Elisha’s Practical Tips for Effective Evangelism
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Verses 26-30
The man of God had compassion for others. He sent his servant to inquire about her and her family. He did not know about her current situation; he just remembered her and her family. Do we have true compassion for others in the world?
When she got to the man of God, Elisha, she fell at his feet. Elisha’s servant was about to move her, but Elisha stopped him. Elisha was unsure why the woman was there; he states that “the Lord had hid it from me.” The woman seems angry and asks him why he deceived her? Elisha tells his servant to go to the child and place his staff on the child’s head.
The woman said she would not leave Elisha. So, the man of God went to where the issue was. There are times we need to get out and go. It is more important to go to the problem. Do not sit back and wait for others or for the problem to come to us. Too often we remain in our “comfort zone” and do not venture out to where the need is. Yes, our fellow believers will have needs and issues, but the true need is out there amongst the world, those that are lost, dying, and on their way to hell. That is where the true need is.
Some Christians want just to sit back inside their church building and say, “come on in here, we compel thee to come.” When they should be going out there and be giving the invitation.
Verses 31-37
Elisha’s servant got there first and did as he was instructed. However, the child did not wake up. The condition was recognized, but the man of God was not defeated by failure. Elisha knew the objective, went into the inner chamber, and prayed to be imbued with power. Elisha cried to God in faith and belief. Maybe Elisha saw the similarities between this situation and the one Elijah was in.
Prayers do get answered, it might not be in the way we want, but it is in accordance with God’s will.
Elisha's petition and technique for raising the dead child show God's own consideration for individuals who are hurting. As a result of Elisha’s prayer, the child returned to life. Elisha, in faith, had called unto God and the child was restored. We can only imagine the woman’s response.
There is a need for us to be alive as well. There is life in Christ. Do not be a dead servant. Do not settle for anything except life.
We need to show true concern for others as we share the Gospel. Those who take the life of Christ to a dead world must do so with deep conviction and in fervent prayer. Those dead in sin come to life when they come in contact with Christ.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Prathan Chorruangsak
