Daily Devotional

What an image of a “sacrificial yes!” Elisha chooses to follow Elijah and the Lord’s will, and in determination and complete resolve, decides to burn his job and livelihood, for God’s best. Honestly, that choice doesn’t sound very American J  Here in the West we seem to much prefer to have our cake and eat it too. I notice much more of an “all-you-can-eat-buffet mentality,” that is significantly affecting our walk with Jesus and power in this world.  “Yes, I’ll take some Jesus, Heaven, joy, with a side of all my pleasantries as necessity for this journey.”  Now before your raise a wall in defense, I confess this “buffet-plague” serenades me regularly as well.

So what what’s the difference from Elisha, and our faith culture now? Hebrews 12:2 says of Jesus, “…for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” Jesus speaks of the Kingdom as buried treasure in Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” It seems we often strive to “gain the whole world and (still try to keep) our soul.” Clearly, Elisha was more convinced of these promises than us.
 
When Elijah the Prophet came to Elisha, Elisha realized his life was about to change in an extraordinary way! Oh people of God, I fear we’ve become so committed to what we see in front of us, it’s dulled our vision for the miraculous truths of the Kingdom to God; the wonder of close communion with Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and peace found in Jehovah Shalom.

So today, I hope seeing the seemingly reckless act of Elisha burning his plow and slaughtering his oxen (his job and livelihood) for God’s best, would awaken your soul today to what immense treasure the Lord has in store for you, if you’re willing to Bow Everything.

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