SERMON NOTES:
Israel’s old history calls us today to lives of renewed faith-full-ness to Jesus, to lives of refreshing contrast. It is a set apart life!
Elijah and Elisha
1 Kings 19 19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
The calling of Elisha reveals a consistent reality of the contrast life of following Jesus:
“Embracing” God’s future means “letting go” of my past!
I get to leave what is to receive was is to come!
Holding on to today and yesterday prevents me from taking hold of tomorrow!
God is all about setting us free from our past so He can give us His future – that is the contrast life!
The Jesus Difference
Philippians 3:7-14 But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
An unexpected gift!
2 Kings 2:1-18 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
When you go with God…… go big!
Study Guide
Solitude, Scripture & Prayer
Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.
Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”
Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)
Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying? Why this word this day?
What are You asking me to believe about You and about me?
How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”
Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.
Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God
The readings this week:
Monday – 1 Kings 19:19-21
Tuesday – Philippians 3:1-11
Wednesday – Philippians 3:12-14
Thursday – Matthew 4:18-22
Friday – 2 Kings 2:1-18
Saturday – Psalm 51
Got questions? Continue the discussion. Follow the link @ https://goo.gl/Jd93J7