Does Your Presence Make an Eternal Difference?



Scripture:

2Kings 2:19 ¶ Now the people of the city said to Elisha, “The location of this city is good, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.”
2Kings 2:20 He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him.
2Kings 2:21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw the salt into it, and said, “Thus says the LORD, I have made this water wholesome; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.”
2Kings 2:22 So the water has been wholesome to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.

Observation:

The bad water had the result of affecting the entire community.  There was no way that the land could be watered and therefore much-needed food could not be raised.  The prophet came to visit the city and his visit made an eternal difference.  Symbolically salt was brought to pour into the spring of water.  We all know that one bowl of salt would not have made an eternal difference in this spring, and yet, it was a sign of cleansing and purifying that was to occur.  The Lord literally healed the water.  No longer was the water to be bad, but it was wholesome, bringing wholeness to the community.

Application:


As God’s children we are called to make an eternal difference.  The presence of Jesus in us ought to make an eternal difference to those we encounter.  Elisha did not just sit by and watch what was wrong in this community but he became engaged and helped to bring about change. 

That is our challenge — and it certainly is a challenge when we live in a world in which we may be overcome with busyness and it becomes increasingly difficult to slow down long enough to understand what is happening within our own community.  Elisha stopped at this city and spent time with the people.  In getting to know the people he became fully aware of their problems and needs.  Their concerns became his concerns and he was praying with them and for them in their time of need. 

Just as Elisha, we are challenged to become engaged in making an eternal difference in the kingdom in which we find ourselves.

Prayer:


Lord, may I slow down enough today to become aware of those around me and their needs.  May you work through me to make an eternal difference.  Amen.


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