DIGGING DEEP NO. 1063 December 17, 2024 CHARACTER STUDY – Elisha Are you Ready or Available?  (1 Kg 19:19-21)

Have you ever heard the words, I am not ready, I am still working on myself, I don’t have time yet, I am still building my Garden of Eden, etc. God never wanted worshippers to worship Him in perfection, all He always wanted are those who will do so in truth and in Spirit, so what if that truth is your imperfections and weaknesses? Why pretend it is ok, considering it’s a lie?

Our truth is not in the material things, it has nothing to do with our feelings… It’s all in our obedience to God… This down the line turns into our testimony. Abram Gen 17:1-2.

No more vessel no more oil, God’s work and movement are dependent upon our willingness to work, upon our availability 2 kgs 4:6

Soldiers going to war

Elisha’s story is very interesting, he had it all, he is rich, a big boy/man in his own right. He was there going about his day making sure he got richer. Also, did you notice Elisha was working on the farm himself? That tells us how resourceful and diligent he was, tells us he is not a Yes Boss kind of person, it tells us he is ready to get down into the dirt and show the servants how it is been done. Does this remind us of the person of Christ, who left all the riches and glory of his in heaven so as to have fellowship with us? Who else around you does this?

Elijah throwing his coat on him means adoption in Israel, Elisha being an ever-humble man didn’t even argue the situation, all he asked for was a time to say his farewell, can you imagine he was even asking for permission to leave behind his wealth/riches and take up the cross.

Elisha showed us that to step into our destiny, we need to step away from our security, and our comfort (fame, riches, glory, family, friends…)

DISCUSSION

1. Could the story have been different if Elisha had taken the day off and not been on the farm that day?
2. v20b: Why would Elijah try to convince him not to follow him?
3. v21: Why the party? Does that mean there will be no more feasts or merry-making when we commit to God?
4. v21b: The big man, the wealthy man, the boss became a servant, isn’t that belittling?
5. Elisha gave life, what else in our possession can we give to God even if our situation tells a different story?

CONCLUSION

If we wait until we are ready, we might end up waiting till the rest of our lives, the best time to get going and started is now, so what say you?

DON’T WAIT TILL YOU ARE READY, BE AVAILABLE…