UPLIFT FOR TODAY
"Down By The River"
Elisha. Who doesn't get inspired when you talk about this man of God? Elisha was down by the river. Water is an element that gives a tangible feel about our relationship with God. It was by the water when Moses received a great awakening from God. It must have been glorious to see the Red Sea roll back. Naaman was transformed at the river. A successful commander in the Syrian army who had experienced tremendous victories and yet he thought little of himself. Naaman was a leper. It was when he opened his heart to let go of suffering and began seeking God, God changed his life forever. As Naaman came up out of the water, God's glory came alive in his life to change him forever.
It was Jesus who went down to the riverside to be baptized by John the Baptist. As Jesus came up out of the water, God's glory descended as a dove and proclaimed how God felt about His Son. God feels the same for us, His children, when we do what is asked of us.
Water represents life. God's word assures us that out of our bellies shall flow rivers of living water. This is a symbol used by God to show us the power of life that we have when we are connected to the Father. When you find yourself like your biblical family, between a rock and a hard place, turn to the ROCK. Christ Jesus is the rock of your salvation.
In I Kings, Elijah was introduced to the ministry of Elisha. As Elijah sought after God he was instructed to anoint Elisha to be a prophet. Elijah put his mantle on Elisha as he was plowing in the field. Elisha wanted to go and take care of other business before he said yes to the calling. Elijah gave him the choice. Elisha knew it was time to follow after God's plan for his life. The two spent years of service together seeing God display His miraculous power. The time came for Elijah to leave this world. It was transformation time for Elisha.
