Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Disciples as Witnesses
2 Kings 2:1-15
He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. (V.14)
We have all been put in this world with a purpose.  We are all disciples being called to witness in different ways in accordance with God’s plans.  Sometimes that calling may not be readily apparent, the path may seem tough, or we may find ourselves unable to act.  As part of our Christian journey, we must (1) be faithful to our calling, (2) act when we are called to witness, and (3) look to our Redeemer God for guidance and strength.
Be Faithful to Our Calling
As we see in the passage, Elisha is true and faithful to his calling, although the path is difficult and he is asked three times to stay behind.  We are often faced with difficult journeys and given options for the easier route.  However, we must be faithful and be willing to deny oneself comforts or ease in order to fulfill our call.
Act When We Are Called to Witness
In this passage, we see that Elisha acts when he is called to witness.  Even in his grief over the loss of his master, he picks up Elijah’s cloak and goes back to the Jordan.  He is called to witness and even in a difficult time, he fulfills his call.  In the same manner, we must be willing to take up the cross as we are called, even if faced with grief, or fear, or any other obstacle put in our paths.
Look to our Redeemer God for Guidance and Strength
In all things, we must look to our Redeemer God.  In the last verse of this passage, Elisha calls upon the Lord, the God of Elijah prior to taking the cloak and striking the water as Elijah had previously done.  God shows that he is with Elisha by allowing him to perform the same miracle that Elijah had.  As Elisha first called to the Lord, we must also look first to Him in all difficult times and at all major crossroads in life.
Thought for the Day: “Discipleship bears witness only through regular spiritual discipline of denying one's self, taking up the cross, and following the 'Redeemer God'.” (June 29, 2014 Mar Theodosius Sermon Points)
Prayer: Lord, I pray that I bear witness to You by being faithful to my calling, acting when called to witness, and by looking to You, my Redeemer, for guidance and strength.........  Amen.


Sini Jacob, Immanuel MTC, Houston

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