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PURSUING THE ANOINTING 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha. The casting of the mantle was a call to the prophetic. It was a call to follow after the anointing of God that was on Elijah's life. The mantle represented authority, power, and glory. The casting of the mantle was symbolic of adoption, a father clothing his son.
The One Day that affects all others. There was no recorded history of these 2 meeting each other prior to this occasion. Then, by Divine Guidance, their paths intersect. One day that can change your world may be a day that you have no idea is coming. When Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha, it presented an opportunity to change his destiny. He could accept the call and follow after God, or he could deny and die where he was. Don't miss the opportunity of the lifetime by missing the lifetime of the opportunity.
WALKING IN ELISHA'S SHOES: PURSUING THE ANOINTING
1. He cooked the oxen. This represents abandoning your old life style. You've gotta make some choices
2. He burned the plow. Not only did he cook the oxen, but he burned the plows along with it. This represents burning your bridges behind you. Some leave too many things around that are easy to go back to. Elisha is not coming back; he has made up his mind to pursue God.
3. He forsook every relationship that would bring conflict to his pursuit. Elisha said goodbye to his parents and family, and there is no instance giving of him returning to former alliances. Sometimes you have to distance yourself from the closest to you to follow after the anointing and call of God. People around you won't understand you. They will think you've gone crazy.
4. He endured hardships. Following after Elijah would not be a bed of roses. His track record was not one of comfort and luxury. When you follow God, there is a price to pay, and hardships are often a part of it. Trials and tribulations come with the territory, so be ready to hang in there.
5. He followed diligently. The pathway to the anointing is through a process.
6. Elisha remained faithful. Some turn back. Paul said of Demas, “Demas has forsaken me.” The double portion anointing that Elisha hungered for was not a fast food or microwave item. The anointing of God comes to those who are faithful.
7. Elisha served. The only mention of any accomplishment during this time is in 2 Kings 3:11 “Elisha… poured water on the hands of Elijah.” No mention of any prophecies, any praying for miracles, only of him serving as a water boy. Don’t underestimate the water boy! Don’t devalue those who serve!
8. He stayed hungry for God. He stayed hungry for what he had tasted when the mantle was cast on him.