Effie Darlene Barba

The battle between Israel and Judah had continued since the passing of Solomon.  Jeroboam had led the tribes of Israel into idolatrous worship.  King Ahab led them into the worship of Baal as well.  King Asa of Judah was one God Fearing Man who restored Judah to worshipping God, after a time in which the idolatrous worship of Israel had invaded Judah as well.  He tore down the all altars built to other Gods and made a covenant with the people of Judah in which he called upon them to “seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul”; for they had found the truth that as a nation, the Lord was with them as long as they sought Him.  When as a nation they turned their back on Him, they fell into chaos and despair.  Then, one God-Fearing man would lead them back.

God’s love had remained steady; however, His provision and protection would not, could not.  This was because in His love, He knew that their idolatrous hearts would only lead to further demise.  True joy, peace, and love can only be found in a relationship with our creator.  Our hearts were created to have union with Him.  The farther we are drawn away, the harder our hearts become.  We seek happiness in counterfeit joys, only to find despair in the end.  Money, success, fame, relationships all leave our hearts empty.  This is true of the individual; but, is also true of the nation.  King Asa, one man, stood firm in his love for God and as such made a difference for the nation of Judah.  Furthermore, King Asa reached out to make an alliance with King Ahab, hoping to make a difference.  His son, Jehoshaphat continued in his footsteps.

One God Fearing Man

Continue reading “What Can One God Fearing Man Do?”

In 2 Kings 6, we saw that Elisha was able to face the impossible battles of life; because he saw the armies of God surrounding him.  That began this our study into Elisha’s ministry.  Each step of his journey was orchestrated by a Sovereign, just and righteous God.  Elisha had been chosen by God.  He was mentored by Elijah.  Ultimately, Elisha stood witness as Elijah was raptured into God’s presence.  It was a time in Israel’s history where idolatrous worship had replaced God worship.  Therefore, it was perilous times for God’s true teachers.  But as is always the case, the failures of the mothers and fathers to teach their children well led to generations of regenerate ideologies.  King Solomon had allowed his pagan wives to teach their children to worship Baal and other pagan gods; despite his knowing the truth.

The warning found in 2 Kings 2 concerning the youth of Bethel is one we should heed as well.  Raised in homes that failed to teach them of God, these children or youth came out in number to mock God through mocking His servant Elisha.  Some look at these verses and try to speak of the injustice in the Bible.  But the Bible is clear.  Either we teach our children of God’s great love and mercy to all who seek Him, or we too doom our children to eternal death.  Many go about trying to explain away these verses by saying they are not “little children” referred to; but, rather youth of an accountable age.  Perhaps that is the case; but the word used here can be either while the adjective is small.  Therefore, I intend to look at it from both perspectives and not shy away from God’s Word.

2 Kings 2: 23-24

Continue reading “What Happens When We Fail to Teach our Children?”

At first the other “would be prophets” doubted the rapture of Elijah and questioned Elisha repeatedly.  They desired a search party to go and find the body.  Finally, Elisha let them go in search.  When they returned, they had not found a body, confirming what Elisha had told them. Elijah had been raptured.   Meanwhile, Elisha waited in Jericho until the search party returned. The people of Jericho told Elisha, “our city is a wonderful place to live.  However, there is one problem.  Our water is tainted.  Because of it our land is barren.”  They came to ask Elisha as God’s man to fix the water. To revive the barren land, they needed living waters; but there was only contaminated water.  Read 2 Kings 2:19-21.

And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. He (Elisha) said, “Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.” They brought it to him.  He went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, “Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.”

The Source of Living Waters

God is the source of living water.  His gospel truth is the living water that can heal our barren land.  Our land may be rich and a place that is pleasant to live; but if the waters are contaminated with Satan’s lies the land cannot produce fruit.  Unfortunately, we, the church, have allowed in the ideologies of the secular humanist movement.  Fearing that we might be called hate mongers, we have allowed their ideologies to invade our schools and teach our children that the Bible is not true.  Our “so-called” churches have compromised on the truth of the gospel message and we wonder why our land is so divided with hate, anger, and bitterness. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23). But that is not the fruit we see around us.

Our land will remain barren unless the true Christian people as salt stand for the uncompromising truth of the gospel message.  We need true revival in our churches, that the living water of God might heal this broken, barren land.  We need to be light and salt so all might see, taste, and desire the Living Water that only can be found in Jesus Christ.

Living Waters

Elisha asked for salt.  He went to the source of the spring water and poured there the salt that it might heal the waters.  The Salt transformed the waters into living waters from which the land would never be barren again.  We are to be the salt of the earth.  Never compromising on the truth of the gospel message, we are to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  We are all sinners and only if we are cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ can we find God.  But if the salt has lost its savor, it is of no use and will be trodden under the foot of men.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Matthew 5:13)

The Gospel Truth

All we like sheep have gone astray.  We are all guilty before a Holy, Righteous God.  However, He sent His Son to die in our place.  There at the cross, justice was satisfied for all who will come, believing that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.  “For by Grace are ye saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8).  For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life” John 3:16. Do you know Him as Savior and Lord?  Come drink from the fountain of living water!

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.  There is nothing more important than this; because,  He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written. Then, please click on this link to discover a world of Book Resources.

Or you can find all my books on Amazon.com, search just by searching Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

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Previous Post in This Series:

Who will Carry the Torch for God Against Evil?

What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?

Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Footnote and Credits

Photo Courtesy of Ulysses Marins

As Elijah and Elisha set out that day, they already knew God’s plan to take Elijah home.  His work here was done for the moment.  Although he was seen again on the mount of transfiguration and is prophesied to be one of the two witnesses to return during the tribulation (Malachi 4:5); he was transported into heaven via a whirlwind.  He, like Enoch, was taken into heaven without suffering the death of this world.  Elijah tried to get Elisha to stay behind. However, Elisha would not leave his side.  Therefore, he witnessed the event.  Elisha then took up Elijah’s mantle and the spirit of power from God filled Elisha, allowing him to perform like manner miracles as Elijah.  Thus, Elisha carried the torch and continued the spiritual battle against evil and Baal. He often stood alone in this fight; but he had learned from one of God’s finest prophets.

2 Kings 2:1-6

And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So, they went down to Bethel. And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

(Again) Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So, they came to Jericho. The sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

(Once more) Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

Crossing the Jordan

fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. It came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. (Elijah replied) Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. (2 Kings 2: 7-10).

What Elisha asked for was not Elijah’s to give.  Only God could fill Elisha with His Holy Spirit and Power.  So, Elijah’s final act was to leave it all in God’s hands, surrendering to His will.

Elisha Chosen to Carry the Torch

 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So, he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.  He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.  Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. (2 Kings 2:11-14, NKJV).

Where was the Lord God of Elijah?  He was right there with Elisha.  Elisha would go on to perform many miracles, even more than Elijah had.  He would have to stand firm upon God’s word in a time when evil seemed to have an upper hand in the land of Israel and the world surrounding them.  Baal worship and child sacrifice were rampant throughout the land.  The kings would revolt against Elisha the prophet; but he was God’s man to carry the torch in such an evil time.

Who Will Carry the Torch for God against Evil?

Do we not also face such a time?  Idolatrous worship surrounds us.  Children are sacrificed at the altar of selfish desire and “individual rights” wrought with self-worship. Who will carry the torch by proclaiming the truth of the gospel message.  Just as Elijah nor Elisha, we are not to fight violently against the evil around us.  That is God’s right to enact justice.  However, we are to carry the torch and be a light shining into the darkness around us.

We might say, “I am afraid” or “God cannot use me with all my frailties and failures.” Yet, anyone who reads the records of Elijah will find:  he was merely a man whom God used.  He had his moments of fear and of frailty.  Despite this, God used him in a mighty way.    God chose and used him to carry the torch for God against evil.  Then, God chose Elisha to carry the torch into the next generation.  Has God chosen you to carry the torch?  Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14).  All who know Christ as their Savior have been given this light, this torch which should not be hid.  The Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide us and to teach us.

Furthermore, God has given us mentors and teachers whom we may study.  It was their task to carry the torch before us and we now are asked to carry the torch.  Will you?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.  There is nothing more important than this; because,  He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written. Then, please click on this link to discover a world of Book Resources.

Or you can find all my books on Amazon.com, search just by searching Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

Furthermore,  for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

Previous Post in This Series:

What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?

Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Footnote and Credits

(NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo by Linus Sandvide on Unsplash