Proverbs 12:24; 2 Kings 2:1-10
James 2:17, . . .faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Matthew 9:36, When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
- Harassed – ekluo – felt like fainting
- Helpless – rhipto – to deposit something we can’t carry
Diligence: The Pathway into Our Heart’s Desire
Proverbs 12:24, Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
Proverbs 8:10, Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.
- The Hebrew word “charuwts” is translated both diligent and gold throughout the Old Testament.
- The Hebrew word “charuwts” communicates that true diligence calls us to regard God’s ways so we live in His rich blessings.
Elisha: Biblical Diligence that Brings Forth a Rich Life
Proverbs 10:4, Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
1. NEW START
2 Kings2:1, When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.
- The word Gilgal means circle. The word probably has reference to a circle of stones. There is also a play on the word whose root is the same as the word “roll.”-Encyclopedia of the Bible
Philippians 2:12-13,12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
- Does starting over mean I’m going to TRY OVER or I’m going to TRUST GOD?
2. SUBMISSION TO GOD
2 Kings 2:2, 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.
- Bethel means “house of God.”
1 Kings 19:19-21,19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother good bye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”21So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
- Does submission mean “I’ll do my best” or “I’ll learn what is best”?
3. SUPERNATURAL VICTORY
2 Kings 2:4, 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.
- Jericho symbolizes divine intervention and victory in scripture.
Joshua 6:2, . . .the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I HAVE DELIVERED Jericho into your hands…
Galatians 2:8 (NLT), For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles
4. SUPERNATURAL DESTINY
2 Kings 2:6-9,6Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he(Elisha) replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on . . . Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan.8Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dryground.9When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
- The crossing of the Jordan River symbolizes a crossing over into destiny in scripture.
- Do I want my life defined by my work alone, the enemy’s work or God’s work?
Proverbs 23:4-5,4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.5Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone . . .
Questions:
- What did you hear from the Holy Spirit?
- What will you do because of it?
- How can we pray for you?