2,11 The Next Step
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The Apostle Paul was a man who was God-gripped for the souls of men. That is what defined his life and what he wanted others to know. Yet, the people in the Corinthian church, like many today, continued to embrace Christ for what they could get from Him. People find themselves taking any route that seems the easiest and then find ourselves away from God.
Yet, Paul deliberately chose to go on what he knew would prove to be a journey of hardship—one that natural man would not undertake. Paul knew that God’s plan would be for the benefit of many people. Paul had an inner assurance that God was in control and that there was a purpose for everything He allowed.
Before we look at Paul’s life, let us look back to 2 of the OT prophets: Elijah and Elisha.
Concerning the Next Step
Concerning the Next Step
We can either stay the full course of the journey, no matter what difficulties arise along the way, or we can choose to opt out!
We can either stay the full course of the journey, no matter what difficulties arise along the way, or we can choose to opt out!
Elisha was presented with choices!!
2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.
READ -
Many believe that Elijah was a type of Christ. You can draw countless parallels to the Messiah. In this passage, Elijah can be seen as a type of man who has known the anointing of God and has come to the final steps of his journey, ready to pass on the baton.
Many believe that Elijah was a type of Christ. You can draw countless parallels to the Messiah. In this passage, Elijah can be seen as a type of man who has known the anointing of God and has come to the final steps of his journey, ready to pass on the baton.
Elijah—“my God is Yahweh”- intimates his program, an uncompromising worshiper of Yahweh.
He opposed Baal worship.
To Bethel—Bethel was the spiritual center of the kingdom of the 10 tribes—
— Elisha’s response—“AS the Lord live and as your soul lives, I will not leave you”.
He is saying to Elijah, lord, I am not leaving this journey! I am not opting out! I am not going to look for the easy way out! Sadly,
Many will reach the throne of grace to find out what “could have been”!
Many will reach the throne of grace to find out what “could have been”!
What God would have done if they had NOT stopped short of the full journey.
READ vs3—in other words—this journey you are on will result in loss; we are not willing to join you! Many will know where to go but will not be willing to finish the journey!
“Hold your peace”—literally, I know it—or “hush”-don’t chatter about what is so sacred. Don’t suppose that you are wiser than anybody else
A second trial of Elisha’s fidelity is followed by a second.
READ vs4-5- To Jericho- Elisha says, As the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee”.
Jericho— a place of victory now represents a people who will rest on their “laurels’ of the past victory! If asked for a testimony, they would share what happened 40 years ago.
We cannot build a wall around an experience and stay there.
We cannot build a wall around an experience and stay there.
Prophets of Jericho speak about the same loss—how many people hear these words and turn back? Yet, God calls them to keep pressing on! The Holy Spirit directs and leads them, yet many refuse to follow. They say, “This is enough!”
A third effort to detach his follower from him—
READ vs6- Once again, Elisha refuses to leave Elijah.
vs7-
Finally arriving at the Jordan, a place which signifies dying to oneself and living again in Christ. When they arrived, 50 men of the sons’ of the prophets came out to view them from afar off—
Many are willing to watch and examine the life of others, but were unwilling to join them!
Many are willing to watch and examine the life of others, but were unwilling to join them!
They stayed back—they watched as Elijah parted the waters of death and the 2 of them crossed over on dry ground.
NOTE vs9—
Why do people follow Jesus? Why are we following Jesus?
Why do people follow Jesus? Why are we following Jesus?
Elijah senses that Elisha has followed him for a reason and therefore asks what Elisha wants.
Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of the spirit that possesses Elijah indicates his understanding that Elijah has a special relationship with God.
Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of the spirit that possesses Elijah indicates his understanding that Elijah has a special relationship with God.
says that the firstborn son must receive a “double portion” of his father’s estate. If this privilege is what Elisha has in mind, then Jones may be correct in saying that “Elisha is asking that he be granted special privileges as his master’s successor, possibly as the leader of a community of prophets.” Perhaps, then, Elisha desires both Elijah’s spiritual strength and temporal responsibilities, or he may simply ask for the spiritual power to do the job he has known he would someday assume (cf. ).
READ vs11-25
2:13–18 Only Elijah’s cloak remains. Elisha takes it back to the Jordan and asks where Elijah’s God is—the God who caused drought, brought fire from the sky, raised the dead, and took Elijah to heaven.
When Elisha strikes the water with the cloak, he discovers that while Elijah is gone the Lord is not, for the water parts again.
When Elisha strikes the water with the cloak, he discovers that while Elijah is gone the Lord is not, for the water parts again.
The prophets who witness the whole scene understand that Elijah’s spirit, the spirit of zeal and power, now rests on Elisha. Still, they seek for Elijah for three days, then return to the new master prophet. Apparently there was still some doubt about whether Elisha could really replace Elijah, though it seems that he has at least laid claim to the status once reserved for Elijah among the company of the prophets.
Vs19- the water situation—Historians say that there was something in the water that caused the trees to bear fruit, but the fruit would fall off before being ripe.
Today, the world offers a lot of hope but before anyone can attain the hope, it falls to the ground. Elisha ushered hope by casting in “salt”—Salt brings healing and thirst!! If you are walking in Christ, you will bring a thirst to those around you!
2:19–22 A second miracle reveals Elisha’s prominence to the men of Jericho. The city’s water supply is bad, which renders the land as “unproductive” as a couple without children or robbed of children. Elisha purifies the water while performing a ritual involving salt. The fact that Elisha declares the water healed because of God’s word indicates that no magic has occurred. Rather, the prophet has demonstrated the importance of the event through the use of a symbolic act and has then relayed a message concerning God’s will on the matter. Two groups have now seen evidence of Elisha’s special status.
Vs23-Constant ridicule and everything tried to hinder him along the way—yet, Elisha didn’t hesitate to the go the “journey”!
And over the course of his life, God used Elisha to do the “miraculous”!
And over the course of his life, God used Elisha to do the “miraculous”!
2:23–25 A third, less respectful group learns of Elisha’s power. Some young boys from Bethel come out of the town to mock and jeer at the prophet. These boys parallel the soldiers in who order Elijah to come with them, for both groups seem to lack respect for the prophets’ authority and position. The specific insult cast at Elijah is, “Go on up, you baldhead,” a phrase that may refer to some physical marking Elisha took on as a prophet rather than to a literal baldness. If this was the case, the insult was directed specifically at Elisha as a prophet and therefore at the Lord whom he represented. The jeering “Go on up!” may be a reference to Elijah’s translation, with the sense of “Go away like Elijah,” perhaps spoken in “contemptuous disbelief.”25
Elisha pronounces a swift curse on the group, and bears maul forty-two of the boys. This punishment comes as a punishment of the Lord, in whose name the curse was offered (cf. ). The youths were typical of a nation that “mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets” (). Some commentators think this story was originally meant “to frighten the young into respect for their reverend elders,” while others believe the account is legendary and represents the worst notions of certain prophetic circles.28
It is also true that the scornful have discovered Elisha is no more to be trifled with than Elijah was. Three groups of characters are now aware of Elisha’s prominence. Others have yet to learn this fact, however, so further miracles may be required.
Our next step must be in obedience to God.
Our next step must be in obedience to God.
Our next step will be recognized by others.
Our next step will be recognized by others.
Paul in the Storm
Paul in the Storm
Clearly aware the ship was headed to destruction, Paul chose to obey and trust God on the journey to Rome. So, off they went, everyone perceiving it would be a favorable voyage.
Have you been trying to speak to family, friend, co-workers, encouraging them to prepare for the difficult days to come?
READ vs14-15
READ 16-20—do you think it was miserable as a prisoner in the bottom of the ship? Do you think others around him were a bit bitter?
When we find ourselves there, beware that this spirit doesn’t poison you!
Paul wouldn’t have been there if the men would have listened to him —but they didn’t listen to him. While Paul was praying for deliverance, God had shown Paul that this journey would end in disaster!
The Storm got worse!!! The mariners were trying to hold the ship together! All human effort and capabilities were inadequate.
The Storm got worse!!! The mariners were trying to hold the ship together! All human effort and capabilities were inadequate.
READ vs21–26—
Paul finds himself on the deck, standing with a word of exhortation!
READ vs27ff
Vs31—
Cut off the lifeboats!!
Cut off the lifeboats!!
That is exactly what the sailors did!
There is NO back door to this journey!
There is NO back door to this journey!
There is no easy way out!!
There is no easy way out!!
The ONLY Way is faith in Jesus Christ and in HIs Word!
The ONLY Way is faith in Jesus Christ and in HIs Word!
All the schemes and plans will be abandoned!! Only by the Power of God will we overcome.
All the schemes and plans will be abandoned!! Only by the Power of God will we overcome.
READ vs33-36
The Waves are crashing- ship being tossed to and fro—a pretty hopeless situation!
Paul—initiating Communion Service!!
Will the Church do as Paul? In the midst of the storm, in the midst of our journey, will we trust God so much that we will say to this generation—We will serve the Lord, no matter what!!!
How did Paul learn to be like that? Maybe it was in situation like being chained in the belly of a ship! In the dark, difficult places, is where he learned the sustaining power of God’s grace.
READ 37-44
Focus on 43-44—The message to this generation is this—
The Cross is big enough!!
The Cross is big enough!!
There is plenty of wood from the Cross! If you will cling to the Cross of Christ, you will make it through!!
Both Elisha and Paul had something happen to them —as they KEPT TAKING THE NEXT STEP!!
People looked to both of them for answers
God blessed them both in Supernatural ways!
There is always a divine purpose for everything that you will go through—been in a storm lately—could it be that God is about to send somebody your way.
God has allowed the suffering and trials in your life for the sake of others!!!
Your Next Step is A MUST if you are to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Your Next Step is A MUST if you are to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!