It’s quite amazing how Elijah was one of only two people recorded
in scripture who didn’t die the natural way an average person dies. He received
a miracle. He was “carried by a whirlwind into heaven”. It’s also incredible to
consider God’s messenger sweeping down from heaven with chariots and horses of
fire without his friend Elisha’s being hurt or killed. Elijah had just
performed a miracle—dividing the water of the Jordan River so the two friends
could walk across on dry land. Elisha wanted to receive this power, and he did
receive it later as he was able to divide the Jordan’s waters just as he’d
witnessed Elijah dividing them.
These verses from 2 Kings show that God is concerned about us and
listens to our requests. We can want something very much and not realize the
hard times we may have to endure waiting until we are able to receive that
something. With our gift, there may be a responsibility we’re required to bear.
We may feel anxiety about it as Elisha must have felt before he repeated the
miracle Elijah performed using his cloak to divide the Jordan River. Elisha
wanted more power. He received his request! As soon as he received this
tremendous gift, he was asked to solve the problem of bad water in the city of
Jericho. He used his powerful gift to heal the waters of Jericho and served as
the agent of God using that holy power for good. It reminds us of the New
Testament verses which say “to whom much is given, much will be required”.
Our prayer is that as you ask for “gifts” God will grant you the
strength and wisdom to shoulder the responsibility that will surely come with
their use. Amen
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