learning from others

NOTE: I am spending this week on vacation with my family, and we are having a great time.  That means this will be the only devotion / blog post shared this week.  Thanks for understanding and for praying for our family!

The relationship between Elijah and Elisha was very special.  One learned from the other, and both men led people to know God and see the miracles that only God could do.

In his final days Elijah poured much of his life into his student Elisha.  One of the incredible things we see happen to Elijah is that he didn’t die.  Scripture tells us that a fiery chariot came down to take him to Heaven.  It was the conversation between these two men that I wanted to share with you this week.

1 Kings 2:9-11  ESV

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

The request Elisha made was similar to the request Solomon made to God when he became king by asking for wisdom.  He could have asked for wealth or power or relationships.  Because of Solomon’s request God gave him everything he could wish for. 

There are lots of points we can discuss there, but what is most evident is that Solomon learned much from watching his father David’s wisdom.  Elisha learned from Elijah as well.  Elisha asked to be able to lead others just like Elijah did.

Who is it that we have learned from?  What in that person’s life is it that we would like to emulate?  When we seek God more and more, God things begin to take priority.  Getting closer to God allows us to life stronger and simpler lives.  The material or superficial things loose their luster.  The things of heaven become stronger in our lives.

My prayer is that those I lead won’t want things but will want more of God.  I pray my children will see my wife and I love God and serve others that they will do the same.

John 3:30  ESV

He must increase, but I must decrease.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

pray for our back2school outreach event as this coming Saturday is our first registration day from 9am until noon at The Community Fellowship, Fairway Baptist, Mercy Crossing and Mt. Calvary churches.