The answer Paul and Silas gave their jailer when he asked how to be saved. An important principle is implied in this story– that the head of house coming to Christ has a profound impact on the spiritual condition of the whole family. Fathers, your spiritual leadership is critical. As the father goes, so goes the family.
David’s prayer from a cave, while hiding from King Saul. Have you ever been in a “cave,” a place of darkness and despair? You can pray like David. God already knows what you’re thinking, so don’t hold back. Pour out your heart. Then, wait for His grace and mercy to arrive.
In today’s OYB reading Elisha (“El” – God; “sha” – saves/salvation) raised a child from the dead, multiplied a meal with leftovers, healed a leper, and was disappointed by a greedy disciple. Who else in the Bible does this sound like? Elisha is a clear foreshadowing of Christ. God was preparing His people for Jesus (“Je” – Jehovah; “sus” – saves/salvation).
The “worthless things” to which Paul referred was the worship of Zeus and Hermes. He contrasts them with the “living God” who is Creator of all. We are still called to bring this message to the nations until every tribe and tongue has heard.
Elisha requested this of his spiritual father, Elijah. God granted his request. Elijah (“The LORD is God”) foreshadows John the Baptist. Elisha (“God’s salvation”) prefigures Christ (Jesus – “The LORD’s salvation”). I wonder if God still answers prayers like Elisha’s? I hope so. I’m asking.
David wanted God’s plan and trusted Him to work it out. When you pray, do you ask for God’s plan or do you ask Him to help with yours? When we call Christ “Lord,” we are giving up control of our lives and yielding it to Him. He is either Lord of all or not lord at all. Surrender you plans to God. His plans are better than ours.
Throughout history wherever the Word has spread, believers have followed. Doing good in the world should be the result of having the Word in us. But preaching the Word to the world is our highest calling. Shelter, clothes and food are good for the body, but it’s the giving out of the Word that offers life to the soul.
Today’s OYB reading was full of angels. Elijah was fed and encouraged by an angel and an angel broke Peter out of prison (Acts 12). Angels seem to show up at key moments in the Bible, especially when one of God’s servants needs an intervention. I wonder what God’s angels are busy doing today?
Elijah prayed to the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Perhaps he referred to God in this way to remind his people to turn back to the God of their fathers too. God answered Elijah’s prayer and sent fire from heaven. May God send fresh fire for this generation of fathers today.
Fault-finding is easy, but love looks for good. When we focus on faults, we foster separation. But looking through the lens of love, we find forgiveness and oneness. Are you a fault-finder? Or have you learned the art of seeing others through the eyes of God’s love?