READ: 2
KINGS 13:14-17
We are not
sure of Elisha’s exact age when he died, but from the calculations of Bible
scholars, he was over 120 years old. Yet he was sick only once and that
sickness was the gateway for him to enter heaven. Who said you cannot enjoy
divine health as long as you live?
According to Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses died at 120. Joshua also lived a long life and died at 110. But John the Baptist, whom Jesus testified was greater than all the Old Testament saints, died young (Matthew 11:11). He was a little over 30 when he died. Stephen, an outstanding Christian, was martyred in his prime. Even Jesus died at just over 30. Yet, in spite of their early deaths, Stephen, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ all left an indelible mark behind them. This means that whether your life span is long or short, you should aim at affecting his world positively.
“My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and those who persecute me.” (Psalm 31:15). God has a custom-made plan for your life. Arise and begin to fulfil his purpose. Is there anything the Lord has been pressing you to do for him, over which you have been dragging your feet? Begin to do it now. Although Elisha was sick, you do not have to be, because you are better equipped with healing scriptures, such as Isaiah 53:5 which he did not have.
You also have to watch what you eat and how. Eat a moderate balanced diet. If you eat too much or take the wrong food and become sick in the process, Isaiah 53:5 will not work for you, because you are tempting God. Similarly if you abuse your body by overworking it without rest, you may end up dying before your time. If you allow work to kill you, the work will continue long after you are gone but you will answer before God for not accomplishing all he had planned for you to do. Even God rested (Genesis 2:1-3). Jesus slept during a storm and called his disciples to come and rest. Do not be wiser than God. Ask God for wisdom. Know the extent of the workload your body can take. And be sensitive to know when it is calling for rest and grant it. Accompanied by a life of holiness, this will ensure you enjoy the full life God has planned for you. Are you ready to affect your generation?
According to Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses died at 120. Joshua also lived a long life and died at 110. But John the Baptist, whom Jesus testified was greater than all the Old Testament saints, died young (Matthew 11:11). He was a little over 30 when he died. Stephen, an outstanding Christian, was martyred in his prime. Even Jesus died at just over 30. Yet, in spite of their early deaths, Stephen, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ all left an indelible mark behind them. This means that whether your life span is long or short, you should aim at affecting his world positively.
“My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and those who persecute me.” (Psalm 31:15). God has a custom-made plan for your life. Arise and begin to fulfil his purpose. Is there anything the Lord has been pressing you to do for him, over which you have been dragging your feet? Begin to do it now. Although Elisha was sick, you do not have to be, because you are better equipped with healing scriptures, such as Isaiah 53:5 which he did not have.
You also have to watch what you eat and how. Eat a moderate balanced diet. If you eat too much or take the wrong food and become sick in the process, Isaiah 53:5 will not work for you, because you are tempting God. Similarly if you abuse your body by overworking it without rest, you may end up dying before your time. If you allow work to kill you, the work will continue long after you are gone but you will answer before God for not accomplishing all he had planned for you to do. Even God rested (Genesis 2:1-3). Jesus slept during a storm and called his disciples to come and rest. Do not be wiser than God. Ask God for wisdom. Know the extent of the workload your body can take. And be sensitive to know when it is calling for rest and grant it. Accompanied by a life of holiness, this will ensure you enjoy the full life God has planned for you. Are you ready to affect your generation?
MEMORIZE:
PSALM 31:15 –My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
and those who persecute me.
