I Shall Not Be Moved
Today’s Verse:
And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. ~2 Kings 2:6
We live in a very transient society. It seems like people are in a state of flux with most things in their lives. People relocate to different cities and states for more affordable housing. People change jobs for what is perceived as higher pay, better opportunities, or a more secure situation. People change churches because they want a certain type of music, or a certain speaking style. We need to ask ourselves the question: “What does it take for me to stay where I am?” Elisha was given three opportunities to plant himself in a new location. Each time, he adamantly said, “I will not leave thee.” This morning, let us see the importance of steadfastness.
Steadfastness is a choice.
Elijah told Elisha to tarry at Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho. Tarrying meant that he would not have to keep walking and traveling. Tarrying meant that his responsibilities could have lessened. Tarrying meant that he could be among the sons of the prophets and entertain theological discussions. However, Elisha said in each case, “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” Our choice to remain steadfast must be based on unchangeable doctrine. When you are settled on what is true doctrine, there is no need to debate. Our choice to remain steadfast must be based on sincere and solid relationships. Elijah was a rock-solid, unchangeable mentor in Elisha’s life. Elisha knew that staying with Elijah was where the blessing and power of God would be. We must choose to be steadfast!
We must be steadfast when there is change.
We are faced with change every day. There is change in technology, change in the political climate, change in people’s views, and change in circumstances. Elisha had the opportunity to allow a change in surroundings and companions. In both cases, he said, “I will not leave thee.” Be steadfast when the temptation to change locations is presented to you. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Moving to a new location but lacking a strong church that you can be a member of could be fatal to your spiritual life. Be steadfast when your peers inform you that they have a different persuasion or a new idea on Bible doctrine. Be steadfast when your feelings are affected towards people. Elisha’s peers tried to persuade him to move his alliance to them, but, instead, he told them to hold their peace and kept going with Elijah.
We must be steadfast when we are challenged.
Elisha passed the tests of location and relationship. He was standing at the location where the mantle of Elijah would be his to assume. He kept his eyes steadfast on Elijah as he was taken into Heaven. When he looked, he saw the mantle on the ground. He knew what the mantle represented. He knew that the mantle represented a new challenge for his life. He picked up that mantle, struck the waters of the Jordan River, and cried out, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” He was steadfast in the challenge! He didn’t pick up the mantle with the intent of trying to change its meaning, but, instead, he allowed the power of the mantle to change him. He continued steadfast in the function and performance of a prophet of God. Be steadfast in every challenge that God places in your life.
Resolve today to be steadfast in your relationships, your responsibilities, and your regimen. The winds of change and adversity will try to move you, but determine to say, “None of these things move me.”
Have a steadfast God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezra 4-7
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