This chapter outlines the final moments of Elijah on earth, before he is taken by God in a chariot of fire, however, it seems to focus less on Elijah and more on his servant Elisha. Elisha will not leave his master, and when Elijah is about to be taken, he asks Elisha "What can I do for you". Elisha has seen any great miracles, and could have asked for much, but he asked for "a double portion of your spirit". Elisha wished to experience the hand of God in his life, in the same way (in fact more) than his Master.
How many of us have such a deep spiritual quest to experience more of God. It is my experience that if anything, we live largely for the opposite. God, you stay in that little box of Sunday and Wednesday night, that doesn't impact too much on the way I want to live my life. If we had the motivation of Elisha here, we would be saying "God - I need more of you. More of you in this moment, more of your spirits guidance in this day, more of your spirits help in my job, more of your direction for my family and life. More, More More.
Anderson points out some aspects of "Divine Guidance" as a reflection to this passage.
He reminds us that there are some time honored practices to understand guidance, and some of their pitfalls.
Summary:
Conscience as your guide. Yes, but your conscience can be seared (Titus 1:15) so it is not always certain.
Fleeces: Gideon laid a fleece, but it wasn't really an act of faith, it was more an act of unbelief. However, God used the fleece anyway. It is not the goal, but "Lord I believe, help my unbelief" has been the cry of many a seeker of truth.
Circumstances: may change. Favourable circumstances could actually mean we are very materialistic and not seeking God at all. Blessed are the poor in spirit... (matt 5) Consider it pure joy, when you face trials and tribulations (James 5)
Counsel of Others: Godly counsel is good, but the counsel of the wicked - not so !
Gifts and abilities: God will not ask us to be someone we are not, but often, we never step out and take risks to be who we truly are either.
Duty: We don't need any special knowledge to simply obey what is in the scriptures. Don't wait for a word to tell you, what you already know.
Desires: If we live for our own desires, we are living selfishly, but if we delight ourselves in the Lord, (Psalm 37:4) he will shape our desires around his, and then, he will give us the desires of our hearts.
Lots to process from today's D.D. reading. For me, the challenge is "Am I an Elisha kind of guy" Do I live desiring More - I need more of Gods spirit in my day, moment, life, not putting God into a "Now I want you, Now I dont'" kind of box.
Thought for the day: How much of God's will is just sanctified common sense ?
Well - common sense is something that should be common to all. I believe that if our minds have been shaped by a "Scriptural Worldview" then, common sense will be sanctified, and we can live by what we know just makes sense.
Oh God you are my God, and I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning,
I will learn to walk in your ways,
and Step by Step you lead me,
and I will follow you all of my days.
(Great song sung by M.W.Smith)
Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn6dBzJBA_I
Living for Him today...
Jabin
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