Then he (Elisha) said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground,” and he struck it three times and stopped. So the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you would have destroyed it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times.” 2 Kings 13:18-10
Joash visited the great prophet Elisha before he died. Elisha gave king Joash an opportunity to express his passion for his people and desire to be victorious over the Arameans who continued to attack and defeat Israel. But, Joash’s passion was not nearly what Elisha knew it would take to lead the people. He was disappointed in him and he told him so. Nevertheless, God was faithful! Joash did defeat the Areameans in three great battles.
How passionate am I for Jesus Christ, His cause and community? That is, after all, the mission of our church and my own personal mission. Am I satisfied with three victories… or am I asking God for five or six?
God, this passion in me ebbs and flows. I am sensing that You want to do something fantastic in me, through me and in this town. I am ready and willing and passionate. I am “all in” with You. Help me, by the abiding presence of Your Spirit within me to make a difference, to boldly proclaim the gospel, and to live with love so attractive others will ask for the hope within me. I want victories numbering five or six or more!
