“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.”
2 Kings 2:3,5 NIV
Do you know best?
I love how Elisha continues to respond to the prophets with him and Elijah. Elijah kept trying to go off alone and Elisha continued to follow him. The other prophets kept warning Elisha and I chose to believe they wanted to protect him from the fate of Elijah.
His response is to tell them to be quiet. It makes me think of my role in peoples lives. Do I see myself as the one who “knows”? Or do I walk with them? Do I try and tell them what I think is “right” and “correct”? Or do I come alongside?
I can’t begin to imagine how Elisha must have been feeling. The unknown of how Elijah would leave and leave him in charge had to be overwhelming. And…he knew his calling from the Lord. He was confident and steadfast. I wonder if the questioning by the other prophets felt like a they were pulling him away from his calling.
I want to be someone who asks good questions but doesn’t give the impression that I know best. I think I have done that too many times in my life. I wonder how I have hurt others from taking that stance.
Dear God, as we live in close community with others we lean in and ask questions. We challenge each other to grow and continue to follow your calling. Me we always remember that You know best. That we are to follow your lead and first and foremost love as you taught us to love. Amen.
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 