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Friday, March 14, 2014

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- The Committed Follower

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – The Committed Follower
II Kings 2:1-2
 
"And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, 'Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.' But Elijah said, 'As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.' "
 
Elijah and Elisha's journey started in Gilgal, on the plain near the Jordan. Then they walked across the mountains to Bethel, then back across the mountains to Jericho (which was near Gilgal where they started), and then to the Jordan River. They went from the plain to the mountains, back to the plain, and then to the river. There were no ministries recorded in any of these places, so what was the purpose? It must have seemed like they were just wandering from place to place. At each fork in the road, Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here," and each time Elisha answered, "I will not leave you." It seemed that Elisha's commitment was being tested. I think that every follower of the Lord Jesus at one time or another has the temptation to quit when the road seems too steep, or too long, or just seems to meander with no obvious purpose. And some do leave the path to do their own thing. Even some of the followers of Jesus quit following. "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also want to go away?' But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life' " (John 6:66-68). The blessing of God is for those who are totally committed to following Jesus no matter where the path may lead, even when it seems too hard, or seems to be going in circles with no obvious purpose. The winding road eventually leads to crossing Jordan into heaven and eternal life. I will follow you, Lord Jesus, even when I don't understand.
 
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Following the path where Jesus leads takes commitment, but it leads to heaven.
 
Have a committed day. Love you.
 

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