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Sunday, June 15, 2025

Transfer Of Power

When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. [2 Kings 2.15]

To pick up on what is discussed here, it would be most helpful to start off by reading Taking A Little Trip from this date in 2024.

As I read this same passage today, I realized that every number and event of this story has some connection to Jesus. Furthermore, as I tried to launch off writing my response today, I found myself overwhelmed with all that is there in 2 Kings 2.

What stands out the most to me however is that Elijah's spirit was transferred to Elisha in a remarkable prophetic image of Jesus transferring His power to every believer (please read 2 Kings 2.15 (Who Do You Look Like?)).

If the Church needs anything today (and, it does), it is to reflect Jesus Christ to the world in all His glory and power. Of course those words sound good, but actually when that happens, the end result can and will only reflect Jesus' end result: being persecuted.

If the paragraph above instills discomfort and fear in us, then we have a lot more "becoming like Jesus" to do. We should not be discouraged, but encouraged to dig further into the Word of God.

If however, Jesus, God's Word, is finding ever-increasing occupation of our hearts, we then, like Jesus, will find not tolerance, but excitement about the witness we have the opportunity to demonstrate (again, like Jesus) to a world that so undeniably needs Him - a world God still so desperately loves (John 3.16).

Hebrews says it like this:

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. [Hebrews 12.2] 

What each of us needs to understand is that Jesus has indeed transferred all His Spirit and power to us. Like Elisha however, we must "pick up the mantle (take up our cross)" Faith is involved, but so is action. The opening passage above took place after Elisha "picked up the mantle":

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. [2 Kings 2.13-14]

Father, may we be found so occupied by Your Word, Jesus, that He, in us, continues to demonstrate His power and glory through us to Your world that You so love! May this transfer of power occur in us every day. So be it.

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