When I read Scripture, I see myself. My own sin, my own weakness, my own shortcomings, my own lack of faith.
I could be the disciple that fell asleep while Jesus wrestled in agonized prayer (Matthew 26). I could be the king who sent to a foreign god to determine his fate (2 Kings 1). I could be in the group of 50 consumed by fire from heaven instead of coming humbly to the man of God. I could deny knowing Christ when pressed too hard or let love of money wriggle in, eclipsing my devotion to God (Matthew 26) and betray him with a kiss.
They are all me at one time or another.
Can I also be Elijah swept up in the whirlwind? Calling down fire from heaven with a word? Knowing intimately the will of God? The army of Israel stepping out in faith, destroying enemies, overcoming? Could I rest in God’s power in the face of a murderous mob?
Elijah was not an unusual man. Elisha the same. They simply show us God’s power at work. God met each of them where they were and used them for His good and glory. From the moment Elisha was overcome by grief, God met him.
14 Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over. (2 Kings 1:14 ESV)
God is prepared to answer our hard questions with a peace and power that this world could never offer.
Lord God, you are the God who parts rivers, sends consuming fire, hates sin with a vengeance, controls armies, has the power to heal, and who sacrificed His own Son on my behalf. How great is your love! How awesome are your works! Help me to always rest in you, to follow your steps, and to live by faith, chasing after the unseen and undeterred by the seen. Forgive me for times of failure and sinking back into sin, and continue to help me walk in those good works that you prepared in advance for me to do. In Jesus name, Amen.
Erin (6intow)
Sixty-six books in a year 