Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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DISCIPLESHIP -CALL TO WITNESS
                                                   2 KINGS 2:1-15
Vs 15 The Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
What is the cost of being a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ? In Luke 9:23 it reads “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me”. It is not an easy task to be a disciple and to be a witness. It needs lot of sacrifice on one’s part. We have to modify our plans, actions and attitude towards life. Our goals and priorities will change as well as our approach to problems in life. We will be the only Bible many will be reading and if our actions, words and dealings do not match to that of Jesus we will be at loss and a total failure.
Many non-Christian leaders like the teachings of Jesus but not the Christianity practiced by the Christians. We like a life free of troubles, sickness and failures but Jesus is telling us to take up his cross that includes all, and follow Him. By His death and resurrection Jesus bridged the gap between the creator and us, a gap caused by our sins.
The story of Elijah and Elisha may be the most obvious mentorship story in the Bible. It says about the role of the protégé and the mentor.
Faithfulness and loyalty to Elijah were essential traits for becoming Elijah’s successor. Elisha is requesting Elijah to give a double portion of Elijah’s spirit to continue his prophetic ministry and we see that it was granted as Elijah was taken up to heaven in chariots of fire, horses and whirlwind. There after Elisha witnessed before the people of Israel that he got the double portion of his leader’s spirit by performing miracles and joined his predecessors like Moses and Joshua. Dietrich Bonhoeffer a renowned theologian states about discipleship as a costly commitment, witnessing and leadership inspired by the gospel and teachings of Jesus and influenced with a spirit of Christian humanism. Elisha was ready to forgo all his business and possessions in order to follow Elijah. We see Elisha refusing to stay back when requested by Elijah and his perseverance enabled him to acquire the double portion of his master’s spirit.
Elisha waited patiently to pick up the cloak left by Elijah and thereby he was able to be a staunch witness before the people and presented as a godly man. We are called by our master to be his ambassadors in the world to spread the good news. We need to be patient, dedicated, trust worthy and ready to take up the cross to be an effective witness in this troubled world.
PRAYER
Lord enable us to be  your disciple and strengthen us each day to take up the cross.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Are we ready today to deny ourselves and follow Him?
Dr Thomas K Jose, The Mar Thoma  Church Staten Island.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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