Persistent hearts

I have always loved the story of Elijah and Elisha.
God had performed miraculous works through Elijah. One would think he would be on a “spiritual high”. However, Elijah succumbs to a time of human weakness and “woe is me” that are all brought about by the threats from an evil woman named Jezebel. In the midst of voicing his self-pity to God, God gives him instructions of what he is to do next. Then almost as an afterthought God reminds Elijah he is not the only one left in Israel that has not bowed his knee to Baal, “7000 in Israel who have never bowed down or kissed Baal!” This chapter ends with Elijah calling Elisha to be his assistant (1 Kings 19).

(2 Kings 2) When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind (that in itself would have been an amazing sight to behold!!), three times Elijah told Elisha to wait while he went into three different towns. Each time Elisha replied that he would never leave Elijah’s side. At each of those towns a group of prophets met Elisha to ask him if he knew God was going to take Elijah from him that day. Elisha’s response was the same each time, “of course I know.” Elisha’s persistence is being tested.

Finally, Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him before he is taken away.  Elisha’s response is very similar to Solomon’s response when God asked him, “What do you want. Ask, and I will give it to you.”
Elisha: “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”
Solomon: “Give me an understanding heart so I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.”

The similarities show hearts that are not self seeking but rather servant shaped and pliable. Both Solomon and Elisha were displays of God infused wisdom, power, and might because of their responses to a very powerful question.

I pray that if I’m faced with the choice Solomon and Elisha had that my heart would be bent for the blessings and good of others and not self motivation or proclamation. 
I pray I would be as persistent as Elisha in following Elijah, no matter how many places God tests my faith, to not give up and “stay put” but press forward knowing God’s promises are true and faithful.

A Watchman In Prayer

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

This verse has always inspired and moved me to belief-action.  When I begin to feel as though my prayers are just words I am always reminded of David and his burning passion and intimacy with God.  This reminder was not just David’s but is as necessary for us today as is breathing for our physical bodies.

Do we really pray expecting God to answer or do we wait until the answer is known before we become expectant?

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “I publicly proclaim bold promises.    I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me I could not be found.  I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.” (Is 45:19)

“Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.” (Is 59:1)

Micah declared, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah 7:7 

Today can we really trust God will hear us, even want to hear us?  Is his ear only bent toward some and not others?

Expectantly in Psalm 5:3 means to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch, watch closely.  This is similar to a watchman on the city walls looking intently and waiting expectantly.

What does a watchman do?

1.  Stays alert

 AT ALL TIMES……“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

IN PERSISTENCE….. And so I tell you keep on asking, and you will receive…Keep on seeking, and you will find…Keep on knocking and the door will be open.” (Lk 11:9-10); Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Eph 6:18)

WITH A THANKFUL HEART… Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (Col 4:2)

  

2.  Announces what he sees/hears

OPPOSITION…Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

VICTORY… You were dead because of your sins…Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities.  He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Col 2:1-15

 3.  Keeps guard of an entrance

TO THE HEART…Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 1 Corinthians 16:13

TO THE MIND…Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7

TO THE MOUTH…Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
 Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies (gossip??) of those who do wrong. Ps 141:3-4

4.  Sits high above so he can see over what he guards

THERE IS NO OTHER POWER OR AUTHORITY ABOVE OUR GOD… Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. Ephesians 1:21

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:21-23