20-20 Blog

Scripture Focus:

2 Kings 2:13–14 He took Elijah’s cloak—all that was left of Elijah!—and hit the river with it, saying, “Now where is the God of Elijah? Where is he?” When he struck the water, the river divided and Elisha walked through.

Observation:

I love the way Elisha invokes the God of Elijah. In the previous chapter of Kings Elisha had just seen his master and mentor, Elijah, incinerate 100 men who had tried to take him by force to King Ahaziah. This was just one of many amazing deeds Elisha had seen while learning to be a protege of Elijah.

When Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind and chariot of fire, Elisha was left only with Elijah’s robe and the promise that he would be like Elijah. His first act was to strike the Jordan with Elijah’s robe and say, “Now where is the God of Elijah? Where is he?”

And God comes through for him.

Application:

I don’t know why it is that certain people have the faith to call on God and so confidently know that God is going to answer them and grant their request. But the rest of us should take a cue from Elisha who cried out, “Now where is the God of Elijah?!”

It seems we can get God’s attention when we remind him of what he has done in the past for people like Elijah, who, as James 5:17 says, was a man just like us.

Prayer:

Father God . . . (personal)

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Scripture Focus:

1 Kings 17: 1 And then this happened: Elijah the Tishbite, from among the settlers of Gilead, confronted Ahab: “As surely as God lives, the God of Israel before whom I stand in obedient service, the next years are going to see a total drought—not a drop of dew or rain unless I say otherwise.”

James 5:17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

Observation:

I Kings 17 and 18 tell the great exploits of Elijah. Wow! These chapters are full of the stuff of great movies with drama, confrontation, blood, and special effects orchestrated by the God of the universe!

That Elijah was some guy!

But then we read in James 5:17: Elijah was a man just like us. Just like me?! But he accomplished so much, he did such amazing miracles!

Turns out it really wasn’t Elijah after all. It was God. And God can work through anybody—even a donkey. (Numbers 22)

Application:

If Elijah can do great things, why can’t I? I’m a human being, just like Elijah. I have the same God he had, so what keeps me from doing great exploits for God? James says Elijah prayed “earnestly.” He also says that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Prayer:

Father God, my prayers are often weak and faithless. Give me the heart to pray earnestly and fervently that my prayers might be as effective as Elijah’s.

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Scripture Focus:

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 2:4–7 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

Observation:

God has not given me a spirit of fear. Instead, he gives me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Armed with such a spirit from God himself, I can focus on the job God has given ME to do. As I focus, God will give me understanding in ALL things.

Application:

There isn’t room for worry or fear in my life today. Worry and fear are paralyzing. Power, love, and a sound mind are energizing. That’s what God gives to me as I start my day, but I must focus. God doesn’t promise an easy, self indulgent life. Just the opposite. But the rewards are great. “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.”

Prayer:

May I walk in the power and love of God today. I know I have a sound mind, for I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), so God, please help me focus today on the things that matter.

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