S) "9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.' And Elisha said, 'Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.'"
2 Kings 2:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Kings 2
O) Three different times, it's recorded that other prophets warned Elisha that his mentor would be leaving him. Three different times, it's recorded that Elijah implored his disciple to stay behind. There was no doubt among them. Elisha's time was short. They might not have known how, or where, or exactly when, but they knew it was coming. Finally, Elijah asked what we see above. He took advantage of the time they had, to seek opportunity to bless his follower. Elisha asked for something hard, and Elijah told him it would be difficult to obtain. Hard as it may have been, though, it's exactly what happened.
A) There is a God-given desire in me, that I want to finish well. I want to live with excellence, honoring God in everything I do. However, that's not necessarily the same thing as ending well. When I leave something, whether it's a career, or a ministry, or a period of parenting (like the years my kids are minors), I need to recognize when an end is coming, and plan accordingly. At the end of any phase, or season, or time in my life, I want to do all I can to ensure that those who I am leaving are set up to thrive. I want my kids to excel when they leave the nest. I want my Life Group to thrive when we move on. I want my workplace to be successful when I retire. The details of how to accomplish all of these things can look pretty different, but if I want to exit with excellence, I need to identify two big questions. 1) When is it ending? 2) What do they need? Some of question 2 can be answered and addressed now, and so I strive to do that. For question 1, I must be vigilant and prayerful.
P) Father, Your wisdom and grace cannot be matched. You are perfect in Your timing and will. I know that You have made plans, that I would have some part to play in the lives of those around me. When I am focused on Your goodness, I am also motivated by love. I want to do well for You. Help me to be focused, to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit each day. Beyond the day to day things, Lord, I want to finish well for You. I seldom know when will be the last encounter I have with someone, so I want to be sure I am doing all I can with every opportunity. But, when a season is coming to a close, by Your will, let me know. Lead me to give a final blessing if I can. All of this is only going to happen by Your will, and I know I can't force anything. Also, only You will answer prayers, no matter what my will is. So above all else, I pray for Your will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Be glorified in all of my relationships, in every way I minister. All to honor Your name. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment