{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"51. Where Now is the Lord?","description":"Today\u2019s Scripture reading comes from 2 Kings 2:14, quoting from the NIV: \u201cHe took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. \u2018Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?\u2019 he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.\u201d Elisha\u2019s master had just been whisked away in a \u201cchariot of fire with horses of fire.\u201d Many who witnessed his departure also knew that Elisha was the appointed successor. The same tender, young man who could not follow Elijah until he \u201ckissed his father and mother\u201d goodbye now grieves Elijah\u2019s \u201chome going\u201d by tearing his clothing. His comment \u201cMy father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel\u201d might suggest that young Elisha comprehends the gravity of the post he has inherited. As he strikes the Jordan River with Elijah\u2019s cloak, he asks, \u201cWhere now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?\u201d He uses his master\u2019s cloak to demonstrate that his request for a double portion of Elijah\u2019s spirit had been granted him. Was it arrogance for the young man to ask for a double portion? Apparently, two shares or a double portion was an indicator of legitimate succession. The sons of the Jericho prophets witness this miracle and declare, \u201cThe spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.\u201d Imitation is said to be the greatest form of flattery. What a winsome testimony when a son emulates the godly leadership of his father or a young officer that of a leader of integrity! Elisha had seen in Elijah characteristics worthy of emulation in a nation ruled largely by godless kings. The power of God was strong in the life of Elijah, and Elisha desired the presence of his teacher\u2019s teacher. Striking the ground as he had seen Elijah do, he cried out: \u201cWhere now is the LORD?\u201d When circumstances turn from desirable to undesirable or when the task ahead is greater than one\u2019s resources, it is common to want to know our importance to God and whether He is with us in our labors. We are not all like Elisha, who had a fire of faith blazing in him, emboldening him to ask for a double portion. If, like Elisha, you have made an abrupt lifestyle change to follow God, you may find yourself asking if this is really His plan for you. If you were Elisha striking the Jordan, you might have asked: \u201cWill God be as faithful to me as He was to Elijah?\u201d   \/\/ Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 4 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, Elisha knew God was with him. How do you know whether God is with you? Second, Elisha asked for a double portion. Is it appropriate to ask God for big things? Is something burning in you to accomplish for God? Third, Elisha had a godly mentor or teacher. Are you going it alone? And fourth, Elijah identified a successor to the important work. Whom are you bringing along in faith, profession, or relationships?   \/\/ About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   \/\/ Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon. ","author_name":"Leader, Draw Near","author_url":"http:\/\/ldnpodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"