Loyalty is a character trait in humankind that is not very prevalent today. Loyalty puts others ahead of our own progress. Pastor and author, Craig Groeschel said, “True loyalty is proven not proclaimed.” Words come easy when they are used to impress someone; as a child I learned that actions speak louder than words.
2 Kings 2:1 GNT says, “The time came for the Lord to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal.” We see Elijah and Elisha at the time when Elijah was about to depart from the earth. He didn’t want to burden Elisha to stay with him. He gave Elisha the opportunity to sit out his last assignment. Elisha’s response was, “I swear by my loyalty to the living Lord and to you that I will not leave you.” This assignment took Elijah to Bethel, Jericho and across the Jordan River. Elijah gave Elisha the opportunity to leave and each time his response was the same.
When they arrived at the Jordan River, “Elijah took off his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the water with it; the water divided, and he and Elisha crossed to the other side on dry ground.” (verse 8) While they were on the banks of the river, “Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what you want me to do for you before I am taken away.” “Let me receive the share of your power that will make me your successor,” Elisha answered.” (verse 9) Elijah did not respond the way some of us might have done. He said: “That is a difficult request to grant,” Elijah replied. “But you will receive it if you see me as I am being taken away from you; if you don’t see me, you won’t receive it.”
This is where Elisha proved his true loyalty. He remained faithful and kept his eyes on Elijah. When the whirlwind took Elijah, Elisha called after him. Elijah’s cloak fell and Elisha took it. But before he did, Elisha tore his cloak in two because he was sad that Elijah was gone. Elisha’s loyalty was proven, not proclaimed.
Thought for Today: Friend, let loyalty be your character trait.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 