Theme of the Week: Disciple-Makers
Bible Verse: “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.” 2 Kings 2:9 NIV
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-18, 1 Corinthians 11:1
One of my childhood heroes was an NHL Hall of Fame goalie with the Montreal Canadiens, the greatest team in the history of the league. His famous goalie-stick stance, stellar record, and calm, fearless demeanor made him someone I wanted to emulate. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be that type of stalwart netminder, weighed down by soaking-wet deadweight body armor and facing blistering frozen pucks…well, maybe not everyone. I wanted to be the next superstar goalie with my own hockey card and Stanley Cup ring. The best I could do was a short elementary school floor hockey career with not even an onion ring to show for it.
Elijah was a mighty prophet in the history of Israel who performed incredible miracles. He caused rain to stop, called fire from heaven, and raised a boy from the dead to name a few. Elisha was to be his successor, and his mentorship may have lasted for over six years, allowing him to know, watch, and learn the ways of Elijah. Eventually, the time came for Elijah to pass the baton, but Elisha’s prayer was not just to be like his mentor but to have a “double portion” of what Elijah had. It wasn’t enough for him to mimic his mentor. He wanted more than his mentor. That prayer was answered.
We can live our Christian faith in such a way that it not only rubs off on others but in an irresistible way so that they will want even more of God. Sadly, it is all too easy to live in a way that mimics the world but does not mirror our Savior. Paul gives sound advice and a great challenge for those who desire to be disciple-makers and those we want to disciple as Christ-followers: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). In other words, if you want to live like Jesus, live like me. Let’s live in a way that what we have is transferrable and irresistible.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that your Gospel and saving grace were irresistible to me. Show me how to have a faith worth emulating. Please help me to live in such a way that people want what I have. Amen.
Reflection: Is the faith I have attractive enough that others want what I have? Is my commitment and Christlikeness worth passing on? What do I need to change so that the love and life of Jesus can be seen in me?
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