S2 Ep2153: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 457 | New Thing Series — Part 12 | “Elisha’s Loyalty” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 457 | New Thing Series — Part 12 | “Elisha’s Loyalty” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elisha’s loyalty. 

“When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” 
But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” 
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.”  And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.” (2 Kings 2:1-6 NIV11)


Elisha was loyal despite

• Not knowing exactly what was going to happen. 
  • ‘To me the essence of the faith has always seemed a certain intrepidity of loyalty that can believe undauntedly in the dark, and that still trusts God unshaken even when the evidence looks fairly damning.’ But When Life Tumbles In, What Then, Arthur John Gossip
• Knowing the outcome was going to be unpleasant - for him.
  • ‘If I were to be killed a thousand times for my loyalty to him, I would still be his servant. Christ is on my lips, Christ is in my heart; No amount of suffering will take him from me.’  Genesius of Rome Martyred by Diocletian in A.D. 285
• The effort involved — 27 miles of walking that day.
  • “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18 NIV11)

For Reflection

We are disciples of Jesus. We walk in his way. It was one of Jesus’ commands — Luke 5:27; 9:23, 59; 14:27; 18:22. We have been invited, but are we still grateful to be part of his company?

Elijah couldn’t push Elisha away. He was like a limpet — determined to stick to his mentor to the last. What helps you to stick close to Jesus, inseparable and attentive?


Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. 


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Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.


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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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