Tag: John 14:11-14
The Power of our choices!
Scripture reading for April 9: 2nd Kings 1-3
“What can I do for you before I am taken from you?” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” (2nd Kings 2:9)
This is essentially the same question God asked Solomon when He appeared to him a few years earlier. (1st Kings 3:5) Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God gives us choices. One of the tensions in Scripture is between our free will and God’s sovereign will. God is sovereign but He has chosen to work with man who is made in His image. Part of that image is the ability to make choices.
Elijah had been instructed by God to tap Elisha to take his place some ten years earlier. Elisha was the son of a farmer. He was plowing with 12 yokes of oxen–a big rig of that day! (1st Kings 19:19) At God’s instruction, Elijah threw his mantle over him. Scripture records that he left his oxen and ran after Elijah. Then he sacrificed his oxen, burning his plowing equipment to offer the sacrifice. Choices have consequences and rewards and often lead to more choices.
As the time for Elijah’s departure drew near, Elisha had to continually choose to stay near his mentor. Elijah kept asking him to stay away, but he kept insisting on staying. If we are going to get all that the Lord has for us, it means we must persevere! Elisha asked Elijah for the double portion of his mentor’s spirit. Elijah could not give that himself. It must come from the Lord. Elijah gave him a word of knowledge–that if he could see him when he departed he would have what he asked for. (2nd Kings 2:10-12) As they walked on together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind right before Elisha’s eyes and the mantle fell to earth! It was an exciting exit for the prophet Elijah and an exciting transition for the prophet Elisha as he picked up the anointed mantle and began to do greater things than his mentor!
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the final word from God. He has told HIs disciples to ask Him for whatever we need and He will do it. (John 14:14) He has given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and bring forth the gifts of the Spirit as they are needed to glorify the Lord. He has told us, that we will do even greater works because He has gone to the Father. (John 14:11-14) Ask the Lord today for what you need! How much more will God the Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask! (Luke 11:13)
Ask Me for Anything!
Scripture reading for April 25th: John 14
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 14:11-14 “Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”
Jesus gave His remaining disciples an amazing promise! He told them that they could ask Him for “anything in My name, and I will do it.” He also told them that because He was going to the Father, they would do even greater miracles than He had done! This was all received by faith that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. These promises were not just for those disciples, but were written down to call all disciples to faith and action!
Observations for over-comers: Prayer is one of the greatest privileges of a disciple. We have an invitation and a promise of action as we ask for what we need in the name of Jesus Christ! “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” (Psalm 105:1-3)