The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 25 July:
In 2 Kings 2:1-17, we read how Elisha stayed close to Elijah.
Elisha wanted to keep an active and single-minded relationship with Elijah, seeking a double portion of what was on his mentor and predecessor.
Think now about your life, and the proximity of your key relationships. When we live full and busy lives, God may not have first place. We may not even intend it. Not spending quality time with God, however, at the start of the day will show up in our behaviour and attitudes.
Are you wanting more of God? Elisha did. In fact, he craved a double blessing over his life. It wasn't selfish. It was right.
Three keys in seeking double blessing:
• PROXIMITY (v7): You've got to stay close enough. There were 50 people in 2 Kings 2 but Elisha was up 'close and personal' with Elijah. He knew relationships are hard to maintain from a distance. He knew he needed to stay close.
• EXTENSION (v6): Go a little further. Elisha was just one step behind Elijah. Be where God is, in His place. And as you do, be aware that many will try to distract you. Other prophets, and even Elijah, suggested he not stay as close.
• WANT MORE (v9-10) Desire, and want, more. Elisha took Elijah's cloak, seeing God was with him.
Staying close to God protects us and gives us direction.
Elisha made a commitment to go all the way with Elijah. Will you go all the way with God?
If you don't have a strong relationship with God, you can. And in accepting salvation and a life with Him, stay 'close and personal'.
Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
In 2 Kings 2:1-17, we read how Elisha stayed close to Elijah.
Elisha wanted to keep an active and single-minded relationship with Elijah, seeking a double portion of what was on his mentor and predecessor.
Think now about your life, and the proximity of your key relationships. When we live full and busy lives, God may not have first place. We may not even intend it. Not spending quality time with God, however, at the start of the day will show up in our behaviour and attitudes.
Are you wanting more of God? Elisha did. In fact, he craved a double blessing over his life. It wasn't selfish. It was right.
Three keys in seeking double blessing:
• PROXIMITY (v7): You've got to stay close enough. There were 50 people in 2 Kings 2 but Elisha was up 'close and personal' with Elijah. He knew relationships are hard to maintain from a distance. He knew he needed to stay close.
• EXTENSION (v6): Go a little further. Elisha was just one step behind Elijah. Be where God is, in His place. And as you do, be aware that many will try to distract you. Other prophets, and even Elijah, suggested he not stay as close.
• WANT MORE (v9-10) Desire, and want, more. Elisha took Elijah's cloak, seeing God was with him.
Staying close to God protects us and gives us direction.
Elisha made a commitment to go all the way with Elijah. Will you go all the way with God?
If you don't have a strong relationship with God, you can. And in accepting salvation and a life with Him, stay 'close and personal'.
Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
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