with
fear and loneliness. We saw how God provided comfort by first sending
an angel and then through the gentle whisper of His presence (1 Kings
19:5-13). But Elijah clearly revealed some long term Spiritual needs
which could not be ignored; "I have been very zealous for the Lord God
Almighty...{but} I am the only one left" (1 Kings 19:14).
Elijah felt alone in his devotion to God and alone in his
ministry. This loneliness was affecting his judgement as well as his
ability to persevere under stress. He needed a Spiritual companion who
would encourage him and walk by his side. God recognized this need and
sent him Elisha; "anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to
succeed you as prophet" (1 Kings 19:16). Elijah was not being
replaced; rather, given the many "opportunities" for future
discouragement, God provided someone to share the burden, provide
encouragement, and be trained for future ministry.
Elisha was in the field plowing with a team of oxen when Elijah first
called him to follow. Elisha's response was immediate and decisive,
and he was devoted to Elijah for the remainder of his ministry.
1 Kings 19:21
"He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing
equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate.
Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant."
God never intended for us to go into battle alone. While He is always
at our side, ready to intervene, His Word also directs us to draw upon
the strength of others; "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is
called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's
deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).
Immediately after creating the first man, God said; "It is not good for
the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). We were created to be people who
need one another; "Two are better than one...if one falls down, his
friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Jesus demonstrated this
wisdom as He sent messengers to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is
near; "the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them TWO BY TWO ahead of Him" (Luke 10:1). Difficult tasks require mutual support and encouragement.
As we travel down God's path, let's listen to His counsel and not walk
alone. Let's entrust our lives to our Heavenly Father and seek other
believers who will encourage us to remain in His presence and aligned
with His perfect will. Let's pray that God would bless us with courage
and strength...and also with an abundance of committed Spiritual
companions.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
************************************************** ***
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive06.htm
Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to devotions@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm