Embracing Generational Spiritual Authority and Unity
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound relationship between Elijah and Elisha as depicted in 2 Kings 2 and Malachi 4. This relationship serves as a powerful metaphor for the transference of spiritual authority and anointing across generations. Elijah's journey with Elisha is not just a historical account but a divine blueprint for succession planning within the Kingdom of God. It highlights the importance of mentorship, the passing of spiritual mantles, and the necessity for each generation to rise and take their place in God's mission.
Elijah's testing of Elisha's commitment underscores the need for relentless passion and dedication in pursuing God's calling. Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit is a bold declaration of faith and desire for a deeper relationship with God. This request challenges us to seek more of God's presence and power in our lives, to not settle for the status quo but to strive for greater spiritual heights.
The concept of a "dry ground generation" was introduced, emphasizing the importance of not carrying the residue of past failures into the present promises of God. This generation is called to rise above the mudslinging and negativity prevalent in today's culture, to be a beacon of hope and integrity.
Furthermore, the message calls for a "turning hearts generation," where the hearts of the older and younger generations turn towards each other, fostering unity and mutual respect. This is crucial for the church to thrive as a multi-generational community, where each generation learns from and supports the other.
Finally, the message is a call to action for the younger generation to embrace their role in the church, to pick up the mantle of leadership, and to carry forward the mission and ministry of the Kingdom. It is a reminder that God is not looking for ability but availability, and that each of us has a unique contribution to make in our time.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Elijah-Elisha Relationship: The relationship between Elijah and Elisha exemplifies the importance of mentorship and spiritual succession. It challenges us to seek out mentors and to be mentors ourselves, ensuring the continuity of God's work across generations. [08:08]
2. Relentless Commitment: Elisha's unwavering commitment to Elijah, despite being tested, teaches us the value of steadfastness in our spiritual journey. We must be willing to pursue God with relentless passion, even when faced with challenges. [13:02]
3. A Double Portion Generation: Elisha's bold request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit encourages us to seek more of God's presence and power in our lives. It is a call to not settle for mediocrity but to strive for greater spiritual depth and impact. [19:16]
4. Dry Ground Generation: This concept emphasizes the importance of leaving behind past failures and negativity, choosing instead to walk in the promises of God with integrity and hope. We are called to rise above cultural mudslinging and be a generation that reflects Christ. [17:46]
5. Turning Hearts Generation: The turning of hearts between generations is essential for the church to thrive. It requires humility, respect, and a willingness to learn from one another, fostering a community where each generation supports and uplifts the other. [34:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Scripture Reading
- [01:42] - Message Introduction
- [02:20] - Elijah-Elisha Phenomenon
- [08:08] - Elisha's Decision
- [11:09] - Succession Planning in God's Kingdom
- [13:02] - Relentless Commitment
- [15:52] - Crossing Over on Dry Ground
- [17:46] - A Dry Ground Generation
- [18:24] - Double Portion Generation
- [19:16] - The Big Ask
- [22:04] - Anointing and Activation
- [25:22] - Generational Representation
- [29:06] - A Hard Thing Generation
- [34:59] - Turning Hearts Generation
- [42:28] - Prayer for Next Generation Leaders
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Kings 2:6-14
- Malachi 4:5-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Elijah's mantle in his relationship with Elisha, and how did it symbolize the transference of spiritual authority? [08:08]
2. How did Elisha demonstrate his commitment to Elijah, and what were the repeated tests he faced? [13:02]
3. What does the term "dry ground generation" refer to, and how is it illustrated in the sermon? [17:46]
4. What was Elisha's bold request to Elijah, and how does it reflect his desire for a deeper spiritual connection? [18:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the relationship between Elijah and Elisha serve as a model for mentorship and spiritual succession in today's church? [02:20]
2. In what ways does the concept of a "dry ground generation" challenge believers to leave behind past failures and embrace God's promises? [15:52]
3. What does it mean to be a "turning hearts generation," and why is this important for fostering unity within the church? [34:59]
4. How can the younger generation in the church today embrace their role and carry forward the mission and ministry of the Kingdom? [42:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Who has been an "Elijah" in your life, and how can you seek to be an "Elisha" to someone else? [08:08]
2. Elisha's commitment to Elijah was unwavering despite challenges. What are some challenges you face in your spiritual journey, and how can you remain steadfast? [13:02]
3. The sermon emphasized not carrying the residue of past failures. What past experiences or failures do you need to let go of to walk in God's promises today? [17:46]
4. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. What bold spiritual request do you need to make in your life, and how can you pursue it with faith? [19:16]
5. How can you contribute to being a "turning hearts generation" in your community, fostering unity and mutual respect across different age groups? [34:59]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of availability over ability. In what areas of your life can you make yourself more available to God's calling? [44:31]
7. Consider the role of mentorship in your life. How can you actively seek out mentors or become a mentor to others in your church community? [42:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Mentorship and Spiritual Succession
The relationship between Elijah and Elisha is a profound example of mentorship and spiritual succession. Elijah, a seasoned prophet, took Elisha under his wing, preparing him to carry on the prophetic mantle. This relationship is not just about passing on knowledge but about imparting spiritual authority and anointing. It highlights the importance of having mentors who guide us in our spiritual journey and the responsibility we have to mentor others. This ensures the continuity of God's work across generations, as each generation learns from the previous one and prepares the next. [08:08]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can mentor or who can mentor you in your spiritual journey? How can you take a step towards building that relationship today?
Day 2: Relentless Commitment
Elisha's unwavering commitment to Elijah, even when tested, teaches us the value of steadfastness in our spiritual journey. Elisha refused to leave Elijah's side, demonstrating a relentless passion for pursuing God's calling. This commitment is essential for anyone seeking to grow spiritually and fulfill their divine purpose. It challenges us to remain dedicated to our spiritual path, even when faced with obstacles or when the journey becomes difficult. [13:02]
Hebrews 10:36 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel challenged to remain committed? How can you renew your dedication to this area today?
Day 3: Seeking a Double Portion
Elisha's bold request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit is a powerful declaration of faith and desire for a deeper relationship with God. This request encourages us to seek more of God's presence and power in our lives, challenging us not to settle for mediocrity but to strive for greater spiritual depth and impact. It is a call to pursue a more profound experience of God's anointing and to be open to receiving more than we can imagine. [19:16]
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you desire a "double portion" of God's presence and power? How can you actively seek this today?
Day 4: Rising Above Past Failures
The concept of a "dry ground generation" emphasizes the importance of not carrying the residue of past failures into the present promises of God. This generation is called to rise above the negativity and mudslinging prevalent in today's culture, choosing instead to walk in integrity and hope. It is a call to leave behind what hinders us and to embrace the new things God is doing in our lives. [17:46]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"
Reflection: What past failure or negative experience do you need to let go of to fully embrace God's promises for your life? How can you take a step towards releasing it today?
Day 5: Turning Hearts Between Generations
The message calls for a "turning hearts generation," where the hearts of the older and younger generations turn towards each other, fostering unity and mutual respect. This is crucial for the church to thrive as a multi-generational community, where each generation learns from and supports the other. It requires humility, respect, and a willingness to learn from one another, creating a community where each generation uplifts the other. [34:59]
Malachi 4:6 (ESV): "And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to bridging the gap between generations in your community or church? What is one practical step you can take today to foster unity and mutual respect?
Quotes
It's interesting how the Jordan keeps popping up. But he said, Elijah said, said as the Lord lives and as your soul lives I will not leave you so the two of them went on and 50 men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance while the two of them stood by the Jordan now Elijah took his mantle rolled it up and struck the water and that so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground somebody say crossed over it's interesting how that continues to pop up and so it was when they had crossed over that Elijah said to Elisha ask what may I do for you before I am taken away from you Elisha said please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me so he said you have asked a hard thing nevertheless if you will see me when I am taken from you it shall be so for you but if not it shall not be so and now Malachi the fourth chapter verse 5 as the Lord said behold I will send you send you Elijah the prophet before the Lord said I will send you Elijah the prophet before the Lord said இ Palmer 1 1 SHADOW OF GOD coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord and he shall turn the hearts of fathers to theiräg safety the arts of the children to their fathers as I come to strike earth with a curse of molto I thank you today that you are working among us that the Spirit of the lights arrest upon your church that there is this thing called the Elijah Elijah phenomenal inevitably that this will snow up for the resurrection that's happening within the church today this transference of your authority and anointing to the next generations thank you today Lord [00:02:20]
these two passages of Scripture are really connection points about what we're going to be talking about concerning the Elijah Elisha phenomenon it's intriguing and second Kings that we see this relationship happening here between Elijah and Elisha this multi -generational intergenerational exchange as the Lord develops a spiritual father and spiritual son or a mentor and mentee or a coach and a player whatever you call it there is this intriguing exchange that is happening between what I would call an Elijah generation and an Elisha generation. [00:05:26]
When I look at the kingdom of God today, is there not an interesting Elijah -Elisha phenomenon happening where God is a God of succession planning? And for every Moses, he raises up a Joshua. And for a Naomi, he has a Ruth. And for a Paul, he has a Timothy. And for an Elijah, he has an Elisha. And there's this amazing understanding that no one is indispensable in the kingdom of God because God is not really about position as much as he is about mission. And so he will constantly look for an Elisha to pick up. The relationship, authority, and anointing of an Elijah and carry that ministry on. [00:08:45]
And when we read 2 Kings, and when we read Malachi 4, we understand the convergence of Scripture and the secret stash that God is unveiling to us because it's not just about Elijah and Elisha because God says in the last day before that great notable day of the Lord, I will send Elijah the prophet and he will be responsible to turn the hearts of the fathers and the mothers toward the children and the hearts of the children toward the fathers and the mothers before that great and notable day of the Lord. I will continue this process of living as a multi -generational church. Something will happen where there is, the turning toward one another of generations that the Elijah -Elisha phenomenon will occur. And I would just say to the young champions today that we need you in the church. [00:09:36]
There are some in our congregation today that were probably a little bit too in love with our field or our plow or our oxen, were too in love with the comfort zone, with living as a wilderness church than a crossing over church, that if we're not careful, we'll miss our divine moment that God has given us to encounter this multi -generational thrust that God is doing in the church today. If we're not careful, we'll hide our talent and gifts rather than investing our talent and gifts in the next generation. Just saying that God is still tapping into this understanding that he is calling us to this Elijah, Elisha phenomenon. [00:11:23]
I love it because Elijah's testing Elisha and in verse 2 and verse 4 and verse 6 of that chapter, he tries to get Elisha to stay. But Elisha declares that as the Lord lives. lives, and as long as your soul lives, I will not leave you. I think the challenge that I would have for the Elijahs and Elishas today is that the Elijah may test you, but the Elisha in you has to be able to say, no, I'm going to be relentless in my passion and pursuit of the same God that rests in you. [00:13:25]
Because on the first Sunday of the year, we talked about what it means to cross over on dry ground and how important it is not to carry over the residue of the past into the promises of God's present and how that mud loves to cling to you and your walk light. And you have to make a decision that you're going to cross over on dry ground and not carry over that residue from the past. And as a church on that first Sunday, we made a spiritual decision and not just a family decision that we would cross over on dry ground. And it even carried over into our annual business meeting where four out of the six resolutions passed by 99%. [00:15:52]
And so it was when they had crossed over that Elijah said to Elisha, ask, what may I do for you before I am taken away from you? And Elisha said, please. Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. Talked about a with me generation and a dry ground generation. How about a double portion generation? What a big ask. What a big request. That Elisha would have the audacity. Or the faith. To look at Elijah and say, I really would like a double portion of your spirit. [00:18:24]
I love that because, you know, when an Elijah passes the baton to an Elisha, there is this understanding that they're running the same pace at the same time. If you ever studied the anointing oil in Psalm 133, look at what happens with the anointing. When you have the anointing, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It's like the precious oil representing the presence or the anointing upon the head, vision, upon the beard, experience. Running down on the edge of the garments, values. And then I just like to add that eventually when the anointing reaches the bottom of the clothes, it drips all over the feet, which is activation. [00:21:04]
And when it comes to the Elisha -Elijah phenomenon, there is this understanding of a double portion anointing that unless you are faithful to another man's, that you will not be given your own. That's what Luke chapter 12 and verse 16 declares to us today. That there's this understanding in the church that the generations come, coming up, must have the same anointing oil, the same authority, the same relationship to be able to walk with the Lord in those ways. Thank you. [00:27:43]
Because Malachi 4 says, before that great notable day of the Lord, that Elijah the prophet will show up and turn the hearts of the parents toward the children and the hearts of the children toward the parents. And there's this last idea that I want to present to you, which is the idea of a turning hearts generation. And I don't know when it happened for me completely, but I... was in my 30 -somethings, when I was in prayer before the Lord, and he spoke and said, you know what, son? Everything's getting ready to change in your life, because I'm going to teach you that from here on, it's not about you, but it's about the next generations. [00:34:21]
And he started turning, started doing this turning process in my heart toward the next generations, and making a decision in my life that the one failure of Pastor Joshua and the crossing church generation that occurred would not happen, and that was a generation arose that knew not God. And I made a decision at that moment in my life that as long as it was possible, that I would not let a generation rise up that did not know the Lord, because the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon the Elijah generation is that we raised up a generation that knew God. [00:35:59]
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