The importance of obedience to God, the promise of His presence in our lives, and the cost of disobedience, using the story of Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2:1-12.
Good morning, family! Today, we're diving deep into the heart of 2 Kings 2:1-12.
Let me read this passage for us:
[Read passage]
As C.S. Lewis once wisely said, "Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality."
Let's pray:
Dear Lord, we ask You to open our hearts and minds as we delve into Your Word today. Teach us the value of obedience, remind us of Your ever-present love, and help us understand the cost of turning away from You. We yearn to know You more and to live out Your will in our lives. Amen. So, buckle up as we journey together into this message today!
Obedience, as we see in the story of Elisha, is not a passive act but rather a powerful choice. It's a decision to align our will with God's, to follow His commandments not out of fear, but out of love and trust. Elisha's obedience to God was not a one-time act but a lifestyle. He chose to stay with Elijah, despite being given the option to leave, because he knew that God had called him to be there. This is a clear demonstration of the power of obedience - it's not about convenience or personal preference, but about divine purpose.
Its ability to bring about divine encounters: Elisha's obedience led him to witness one of the most spectacular events in the Bible - the ascension of Elijah into heaven. This was not a coincidence, but a direct result of his obedience. God rewards those who diligently seek Him and obey His commands. This doesn't mean that obedience will always lead to spectacular miracles or dramatic encounters with God, but it does mean that obedience opens the door for us to experience God in ways we wouldn't otherwise.
It's a testament of our faith: When we obey God, we're essentially saying, "I trust You. I believe that Your ways are higher than mine, that Your plans are better than mine." This kind of faith pleases God. It shows Him that we're willing to surrender our plans, our desires, our very lives to Him. And in return, He blesses us with His presence, His peace, and His favor.
The power to transform us: As we continually choose to obey God, we become more like Him. Our character is shaped, our hearts are molded, and our lives are changed. We begin to reflect His love, His grace, His mercy to the world around us. This is the ultimate goal of obedience - not just to follow rules, but to become more like Christ.
Not always easy: It often requires sacrifice, perseverance, and courage. It may mean going against the flow, standing up for what's right, or giving up something we hold dear. But the rewards far outweigh the cost. As we obey God, we grow in our relationship with Him, we experience His blessings, and we fulfill our divine purpose.
In the story of Elisha: We see the power of obedience in action. His obedience led him to a divine encounter, strengthened his faith, transformed his life, and ultimately, enabled him to fulfill his divine purpose. This is the power of obedience - it's not just about following rules, but about experiencing God, growing in faith, and fulfilling our divine purpose.
As Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha was not left alone: God's presence remained with him, a promise that is extended to each of us today ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
Sermon Central
