She Bear Stompin
(11-06-05)
2Kg.2:23-24
Elisha was a prophet of the Lord who served his master with his whole life, not a portion or part but the whole. He was the servant who served and followed Elijah. Elijah served God with his whole heart and God took him to heaven in a flaming chariot without having experienced death. (2Kg.2:11)
Elisha was asked several times to leave Elijah’s side but refused to do so. Finally Elijah asked what he might do for Elisha before he is taken away, His answer, a double portion of his Spirit. (2Kg.2:9-10) Elisha received that which he had requested. How do we know this? We can know this to be true by the fact that the conditions of Elijahs words to Elisha were met. (Verse 10, + 12)
From the beginning of Elisha’s solo career as prophet life was bold and demanding. His 1st exersise of his double portion of Eijah’s spirit, a re-parting of the Jordan river (13-14) Next mighty act of God through Elisha was the healing of the water springs of Jericho. (18-22) It is after this event that the story of the she bear stomping takes place.
So what is it that makes this story uniquely interesting? Any time something extraordinary happens it becomes worthy of being newsed about. Is there lessons to be learned in this reading? I would say there is much to be learned. To start with young and old alike should take head to how they talk and who they talk about. These young boys should have been more respectful of their elders.
We know nothing about the fate of these 42 except they were mauled. Like training a dog, the lesson is lost if it is not attached to the incident for which punishment is received. Even so these youths learned to fear and respect even someone with a bald head. What they likely didn’t know was Elisha’s connection to God.
It is this connection to the Almighty that is the point of this lesson. How many times over the course of your life has someone asked you to pray for them or for someone to whom they are associated? (I would hope this is frequent) Why does this happen? Normally, if it is known that a person is a Christian they get asked from time to time for prayer. To what end? Why? What is their hope? I expect the hope is miracles! People ask for prayers because they have a need for God to show up in some kind of huge way.
What is the outcome of their requests made through you? Did God Show up?
You, who ever you are, if you are in Christ have the Spirit of God in you. Elijah and his servant Elisha both had the Spirit of God in them. And through that Spirit prayed. James wrote this word of conviction: "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." (James 5:17-18) James gives this word of encouragement after his discourse on prayer. (verses 14-20) Why would he write such a thing? To persuade your heart and mind to trust that God hears what you speak. (Mat.12:36 every careless word)
The potential for good or ill rests in the power of your spoken words because when you speak and invoke the name the mighty God we serve he hears and answers. It is good to be mindful of your accountability – God will hold you responsible. When you are drawn by the Spirit Jesus, who lives in you, to speak out a prayer in His name, do it!