Persevere

Blessed are those who Persevere

Blessed are those who Persevere

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

The Bible has a lot to say about the fruit of perseverance in a Christian’s life. There are many examples of those who persevered under trial and were later richly rewarded by God. Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Elisha were all rewarded for ‘hanging in there.’ So often people give up when they should have gone just a little bit longer in their trial. So often we can end up second best instead of winning.

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Beyond Jordan

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In my last message I spoke about the Jordan River. It was there that Elisha followed hard after Elijah, for he wanted the double portion of the Prophet’s prophetic power. He could have turned back long before they got there, but hung on until they crossed over the river. Elisha was rewarded for his effort and got what he wanted from God. Elisha had to go beyond the Jordan River to get it and it wasn’t easy.

I found out something else this week as I thought on what had what had happened back then. When John the Baptist appeared on the scene many years later it was in the same spot where Elijah was taken up into heaven in a flaming chariot and where Elisha received the double portion – it was a place called ‘beyond Jordan.’

It says in scripture that John the Baptist began his ministry here in this location. It was the same place on the other side of the Jordan where the 2 prophets had parted each other’s company. Elijah was taken up into heaven in a flaming chariot and Elisha took up his mantel.

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The Other Side

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Elisha had to cross over to the other side of the Jordan River to recieve a double portion of Elijah’s prophetic power. The whole adventure wasn’t an easy journey. It won’t be easy for us to get to the other side either.

‘The other side’ is hard to get to but so worth it in the end. On that day there were other prophets present watching from a distance, but only two crossed over the Jordan. Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and Elijah told Elisha that it was a hard thing that he was asking for. Elijah tried to get him to stop at Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and then at the Jordan, but he refused. He wanted this blessing with all his heart and was prepared to go all the way and pay any price in order to get it. His request was granted. There is always a romance, a mystery about being on the other side. Long ago it stirred explorers to cross oceans, continents and mountains to find out what was on the other side.