Who is chasing who?
2 Kings 2:1-2 (NIV)
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
I believe one of the greatest gifts that God gives to us are great relationships: some that are for friendship, that walk alongside us; others are for mentorship, sent to empower, challenge and inspire.
I also believe that many people sadly do not get from this second group of God-arranged relationships what they could because they have no chase or pursuit in them. Why? Often because they see things the wrong way round – they want be pursued rather than pursue, they always want to be followed up rather than follow.
In this morning's text we read about Elisha pursuing the prophet and spiritual leader Elijah. He knew that God had put into Elijah what he needed in his life, and he was not going to deal with that in a polite manner – he went after Elijah. When you read through this account it looks like he is almost stalking poor Elijah; as you read on you hear Elijah turn and say to him another two times, "What do you want? What must I do to shake you off?" Even the large company of prophets following Elijah turned three times to Elisha and said, "Leave the poor guy alone!", but he could not and would not be put off.
What a lovely picture of a man taking a God-ordained relationship in his life seriously. He knew who and what he needed and would not let up. Hey, you can call him a nutter or desperate, but read the end of account: he got what he wanted. Not just that – he got a "double portion" of it. Champion, please understand: Elisha getting a double portion was all about the spirit of pursuit that was in him – he would not have got anything if he had waited politely for Elijah to call him.
One thing that surprises me as I watch and work with leaders is the lack of determined pursuit in people's hearts. You meet with people and they tell you what they want and how bad they want help and assistance, then nothing? No further calls, emails, no pursuit. It's time to look at things more correctly – it is not the job of your Elijah to chase you, it's your responsibility to go after them. Every great leader will make time for those they see are serious – are you serious? How are you relating to the leaders you have been given and the ones you desire input from? Are you in hot pursuit or are you sitting there waiting for them to pursue you and chase you up? Chances are they never will because they are in hot pursuit themselves – they are pursuing God but I know they can always make room on the bus for someone who REALLY means business.
God bless,
Andy
==============================================
Unsubscribe andy791.gbl02@blogger.com from this list:
http://greatbiglife.us1.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=25c0f3189b58b697b3da13e3c&id=943136c5b5&e=8e2c366bd2&c=e6a6e011c1
