We have to Model for Others

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:7-8

Now fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood opposite them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.  Elijah took his mantle and folded it together and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

Insights:  In today’s verses we see the second thing we have to do if we are to leave a legacy.  Notice the fifty men stood opposite them at a distance.  The indication is they are beyond speaking distance, but not visual distance.  They are watching Elijah and Elisha walking up to the Jordon River.  They are watching Elijah model faith for them.  Think back just a little bit in the Old Testament.  When was the last time the Lord had parted waters and let people walk through on dry ground?  It was with Joshua and the children of Israel entering into the Promised Land.  Now, hundreds of years later, we see two men walk up to the water and display faith by dropping the prayer mantle into the water.  Though the text does not explicitly state it, we know the Lord is the One who has prompted Elijah to perform this act of faith.  He had a choice at this moment.  He could have ignored God and walked down to the closest ford in the river and crossed there.  He could, as he did, touch the water with his mantle and watch the rivers separate.  Beloved, there are fifty people watching this event transpire.  How foolish would have Elijah looked if the waters had not parted?  God always calls us outside of our comfort zone when He calls us to faithfully obey Him.  Often times the request of the Father seems silly or even unwise in the eyes of the world, and if we are honest, even with our very selves.  Let me encourage you to model faith before people.  Let me specifically ask you to intentionally model faith for younger believers and inspire them to walk in obedience with the Lord.  If we live life this way, we will honor the Lord and bring His great name praise and glory!  All to Him, let us model faith.

Questions:

1.  Who model for you the way a Christ-follower ought to live life?

2.  To whom are you intentionally showing the way to demonstrate and live out faith?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the godly individuals with whom You have put in my path that have helped guide and direct me.  I am a stronger follower of Jesus because of their example.  May I model such faithfulness to others by Your grace.  Amen.