In this message, Stephen reflects on the profound spiritual lessons from 2 Kings chapters 2 and 4, emphasizing the walk with God as the foundation of true ministry. Elijah’s journey across the Jordan River, divided by the ark and later by his mantle, symbolizes the believer’s passage through death and resurrection with Christ, representing life out of death and the maturity of spiritual life. Elijah’s return to the same places in reverse order signifies that ministry flows from a life with God, not merely actions. The crossing of Jordan signifies our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, leading to abiding in Him. Elijah’s ministry, marked by healing waters and provision, illustrates that true ministry is rooted in imparting Christ’s life, not just performing works. The healing of Jericho’s waters with salt symbolizes the preservation and eternal life of God, emphasizing that the church must live in the new life of Christ to be effective. The account of Bethel highlights the importance of standing firm against false accusations and spiritual opposition, exercising authority in the name of Jehovah. Stephen concludes that genuine ministry begins with a walk with God, rooted in life, and manifests through the impartation of Christ’s life, which is characterized by victory over enemies and abundance of spiritual fruit.
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. 20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. 21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. 22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.