WarrenWendel Wiersbe is an American pastor, Bible teacher, conference speaker and aprolific writer of Christian literature and theological works. Born on May 16,1929 in East Chicago, Indiana, Wiersbe is perhaps best known for his series of50 books in the "BE" series: Be Real, Be Rich, Be Obedient, BeMature, Be Joyful, etc. and other theological works (Wikipedia.com).
Heonce said…
"...Inmost churches, the congregation pays the pastor to preach, win the lost, andbuild up the saved—-while the church members function as cheerleaders (if they areenthusiastic) or spectators. The "converts" are won, baptized, andgiven the right hand of fellowship, then they join the other spectators.
How much faster our churches would grow, and how much stronger and happier ourchurch members would be, if each one were discipling another believer. The onlyway a local church can "be fruitful and multiply" (instead of growingby "additions") is with a systematic discipleship program. This isthe responsibility of every believer, and not just a small group who have been'called to go.'"
(Source:Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c 1989). The Bible Exposition Commentary. "Anexposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt.(Mt 28:16). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.)
Manyof us among believers have already the heart, the mind, the training and theresources to fulfill the great commission of Christ. We have so many “trainedleaders.” Yet most of us will not go forth and preach the good news. What is seriouslylacking is “desire.” As we study the life of Elijah and Elisha, we will find 5desires a disciple should have in order to become a great man of God.
We must have a ….
1) Desire ForGod (verses 1-3)
1 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. 2 Then Elijahsaid to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives,and as your soul lives, I willnot leave you!" So they wentdown to Bethel. 3 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha,and said to him, "Do you know that the LORDwill take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, Iknow; keep silent!"
Gilgal that Elijah and Elisha visited could not be theGilgal of the low plain of the Jordan, for the prophets are said to have gone downto Bethel, which is 3000 feet above the plain. It has been identified with Jiljilia,about four miles from Bethel and Shiloh respectively (Smith's Bible Dictionary).Bethel means “house of God.” In order to be a true disciple of God you musthave the desire for God’s house, God’s presence and God’s word. Elijah was aworshipper of God. He was testing Elisha if he would also come to the house ofGod by discouraging him from coming with him to Bethel. But Elisha wasdetermined to go. He was a God seeker.
2) Desire the Spirit of Understanding (verses 4-5)
4 Then Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here,please, for the LORD has sent meon to Jericho." But hesaid, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they came toJericho. 5 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha andsaid to him, "Do you know that the LORDwill take away your master from over you today?" So he answered,"Yes, I know; keep silent!"
The name “Jericho” means “fragrant.” If you dig down to theprimitive root of this word, it will mean “breath, breathe, to blow, to smellwith the anticipation of enjoyment and to make of quick understanding. The “ruach”of God’s Spirit is fragrant that brings wisdom and understanding(inspiration). Elisha was discouragedfrom following but he was determined to go to Jericho. Nothing and nobody couldstop him from reaching his goal. He wanted to have God’s breath in his ministry.Without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, our service will be powerless,without joy and without wisdom and understanding.
3) Desire to Defeat The Flesh (verse 6)
6 Then Elijahsaid to him, "Stay here, please, for the LORDhas sent me on to the Jordan."But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So the two of themwent on.
Jordan means “a descender.” It has its root from the Hebrewword “Yarad” that means “to descend” as to come down (bring down) or subdue theenemy. Jordan was the river where disciples were baptized. This is where we subdue the flesh by dying tothe world, the flesh and the devil and rising up in new life in Christ. Youcannot be a strong disciple if the flesh is not yet subdued. To make disciplesof all nations is to baptize them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. To becalled a disciple is a call to discipline. Paul said…
1 Cor 9:24-27 (NKJV)
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but onereceives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 Andeveryone who competes for the prizeis temperate in all things. Now they doit to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight:not as one who beats the air. 27 ButI discipline my body and bring itinto subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should becomedisqualified.
4) Desire Spiritual Gifts (verses 9-10)
9And so it was, when they had crossed over,that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am takenaway from you?" Elisha said,"Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." 10 So he said, "You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall beso for you; but if not, it shall not be so."
Without the gifts of the HolySpirit, you are not equipped for service. You may have the right mind and heart but without the gifts, you arelike a brave soldier going into battle without weapons and ammunition. Many Godfearing pastors have failed not because they don’t love the Lord, but theyfailed to ask God for empowerment through the gifts of the Spirit. Paul thegreat mentor of Timothy said…
1 Cor14:1 (NKJV) Pursue love, and desirespiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy
1Tim 4:12-16 (NKJV)
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, inconduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 TillI come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you,which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of theeldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourselfentirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Takeheed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this youwill save both yourself and those who hear you.
5) Desire to Take up theMantle of Your Mentor (verses11-13)
11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenlya chariot of fire appeared withhorses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by awhirlwind into heaven. 12 AndElisha saw it, and he criedout, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!"So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them intotwo pieces. 13 Healso took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back andstood by the bank of the Jordan.
Are you willing to be the nextgeneration of ministers in the Kingdom of God? Someday our pastors and leaderswill be gone either by retirement, transfer, promotion, moral failure or death.Whatever the case, will you succeed in succeeding the leaders that went beforeyou? Desire to take up the mantle that will be passed onto you. Rise up and take your place in His kingdom!
Paul had already finished hiscourse. It was time for him to move on. It was time for him to pass on the mantle tohis disciple Timothy. Before he did he told his son…
2 Tim 4:1-7 (NKJV)
I charge youtherefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living andthe dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready inseason and out of season. Convince,rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 Forthe time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according totheir own desires, because theyhave itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 andthey will turn their ears awayfrom the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things,endure afflictions, do the work of anevangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured outas a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 Ihave fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Conclusion:
14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallenfrom him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is the LORD God ofElijah?" And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this wayand that; and Elisha crossed over. 15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said,"The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meethim, and bowed to the ground beforehim.
Someday, the people that once discouragedyou (including pastors and brethren) will acknowledge the call of God in yourlife. They will testify that the Lord has truly anointed you to be the servantthat God will use for His glory alone. Take heart. Don’t be dismayed. If youare serving the Lord with a pure heart and if you humble yourself before Him, Hewill lift you up in due time.
Psalms37:4 (NKJV) Delight yourself also in theLord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Are you desiring to be a discipleof Christ? The ask! Jesus said…
Matt 7:7-11 (NKJV)
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek,and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeksfinds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asksfor bread, will give him a stone? 10 Orif he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give goodgifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven givegood things to those who ask Him!
Ask now for the good giftsfrom the Lord! Desire the best that the Lord has to offer. It is right there onHis table. Take it! He is just waiting for you to desire them.
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