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Elisha's Persistent Pursuit
The Invitation
Recently, in a time of prayer, I heard the Lord speak this phrase to me: "If you want it, here it is! Pastor Oscar Come and get it."
I feel God has a current message for us in this exchange that took place between the two prophets, and the events that transpired afterwards.
We know that when Elisha and Elijah were traveling together, a company of prophets asked Elisha if he knew that the Lord was going to take Elijah away from him that day. Elisha's response (to me) was quite humorous: "Yes, I know, so be quiet" (see 2 Kings 2:3). Then, as if to test him, Elijah told Elisha to remain where he was while Elijah traveled to Jericho. Elisha's response again revealed an intensity, as he said: "...'As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you'..." (2 Kings 2:4).
This whole scenario happened again; this time Elijah was headed to the Jordan. Again he encouraged his friend, Elisha, to stay while he traveled on. Again, Elisha refused, and it was on this journey with Elijah that he became a witness to a miracle that must have stirred him deeply. He saw his mentor, Elijah, take his cloak (or mantle) and strike the waters of the Jordan so that they parted to the right and left.
It was following this miracle that Elisha requested of Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit. "'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not'" (2 Kings 2:10).
We know that Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind that day, and because of his persistent faith, Elisha was present to witness the miraculous event. What followed has a particular significance for us today.
Pick It Up!
Elisha then found Elijah's mantle that had fallen and he picked it up. It's important to see here that the mantle didn't fall on Elisha's shoulders, but instead he had to bend down and pick it up. Friends, we do not need to rush past this significant moment! We know that God distributes gifts and callings on His people, but we play a role in the 'picking up' of those things when it is time.
God has raised you up and trained you for such a time as this. You may have been in a waiting season, but for many of you, the waiting is over. It is time to pick up that thing for which you have been called. It's time to take that step of faith and take ownership of your mantle as Elisha did that day. (Photo via UIHere)
The mantle of a prophet was a special garment usually made of fur or animal skin, distinctive in appearance and recognized by the culture of that day. Elisha didn't just pick up any garment; in this intentional act, he picked up his inheritance and assignment for his generation. What is God asking you to pick up?
"Where Now Is the Lord, the God of Elijah?"
Elisha's next act revealed that he knew it was time to place a demand on the promise of his inheritance. In a bold move, Elisha imitated the act of Elijah and struck the waters of the Jordan with his newly acquired mantle.
"He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over." (2 Kings 2:14)
The phrase "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" has been echoing now in my spirit for several months. God is wanting us to see something in this gutsy act of Elisha. Elisha knew the source of Elijah's power was the LORD God Himself. Elisha knew that the only way he could operate in a double portion of Elijah's spirit was if God came through for him. Elisha's back was up against the wall and he knew it. It was a 'now or never' move when he uttered that cry: "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?"
God orchestrates things for many of us in a similar way. We may find ourselves with a call on our lives that we know is too large for us alone. We can only fulfill that call if God comes through for us. He is asking His people to step out in the same spirit as Elisha and not shrink back because we can't fully see how He will fulfill things. As we step out in faith, making our own cry for Him to come, He will surely honor that faith.
Yes, Elisha crossed over! Elisha crossed over into his inheritance and destiny that day. There are many of you who feel that you are in a time of waiting for your destiny to unfold. You know, deep within, that God has more for you. Many of you have received promises and prophetic words spoken to you about things that are yet to unfold. This story holds within it some important keys for stepping into the destiny God has prepared for you. This is a NOW HOUR for obtaining those breakthroughs and seeing your own waters part.
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