- there are 70 faces to 
Post by alon on Feb 7, 2021 16:59:56 GMT -8
Calling of Elisha
Elijah- אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu, "My God is YHWH.” A mighty prophet of God, he does many miraculous works. He challenged 450 of prophets of Ba’al, whose false god does not show in the face of El-Shaddai, Almighty God (Gen 17:1). And so the false prophets were killed. (1 Kings 18:15-40)
Melech Ahab was the most evil king in the history of Yisro’el, and his wife Malcha ʾĪzével (Jezebel) was pure evil. She continually encouraged Melech Ahab to do wrong. Now I do not believe a demon can simply posses us. I do not think God would give a demon the power He denies Himself: that of taking our free will. However we can invite demons in, and if they are present in our lives it is because we allowed it at some point. And we can get in so deep it looks like possession, and then it is very difficult to get rid of them. Especially if we allow them back, and they return with allies:
Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV) “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
Once we purge ourselves of a demon, we must be constantly on guard and not give it an avenue of return.
Malcha ʾĪzével was possibly under the strong influence of a demonic spirit, and the spirit of ʾĪzével is alive today. Her purpose was to silence the prophets of God. She told Eliyahu he would be killed by that time tomorrow:
1 Kings 19:1-2 (ESV) Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.”
Today we see those who want to speak of God physically assaulted on college campuses across the county. We see God removed from our schools and from public places. And we are silenced by the extreme left at every turn. This is the spirit of ʾĪzével at work today. Like it or not, believe it or not, admit it or not, there is a spiritual realm, and it effects us all:
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
We as believers are called to stand against this realm. We are to pray for our country and our leaders. But we are also to speak up against the policies of ha’satan, oppose the people who do evil, especially if they are in leadership positions. Stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers who are being attacked, be they Messianic, Christian, Jewish, or even just conservatives who dare to speak up against the plans of the evil one. It has been thus from the beginning, when God cursed the serpent in the Garden:
Genesis 3:15 (ESV) “I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”
Ever notice that right after we have a great victory the enemy comes, and when confronted with trouble our common response is to flee?
1 Kings 19:3 (ESV) Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
Right after this tremendous victory, Eliyahu flees ʾĪzével. Count on it; right after a big victory, the enemy comes to destroy everything you just accomplished in the name of Elohim. Eliyahu fled from the north of Israel all the way to the south, as Be’er Sheva is in almost the last habitable region of the land at that time.
1 Kings 19:4 (ESV) But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Biblically when it speaks of the wilderness, it is usually speaking of the area east and south of Jerusalem. It is steep, dry, and desolate; almost barren. He probably followed the trade road from Be’er Sheva down to what today is called the Judaean Desert. There a malach, a messenger from God (probably spiritual, an “angel”) nourishes him and sends him to Mount Horeb, thought to be Mt. Sinai in the southern Arabian Desert (though the location is disputed).
Eliyahu ends up in cave, where he has a conversation with his Elohim. He thinks he’s the only one left, and wants God to kill him. But God tells him He has 7000 left who have not worshiped Ba’al (vs. 19:18). As Pastor Bill Best so eloquently put it, “You’re seven thousand and one. This isn’t just about you!”
In vs. 9 God asks Eliyahu a very pointed question: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Prophets of God do what He tells them, and God had not told him to flee from ʾĪzével.” Seter, our true Hiding Place (Ps 32:7) told him to get out of the cave; go back and anoint two kings. Eliyahu is then sent to find Elisha’, his replacement. When we make decisions outside the will of YHVH-Ra’ah, God (our) Shepherd (Ps 23:1) our subsequent actions will have consequences.
Elisha- אֱלִישָׁע, Elišaʻ, or Elisha’, "My God is salvation.”
1 Kings 19:19-21 (ESV) So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.
Twelve teams in the field means at least 12 men there, plowing. Those are twelve possible witnesses to this event. 12, the number of the tribes of Yisro’el. When Eliyahu took the tallit from his shoulders and placed it on Elisha’, he was saying “God’s call is on your life and His anointing is on your life.” Elohei Yisroel, the God of Israel (2 Sam 23:3) is calling you to be His prophet. This was a very physical, visual representation of the transfer of the anointing. The Hebrew language and people are very oriented to the physical. Everyone has a “tallit” of calling on their life. Whenever we don a tallit we should be mindful of this. We need to learn how to carry that anointing, like a tallit upon us.
Elisha’ fully understood what was happening. He asked to say goodbye to his parents, and we do not know if he ever saw them again. Eliyahu says ok, but think about what just happened; what it is you are being called to. Elisha’ probably does say goodbye, and he is must have considered what he was saying yes to; and he makes the commitment. He kills his ox and burns the plow to roast the meat on.
That was his livelihood. He was saying yes to God, a total commitment with no reservations. Nothing to return to “just in case.” He could have kept the ox, maybe leased it out and stored the plow, “just in case.” But God doesn’t want us to have an out; a contingency plan. He wants our full commitment. What are our contingency plans? Where are you reserving a “just in case?” Where have you told God “I’ll go so far, but “just in case” this, I have this?” We should ask ourselves “Have I made a full commitment to do what YHVH Elohim, the Lord (My) God wants?” What is it that holds me back?
Often it is a lack of trust in God’s provision or protection; or possibly wanting to go our way instead of living obedient to God. However trust, and obedience to God are the keystones to living holy lives, lives set apart to God in a fallen world. God desires us to draw close to Him, to listen only to Him. As we learn to tune out the noise and distractions of the world, we get a sense of the presence of God’s Spirit. This, along with reading and understanding scripture will guide us in our walk. That is what total commitment looks like, and prophet, penitent, king or servant, this is what our Elohim desires of us.
It is high time we recognize who we are. We are sons and daughters of Melech ha’Kavod, the King of Glory (Ps 24:7). We are joint heirs with Yeshua, and we don’t have to live as the world says. We live to serve Melech ha’M’lechim, the King of Kings (Rev 19:16).
As Elisha’ goes into town he has the tallit on, like he is wrapped and embraced by YHVH-Yireh, God Will See/God Will Provide (Gen 22:14). So he sets a feast with his ox, and all come to partake. He killed a valuable animal and gave away the food. It must have occurred to him he could sell the ox, or keep some of the food. But he gave it all to El Shadai, God (his) Provider (Gen 28:3). Whenever I give to a charity or someone in need, I am aware I am giving to God. Whatever I gave is gone. No taking it back. Elisha’ gave his livelihood as a feast before the Lord. I admit, I have not personally gone that far. But this is what God desires of us. We cannot afford to live as double minded. We need to make the commitment to serve God. “Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” v 21c.
There is a price to be paid for commitment. And if we talk just about the price it is a dark picture. But El Channun, the Gracious God (Jonah 4:2) rewards those who commit to Him:
Hebrews 11:16 (ESV) But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Psalm 86:5-7 (ESV) For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.
Psalm 91:14-15 (ESV) “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
James 1:12; 4.7-8 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. … Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV) “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure [business] on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure [pursuing your own business], or talking idly [speaking a word];
then you shall take delight in the Lord,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth [of the land];
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
“If you want increased favor in your life, start obeying God in every area of your life.” (The Force of Favor, by Dr. Dave Martin)
Elisha’ asked for a double portion of God’s favor:
2 Kings 2:9-12 (ESV) When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.
Elisha had a heart that was committed, and he did receive that double portion.
This is the choice before us today. Will we commit. Will we seek the benefit of seeing the face of El Chai, the Living God (Deu 5:26). To say “Your presence, Your calling, Your strength, Your provision.” Heaven then is going to show up! And we get to be a part of it. That’s the reward on earth. Then there is the heavenly reward: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Rev 22:12).
Where are you holding back? Where have you said yes to a limit? “I will go just so far.” Where is the place God is calling, saying “Give it all?” For some it is Torah observance, for others it may be a particular place where we are stuck and we don’t like it. “My spouse is not a believer in Messianism, so I can only go this far.” That may be true, but we must always be aware of using this as a crutch. “I don’t have an assembly nearby, so I can only do this much.” Again, true for some of us, but really, can we do more? “I can follow anywhere except (prison, Texas [I’m a Texan, so I take the liberty], the military [been there too], government, boats, planes, cities, …). Where can’t you follow His call? Why?
If Kedoshi, the Holy One (Hab 1:12) calls you He will also cover you, just like the picture of Eliyahu’s tallit on Elisha’s shoulders.
Commit totally, and reap the rewards of heaven itself coming down.
Mekorot: based on a sermon by Pastor Bill Best, AoG
Elijah- אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu, "My God is YHWH.” A mighty prophet of God, he does many miraculous works. He challenged 450 of prophets of Ba’al, whose false god does not show in the face of El-Shaddai, Almighty God (Gen 17:1). And so the false prophets were killed. (1 Kings 18:15-40)
Melech Ahab was the most evil king in the history of Yisro’el, and his wife Malcha ʾĪzével (Jezebel) was pure evil. She continually encouraged Melech Ahab to do wrong. Now I do not believe a demon can simply posses us. I do not think God would give a demon the power He denies Himself: that of taking our free will. However we can invite demons in, and if they are present in our lives it is because we allowed it at some point. And we can get in so deep it looks like possession, and then it is very difficult to get rid of them. Especially if we allow them back, and they return with allies:
Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV) “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
Once we purge ourselves of a demon, we must be constantly on guard and not give it an avenue of return.
Malcha ʾĪzével was possibly under the strong influence of a demonic spirit, and the spirit of ʾĪzével is alive today. Her purpose was to silence the prophets of God. She told Eliyahu he would be killed by that time tomorrow:
1 Kings 19:1-2 (ESV) Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.”
Today we see those who want to speak of God physically assaulted on college campuses across the county. We see God removed from our schools and from public places. And we are silenced by the extreme left at every turn. This is the spirit of ʾĪzével at work today. Like it or not, believe it or not, admit it or not, there is a spiritual realm, and it effects us all:
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
We as believers are called to stand against this realm. We are to pray for our country and our leaders. But we are also to speak up against the policies of ha’satan, oppose the people who do evil, especially if they are in leadership positions. Stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers who are being attacked, be they Messianic, Christian, Jewish, or even just conservatives who dare to speak up against the plans of the evil one. It has been thus from the beginning, when God cursed the serpent in the Garden:
Genesis 3:15 (ESV) “I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”
Ever notice that right after we have a great victory the enemy comes, and when confronted with trouble our common response is to flee?
1 Kings 19:3 (ESV) Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
Right after this tremendous victory, Eliyahu flees ʾĪzével. Count on it; right after a big victory, the enemy comes to destroy everything you just accomplished in the name of Elohim. Eliyahu fled from the north of Israel all the way to the south, as Be’er Sheva is in almost the last habitable region of the land at that time.
1 Kings 19:4 (ESV) But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Biblically when it speaks of the wilderness, it is usually speaking of the area east and south of Jerusalem. It is steep, dry, and desolate; almost barren. He probably followed the trade road from Be’er Sheva down to what today is called the Judaean Desert. There a malach, a messenger from God (probably spiritual, an “angel”) nourishes him and sends him to Mount Horeb, thought to be Mt. Sinai in the southern Arabian Desert (though the location is disputed).
Eliyahu ends up in cave, where he has a conversation with his Elohim. He thinks he’s the only one left, and wants God to kill him. But God tells him He has 7000 left who have not worshiped Ba’al (vs. 19:18). As Pastor Bill Best so eloquently put it, “You’re seven thousand and one. This isn’t just about you!”
In vs. 9 God asks Eliyahu a very pointed question: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Prophets of God do what He tells them, and God had not told him to flee from ʾĪzével.” Seter, our true Hiding Place (Ps 32:7) told him to get out of the cave; go back and anoint two kings. Eliyahu is then sent to find Elisha’, his replacement. When we make decisions outside the will of YHVH-Ra’ah, God (our) Shepherd (Ps 23:1) our subsequent actions will have consequences.
Elisha- אֱלִישָׁע, Elišaʻ, or Elisha’, "My God is salvation.”
1 Kings 19:19-21 (ESV) So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.
Twelve teams in the field means at least 12 men there, plowing. Those are twelve possible witnesses to this event. 12, the number of the tribes of Yisro’el. When Eliyahu took the tallit from his shoulders and placed it on Elisha’, he was saying “God’s call is on your life and His anointing is on your life.” Elohei Yisroel, the God of Israel (2 Sam 23:3) is calling you to be His prophet. This was a very physical, visual representation of the transfer of the anointing. The Hebrew language and people are very oriented to the physical. Everyone has a “tallit” of calling on their life. Whenever we don a tallit we should be mindful of this. We need to learn how to carry that anointing, like a tallit upon us.
Elisha’ fully understood what was happening. He asked to say goodbye to his parents, and we do not know if he ever saw them again. Eliyahu says ok, but think about what just happened; what it is you are being called to. Elisha’ probably does say goodbye, and he is must have considered what he was saying yes to; and he makes the commitment. He kills his ox and burns the plow to roast the meat on.
That was his livelihood. He was saying yes to God, a total commitment with no reservations. Nothing to return to “just in case.” He could have kept the ox, maybe leased it out and stored the plow, “just in case.” But God doesn’t want us to have an out; a contingency plan. He wants our full commitment. What are our contingency plans? Where are you reserving a “just in case?” Where have you told God “I’ll go so far, but “just in case” this, I have this?” We should ask ourselves “Have I made a full commitment to do what YHVH Elohim, the Lord (My) God wants?” What is it that holds me back?
Often it is a lack of trust in God’s provision or protection; or possibly wanting to go our way instead of living obedient to God. However trust, and obedience to God are the keystones to living holy lives, lives set apart to God in a fallen world. God desires us to draw close to Him, to listen only to Him. As we learn to tune out the noise and distractions of the world, we get a sense of the presence of God’s Spirit. This, along with reading and understanding scripture will guide us in our walk. That is what total commitment looks like, and prophet, penitent, king or servant, this is what our Elohim desires of us.
It is high time we recognize who we are. We are sons and daughters of Melech ha’Kavod, the King of Glory (Ps 24:7). We are joint heirs with Yeshua, and we don’t have to live as the world says. We live to serve Melech ha’M’lechim, the King of Kings (Rev 19:16).
As Elisha’ goes into town he has the tallit on, like he is wrapped and embraced by YHVH-Yireh, God Will See/God Will Provide (Gen 22:14). So he sets a feast with his ox, and all come to partake. He killed a valuable animal and gave away the food. It must have occurred to him he could sell the ox, or keep some of the food. But he gave it all to El Shadai, God (his) Provider (Gen 28:3). Whenever I give to a charity or someone in need, I am aware I am giving to God. Whatever I gave is gone. No taking it back. Elisha’ gave his livelihood as a feast before the Lord. I admit, I have not personally gone that far. But this is what God desires of us. We cannot afford to live as double minded. We need to make the commitment to serve God. “Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” v 21c.
There is a price to be paid for commitment. And if we talk just about the price it is a dark picture. But El Channun, the Gracious God (Jonah 4:2) rewards those who commit to Him:
Hebrews 11:16 (ESV) But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Psalm 86:5-7 (ESV) For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.
Psalm 91:14-15 (ESV) “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
James 1:12; 4.7-8 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. … Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV) “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure [business] on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure [pursuing your own business], or talking idly [speaking a word];
then you shall take delight in the Lord,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth [of the land];
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
“If you want increased favor in your life, start obeying God in every area of your life.” (The Force of Favor, by Dr. Dave Martin)
Elisha’ asked for a double portion of God’s favor:
2 Kings 2:9-12 (ESV) When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.
Elisha had a heart that was committed, and he did receive that double portion.
This is the choice before us today. Will we commit. Will we seek the benefit of seeing the face of El Chai, the Living God (Deu 5:26). To say “Your presence, Your calling, Your strength, Your provision.” Heaven then is going to show up! And we get to be a part of it. That’s the reward on earth. Then there is the heavenly reward: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Rev 22:12).
Where are you holding back? Where have you said yes to a limit? “I will go just so far.” Where is the place God is calling, saying “Give it all?” For some it is Torah observance, for others it may be a particular place where we are stuck and we don’t like it. “My spouse is not a believer in Messianism, so I can only go this far.” That may be true, but we must always be aware of using this as a crutch. “I don’t have an assembly nearby, so I can only do this much.” Again, true for some of us, but really, can we do more? “I can follow anywhere except (prison, Texas [I’m a Texan, so I take the liberty], the military [been there too], government, boats, planes, cities, …). Where can’t you follow His call? Why?
If Kedoshi, the Holy One (Hab 1:12) calls you He will also cover you, just like the picture of Eliyahu’s tallit on Elisha’s shoulders.
Commit totally, and reap the rewards of heaven itself coming down.
Mekorot: based on a sermon by Pastor Bill Best, AoG
