Read Past Articles

Send this page to a friend:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Director of Missions

"...there came forth two she bears . . . and tare forty and two children " 2 Kings 2:24

It is one of those strange stories in the scripture that is seldom if ever mentioned. But if ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (as the scripture itself says it is) then this story must be worthy of our attention and heeding as well.

If you’ve ever discovered yourself in the position of having a hard act to follow, or if you have ever struggled with a new pastor following one you loved dearly, you need to give this passage special heed. In case you haven’t ever looked at this scripture let me give you a little bit of background info to it and this bizarre event.

The mantle had just been passed down. Elisha had stayed by Elijah until God took him to heaven in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind. Before departing, Elijah had asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken away. Elisha had asked for a double portion of the same spirit that rested upon his mentor, Elijah. It wasn’t selfishness, inferiority, or superiority that motivated him. Elisha simply knew that Elijah was going to be a hard act to follow. He was going to have to be endued with special grace and power.

As Elisha wandered in grief, even venting anger at God for the lost of his precious friend he was seen by the prophets of Jericho. They immediately sensed Elijah’s spirit resting upon Elisha and began to seek his permission to look for Elijah. They themselves were still struggling with letting go.

In the meantime the men of Jericho sought Elisha’s advice in dealing with the city’s rancid water supply. Elisha asked for a cruse of salt, then took the salt to the spring, cast the salt therein and assured the people that the Lord had healed their water supply. It was Elisha’s first triumph in his newfound role.

But that first victory was short lived as he next headed into Bethel and the children came out not to greet him but to mock and make fun of him, taunting him to “Go up, baldy!” It got the better of Elisha so that he turned and cursed the children in the name of the Lord. That’s when two she bears immediately came out of the woods and mauled forty-two children.

So what’s the purpose behind this story? I certainly don’t believe it is intended as a scare tactic with our children. I instead believe it is intended as a warning for all God’s children about how we are supposed to treat those who are anointed and called of God. I honestly believe God is going to hold a good number of folks accountable for the way they treat pastors. It may not be so much for the person himself as for the very position he holds and the calling of God upon his life.

I know sometimes it is hard to let go of a pastor you love. I know some pastors do such a fantastic job of ministering that they are hard to follow. And I even know that sometimes pastors do things that make them hard to love and/or follow. But if God’s anointing is there we’d better watch how we treat them and what we say about them.

October is pastor appreciation month. Make an extra special effort to be kind and loving to your pastor. Rather than taunt pass along a word of encouragement. Even if you are struggling with him pray for him, be gracious to him, ask God to anoint him and help you to be the very best supporter of him you can possibly be. If you don’t you might ought to watch your back and bears!

Brother Doug