The Eagle Way No 12

My father, my father - the cry of this generation

“Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire [appeared] with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw [it], and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.” (2 Kings 2:12, 13)

Elijah was talking with Elisha, instructing, directing and encouraging him, in his work, and preparing him for his future ministry. Elisha was neither meditating nor praying, but engaged in edifying discourse with Elijah as a man apprehensive about the kingdom of God and his future ministry call among men and the nation.

In the mean time a convoy was being prepared from heaven, the Lord had sent for him—“a chariot of fire and horses of fire,” which descended upon them from the clouds - running towards them. Elijah was being taken away, with a heavenly envoy, carried as if ‘on eagles wings’ (Isa. 40:31).They appeared in the form of a chariot and horses, that he may ride in status, ride in triumph, like a prince, like a conqueror, yes, ‘more than a conqueror.’ 

The angels referred to in this passage of scripture as seraphim and cherubim, and their appearance here, though it may seem even to be below their dignity, answers to both those names:

1.      Seraphim - signify fiery, “God is said to make them a flame of fire.” (Psalm 104:4).

2.      Cherubim - signifies chariots, and they are called the chariots of God. (Psalm 68:17), and he is said to ride upon a cherub (Psalm 18:10), to which there is a quotation in Ezekiel’s vision of four living creatures, and wheels, like horses and chariots; in Zechariah’s vision, they are represented as such (Zechariah 1:8; 6:1).

As we compare Revelation 6:2, we see the readiness of the angels to do the will of God, even in the most difficult of circumstances in His services. For the good of those who will be heirs of salvation. Elijah must go away to the world of angels, and therefore, to show how eager they were of his company, some of the angles came to fetch him.

The chariot and horses appeared like fire, burning with brightness, not to afflict or consume, but to render his ascension and to be celebrated in the eyes of those that stood afar off who view it. Elijah had burned with holy zeal for God and His honour, and now with a heavenly fire he was refined and translated.

In the Book of Ecclesiastics’ 48:1, the fiery horses and chariot are considered as an emblem of that burning zeal, which Elijah manifested in the whole of his ministry: "Then stood up Elijah the prophet as fire, and his word burned as a lamp."

How Elijah was separated from Elisha. This chariot parted them both. The closest of friends must part; Elisha had protested that he would not leave him, yet now, it’s time to be left behind. Elijah was carried away – ‘He went up by a whirlwind into heaven.’ (2 Kings 2:12). The fire tends upward; the whirlwind helped to carry him through the atmosphere, out of the reach of the captivating value of this earth, and how he swiftly ascended through the heavens to the world of holy and blessed which we cannot conceive.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Elijah had once, in his passion, wished he might die; yet God was gracious not to take him at his word then, but to honour him with this singular privilege, that he should never see death; as with a similar case in point, that of Enoch.
1.  God showed how men should have left the world if they had not sinned, not by death, but by a fiery translation. 
2. God gave us a glimpse of that life and immortality which is sometimes brought to light by the gospel of the glory, reserved for the saints, and the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers, as with Elijah.

When Elijah was taken off the earth, the Elisha ministry began. There is not one miracle accredited to Elisha while the Elijah ministry existed. When the day came for Elijah to be translated, all the people of God knew it. The sons of the prophets (God's people) knew Elijah would be taken that day. So when Elijah parted the waters and he and Elisha crossed over on dry ground. For us once we have crossed that river of death on to dry ground, we must not turn back or even aside. We must keep our eyes on Elijah. (my God, Jehovah).

When Elisha could not turn back or even tarry, then Elijah asked Elisha what he desired. God tells us in the Old Testament, ‘He will give us the desires of our heart.’ (Psalms 37:4)
^“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be on me. ¹⁰And he said, you have asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so to you; but if not, it shall not be so.” (II Kings 2:9-10).

Elisha never took his eyes off Elijah. He did not take his eyes off God - Jehovah. He never turned aside, but continued to the end of Elijah's walk.

"And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces." (II Kings 2:11-12).

Elisha cried, "My Father, my Father."

^“For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”  (1 Corinthians 4:15).

There are many instructors in Christ, but there are not many fathers. God has raised up few fathers with the Kingdom message. These are the Elijah ministries bringing forth the ‘double portion Elisha ministries’ on the earth today. Those, upon whom the early and latter rain will come upon, they will go forth in power, reclaiming that which rightfully belongs in the Father's kingdom.

It will be those who have the true Word of God in their mouths. Elisha expresses the passing of that great prophet, by giving him an expression of high praise, v12, “And Elisha saw [it], and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more.” 

Here is, a true spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons. This was the end of a remarkable ministry, one that was in many ways similar to the ministry of Moses. Both these prophets Moses and Elijah teach us important principles:

·Stood alone for righteousness

·Were associated with fire upon mountains

·Were associated with the desert

·Met God on Sinai

·Were chased out of their countries by pagan rulers

·Knew God’s miraculous provision for food and water

·Wandered in the desert for a period measured by 40

·Fasted for 40 days

·Were powerful examples of prayer

·Parted waters

·Had close associates who succeeded them

·Had successors that parted waters also

·Had mysterious or strange deaths

Elisha saw it: he received a sign by which he was confident of his request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. He looked steadfastly towards heaven, ‘he saw him no more’ from where he was to expect that gift, as the disciples did, Acts 1:9,10, “ …while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven...” He saw it for awhile, but the vision was at the moment out of his sight; and ‘he saw him no more.’ He rent his own clothes, as a sign he had of his own public loss and as a token of his grief and loss. 

Though Elijah had gone triumphantly to heaven, this world would be a lesser place without his ministry. Without doubt their hearts would be disappointed by the taking away of a faithful man, and a call for weeping and mourning.

Though Elijah’s departure made way for Elisha’s eminent ministry even though he was sure of a double portion of Elijah spirit, his loss was great for he loved him, and could not serve him any longer. Elisha had lost his father and mentor of his youth: My father, my father. He saw his own condition like that of a fatherless child fearful of the world, and felt in adequate.
^“And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” (II Kings 2:15).

Isaiah also prophesied about the manifest sons of God.

^“The sons also of them that afflicted you shall come bending to you; and all they that despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you; The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 60:14)

The sons of the prophets recognized the Elijah mantle, that there was a greater anointing. There is no record of the sons of the prophets bowing down to Elijah. But they did bow to the anointing that was upon Elisha, and they will bow to the Elijah mantle and anointing which is coming upon the manifest sons of God.
But before the Elijah mantle can be put on, the old cloth (the flesh) must be rent in two and discarded. The Elijah mantle will not hide the flesh, the flesh must go. When Elisha parted the Jordan, those same sons of the prophets saw a different Elisha.

The Elijah ministry is proclaiming the coming of these sons, but before the Elijah mantle can rest upon anyone, the flesh must be subject to the Spirit. We must become that sacrifice Elijah built on Mt. Carmel. We must be consumed by God. All the prophets of Baal must be destroyed in our lives. Only then will the Elijah mantle fall into place.

When Christ, left his disciples, He did not leave them orphans (John 14:15). When Elijah was taken up in the chariot, he gave them confidence in his prophetic office as if in this chariot; he was the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.  Israel did not use chariots and horses in their wars, but Elijah was to them, by his counsels, reproofs, and prayers, better than the strongest force of chariot and horse, and kept off the judgments of God. His departure was like the routing of an army, an irremediable loss. 

"Better have lost all our men of war than this man of God.”
Our prayer for today is Lord - give us fathers that have a heart for this generation to raise up sons that will have a heart to pursue that Elijah mantle that will be consumed with the desire to do the will of God and to manifest the power and anointing of Holy Spirit.

EAM LB 20/8/2011

The Eagle Way No 11

A DOUBLE PORTION

Elijah an Old Testament prophet was used mightily by God in calling down fire and in other miracles including even raising the dead (1 Kings 17-22). On a certain day God handed out a number of assignments for him to do, including to anoint Elisha as a prophet to learn from and later, would succeed him (1 Kings 19:16).

 Preparation:

God prepared each of His servants for their assignments, there were also "schools" of the prophets in Ramah (1 Samuel 19:18), Bethel (2 Kings 2:3), Jericho (2 Kings 2:5), and Gilgal (2 Kings 4:38). 

Obedience:

One of Elijah’s strengths was to obey God’s instructions without a moment’s hesitation. Shortly after God spoke, he found Elisha ploughing in a field. Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha symbolizing he was choosing Elisha to receive God’s authority and to walk in his anointing. Elisha left everything, and committed himself to being Elijah’s servant for the next ten years.

There are two essential characteristics of an anointed person:

1. They give up everything for the cause.
2. They are willing to become nothing more than a humble servant until such time God appoints them to the position for which they have been called.

In 1 Peter 5:6 (NKJV) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” The time came, for Elijah to pass on his anointing to the younger prophet.

However Elisha had a remarkable desire for more than Elijah was willing to pass on this young prophet. In our calling there will also be a time of testing that will occur to check out our heart attitude. It was no different for Elisha he had to pass a number of tests. God will test your faithfulness along the journey to our calling. We will read about an interesting series of events that took place which tested Elisha determination and endurance to receive his calling (2 Kings 2).

How did Elisha get hold of his “Double Portion.”

At each location Elijah prophetically tried to persuade Elisha not to follow him but to remain at that location, (v2, 4, 6) “Stay here, please for the Lord has sent me on to” teaches us something about Elisha tenacity and his motivation for acquiring such a noble inheritance from his master.

I do believe Elisha’s request for the “double portion” was not from a heart festering with selfish ambition, to become even greater than Elijah. Rather his aspiration to obtain a double portion was to develop into a vessel to demonstrate God’s power and glory on the earth. Elisha realized he did not have the capacity to fulfill the awesome responsibility of carrying on Elijah’s work. The “double portion” speaks of a multiplication of the anointing. The fact, whereas Elijah performed eight recorded miracles, Elisha performed sixteen.

Elijah’s and Elisha’s visited locations where schools of prophets were stationed. This symbolizes the importance of the prophetic words over our lives as we set our sights on the “double portion!” The call on Elisha’s life was confirmed by his dedication and determination to receive everything God had for him along the journey. 

1. GILGAL means “Rolling away and Cutting away.”

In 2 Kings 2:1, Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal means “Rolling away and Cutting away.” There were things that Elisha had to cut away and shift away all that would stop him from his pursuit to receive his “double portion” before he could move onto Bethel. “I want you to stay at Gilgal,” but Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” Gilgal was the name of the place where Joshua crossed into the Promised Land. This was the location where the children of Israel were circumcised, so they named the place Gilgal, which means ‘rolling away’. This prophetically addresses the importance of cutting away the flesh life by having our “.........hearts circumcised” (Romans 2:29).

In Acts 7:51 we read, “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.”  The Lord is concerned about the condition of our hearts! Are we willing to do His will, to follow the commands of our Lord Jesus?

To have the “Double Portion” we will have to pass through Gilgal

1.      Sadly many stop here, they do not want to crucify the lusts of the flesh.

2.      They do not want to surrender their all.

3.      The price is too high for many.

4.      We will never know what could have been the full power of the anointing.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). Those who have crucified the flesh live in Christ's (Gr: ‘the part of a person that is prone to sin’) with its passions and desires (affections and lusts) (Galatians 5:24).

This is something we need to regularly assess. The secret to the power of God flowing through the Apostle Paul, “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31).

When you get to Gilgal you will have found ‘holy ground.’

Visiting Gilgal hurts, but it’s worth the glory that will be revealed after-wards!  When Joshua arrived at Gilgal, the Captain the Lord’s of Hosts commanded Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand [is] holy." And Joshua did so” (Joshua 5:15).

2.  BETHEL means “The House of God”

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please for the Lord has sent me on Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel (2 Kings 2:2).

To receive our “double portion,” we need to fully comprehend we are God’s tabernacle, the very dwelling place of the fullness of God. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Our relationship with God is our union with Him, our consecration to the same end – one mind, one purpose and one life. The Holy Spirit would speak into the mind of his prophets (Elisha) to illuminate his spirit and saturate his thoughts, while nothing of a person is taken away, yet everything that was essential was revealed to enable the prophet to declare divine truth in all its fullness that was imparted to him.

“They were "holy men of God who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). 

3.      JERICHO  means “Fragrant”

Then Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they came to Jericho (2 Kings 2:4).

Jericho was the first major city the Israelite's conquered (in a rather unconventional way) as they took possession of the Promised Land. The city’s walls were reduced to rubble; Jericho became a symbol of supernatural conquest over the powers of darkness. Satan hates to see men and woman anointed with a “double portion,” so he will set up some roadblocks to try to hinder their progress. However, we are the fragrance of Christ (the gospel) to those who are perishing an aroma of death leading to death, and leading to eternal judgment. But to those who are being saved find knowledge of Christ to be an aroma of life leading to abundant life. The prophet is called to prophecy eternal destinies into lives.

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

The enemy’s effective strategy is ‘discouragement.’ This can adversely affect prophetic men and women, particularly when they are anointed but the doors for ministry appear closed.  We need to be reminded there are seasons for everything. There may be delays while God is preparing our hearts, remember, God’s delays are not His denials. Sadly, this is where many who are called, end their journey.

 The waiting period is a time of humbling. Again and again, we die to our vision, allowing God to place his vision upon our heart.  It isn’t easy; in fact it can really hurt, especially when we see others validated by those in authority while we continued waiting. As the war against an anointed person intensifies the journey can seem too difficult. Discouragement has the potential to take precedence over the desire for a greater anointing. Instead of rising up with determination like Elisha, many stop at the roadblock of discouragement. If anything is hindering your progress, be determined like Elisha – “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you”, put the past behind and move forward with perseverance.

 

 4.   JORDAN means “To Descend”

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So the two of them went on.

Elijah discouraged Elisha again from accompanying him, Elisha remained with him, perusing something he desperately desired. Elijah places his mantle in the water (v8); a path was made so they could cross the Jordon. This speaks of stepping out in faith and seeing supernatural signs, wonders and miracles.

We need to fully understand what Jordan represents?

Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit (anointing). Elijah replied, “You have asked a hard thing.”(v10) Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you;” Elisha’s eyes were firmly fixed on Elijah.

1.      Elisha was fully focused and absolutely nothing whatsoever would distract him.

2.      Elisha desperately wanted that double portion so nothing else really mattered.

3.      Are you that desperate? The word ‘Jordan’ means ‘to descend’ this reminds us that in order to gain a “double anointing,” we are going to have a humble attitude. John the Baptist example "He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

4.      In v.9 Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me,” v10 Elijah said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”

5.      Elisha asked for the hard thing, the spirit of Elijah - the Holy Spirit is the Author of Elijah prophetic gift, the energizing power of his prophetic spirit.

6.      And Elisha stooped down (descend) ‘took up the mantle of Elijah,’ (v13), within you lies an anointing that far exceeds anything you have known, if you allow Jesus to fully complete His work in you.

Jesus said, as He preparing to return home: “that we’d do greater works than He” (John 14:12). Like Elijah, Jesus left us His mantle; “Tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued (Gr: clothed) with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

The power from on high was in reference to being anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Elisha inherited Elijah’s mantle in order to fulfil his ministry to the nations.

The Hebrew word for ‘mantle’ speaks of it as being:  ‘glorious; magnificent; large and honourable.’  The anointing that dwells in you by the Person of the indwelling Holy Spirit the ‘HELPER’ parakletos, Strong’s #3875 from para, “beside,” and kaleo, “to call” hence called to one’s side. The word signifies an intercessor, comforter, helper, advocate, counselor.

The Holy Spirit is alongside us to lead us into all truth, to guide us and strengthen us to endure to the end.

LB/23/4/2011

The Eagle Way No 10

The Invisible Realm and Victorious Spiritual Warfare

In 2 Kings 6:8-17: The king of Syria probably Ben- Hadad II (860-841B.C.) was making war against Israel. In Chapter 6 and versus 9-14, through Elisha prophetic gift and spiritual enablement, he was able to inform Jehoram (King of Israel) of Ben- Hadad anticipated strategy of attack. In verse 11, the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing. Therefore Ben – Hadad sent a great army to capture Elisha. That the army came by night surrounding the city reveals that the Syrians did not really believe in Elisha's gift of discernment was to anticipate their moves to capture Israel were futile. 

To believe the impossible one must first see the invisible. A lesson in which Elisha teaches his servant. This section informs us about the war between the two nations Syria and Israel and the prophet Elisha informing his people of the enemies tactic’s through his prophetic insight.  (v12).

Here is the lesson: Prayer is the vital key to discerning our adversary’s stratagems. Further, the key to dispelling Elisha's servant’s panic was his vision being opened to see the invisible. NOTE THESE CRUCIAL WORDS: “Elisha prayed”! He did not ask God for another miracle to show his servant; Elisha prayed and asked for his servant TO SEE INTO ANOTHER DIMENSION. 

The answer came immediately: “The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and HE SAW. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”(v17). Seeing into the invisible is a key to victorious praying – discerning spiritual problems from God’s perspective rather than man’s, seeing the Adversary’s attack plan, and perceiving God’s angelic strike- force.

The lessons for us to learn from this encounter:

1. It is through prayer that the strategies of the adversary are discerned.
2. Prayer is the key to dispelling the panic of Elisha's servant.
3. It was only through eyes of faith in the spiritual realm that the resource could be seen.
4. So today, do not be afraid! Look up with eyes of Faith; the Lord has outnumbered your enemies.

The Eagle Way No 9

The New Testament Prophet

"And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul" (Acts 11:27-30).

Agabus is an example of the “office” or “ascension gift” in the New Testament. (Ephesians 4:11, 12) “And He Himself [Christ] gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. V12, for the perfecting [equipping, making fit, making fully qualified for service] of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [building up] of the body of Christ.”   
A prophet is a spokesman for God, one who speaks forth by divine inspiration, moved by the Spirit of God and hence a spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation. 

This role differs from the manifestations “phanerōsis” [an expression of] the gift of prophecy in the life of the believer (1Cor 12:7).  A prophet [pro, “forth” and phemi, “to speak”] therefore, entails a Christ - appointed ministry of a person rather than the Holy Spirit – distributed gift through a person. 

In the New Testament, this office was not sensationalized as it tends to be today. 
Such an attitude is unworthy, both in the prophet and in those to whom he miniseries, and is certain to result in an unfruitful end. Paul the apostle was addressing such assumption of the prophetic office when he issued the challenge in  “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37, 38).
  The spiritually minded will receive Paul’s instructions with apostolic authority. Those who reject them are responsible for the consequences of their ignorance. There is a calling for submission to spiritual authority rather than self-serving independence.

The office of the prophet cannot be taken lightly. There is nothing in the New Testament  that reduces the stringent requirement for serving this role and ought to be regarded seriously, as written in (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.' "And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?'— "when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”

Prophecy is nothing to be “experimented” with, for souls are in the balance in the exercise of every ministry.

Further wisdom may be gained by noting that on biblical terms there is more than one type of ministry by a prophet. The measure for us is the remarkable predictive gifts of prophets like Daniel, Isaiah, Zechariah, and John. The other traits of the prophetic office are seen:

1)    Preaching- especially at a national or international level (John the Baptist)

2)   Teaching- especially when unusual insight is present and broad impact is made in serving God’s people (Ezra).

3)   Miracles – as remarkable signs to accompany a prophet’s preaching (Elijah).

4)   Renewal – as with Samuel (1 Samuel 3:21; 4:1) or that called for by the psalmist and by Amos (Psalm 74:9 and Amos 8:11, 12).

This incident of Agabus resulted in effective action by the church rising to meet a challenging situation. This is a valid test of the prophetic office and calling. It is for edification and not for self promotion, but to build, enlarge, forth-tell and foretell into the body of Christ whether locally or globally.

The Eagle Way No 8

John The Baptist Ministering

We need to become Strong in Spirit

"So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel" (Luke 1:80). NKJV

"And the child grew and became strong in character, and lived in the Desert till the time came for him to appear publicly to Israel" (Luke 1:80). WNT  

We read in the last verse, of Luke chapter one verse eighty, a short account of John Baptist training and lifestyle. Though he was the son of a high priest, he did not, like Samuel, go up, when he was a child, to minister before the Lord in the temple. John the Baptist was in the deserts of Israel there he was prepared and made ready to preach a different message a message of the kingdom and to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

1)    John’s life prior to his public ministry:  
    John was in the wilderness, prophets used the isolation of the uninhabited wilderness to enhance their spiritual growth and to focus on their message and mostly on God’s call.

By being in the wilderness, John remained separate from the economic and political powers so that he could prepare his life and message. He also remained separate from the hypocritical religious leaders of his day. His message was to be different, and his lifestyle was proof of his obedience.

2)    Luke tells us about his spiritual growth during his early years:  
    “the child grew and became strong in spirit” [character].   This emphasis is on the inward man; by his reputation; by reason of conscience (the candle of the Lord) his character had become strong. He had strong judgment and strong resolution “waxed strong in the spirit” (KJV)

By this it appeared that he was filled with the Holy Spirit; for those that are strong in the Lord are strong in spirit. "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15). How important is our spiritual development to God not what we look like on the outside, or where you were born, or what kind of clothes we wear?  God looks at the heart, and if you want to prepare yourself for ministry, start with your heart. 

3)   Preparation for John’s ministry took place in the desert, a place of solitude:  
    “He was in the desert;” not that he lived as a hermit; or cut himself off from the society he lived in. It appears he went up to Jerusalem at the feasts, and frequented the synagogues on the Sabbath day.  But his regular residence was in the wilderness of Zuph or Maon, which we read of in the story of David. There he spent most of his time, in contemplation and devotion. His ministry education was not in schools, or at the feet of the rabbi.

John Baptist, ministry was in a place of obscurity at the age thirtieth years until God called Him forth “was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.”  There is a time when your calling and ministry will be ready for public appearance a predetermined time, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3).

4)   Some important principles to remember:

1. Many feel like God will never use them, I’m too old/too young, too something – wait for Him do not be impatient, wait for the appointed time; God's timing;
2.  Be faithful where God has placed you;
3.  Develop your life and get ministry training so that you will be ready for His call;
4. God will promote you from your wilderness place, when He has completed the training in your life, even from that place of obscurity to a place where His spirit will manifest in and through your life to the glory of God;
5. One of the reasons God has being giving you desert training, is to toughen your resolve, to deepen your determination, to enlarge our capacity for more of Him; to strength your character to be able to over come daily temptations;
6. In the desert you will learn things you cannot learn in the synagogues and the church; the intensity of increased pressure cause you to become strong in spirit;
7. In the desert the heat gets turned up, the fire burns on the outside and the inside of us, the fire burns up the dross, the impurities rise to the surface so that they can be dealt with;
8. The fire of the Holy Spirit also ignites a passion for our God, a hunger for the Bread of heaven a thirst for the Living water, a weeping for the joy of the Lord.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt 5:6).

The Eagle Way No 7

Earnest Perseverance in Prayer

Luke 11:10 -13 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. v11 "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? v12 "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? v13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

We are told to keep on asking, seeking and knocking. All three verbs are continual: Jesus is not speaking of single event, but of those that continue in earnest perseverance. These metaphors speak of a seriousness and passion; all too often, our prayers are merely desires cast up to heaven, this is not real prayer. 
Jesus encourages fervency and constancy in our prayer commitment. We must come for what we need, as a man does to his friend or neighbour. If God does not answer our prayers speedily, yet He wills, in an appropriate time, if we do not lose heart but continue to pray.


We need to ask for the Holy Spirit, to show us what is necessary to pray for and to ask our heavenly Father for all His spiritual wisdom. For it is by the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are brought into the knowledge of God and ourselves. He leads us to repent, to believe in, and to love Jesus as our Lord.


All these blessings our heavenly Father is more ready to bestow on everyone that asks for them, more than a generous parent is to give food to a hungry child. And this is the advantage of the prayer of faith, that it quiets and establishes the heart of God. What can we expect from God, especially when we recognize that He doesn't owe us anything and that we don't deserve His grace and favour? 


Jesus used this illustration of late-night guest to teach his listeners an important principle about how God treats us in contrast to the kind of treatment we might expect from friends or neighbors.


The rule of hospitality in biblical times required the collaboration of the entire community in entertaining an unexpected late-night guest. Whether the guest was hungry or not, a meal would be served. In a village it would be easy to know who had baked bread. Bread was essential for a meal because it served as an instrument for dipping and eating from the common dishes. Asking for bread from one's neighbour was both a common occurrence and an expected favour. To refuse to give bread would bring shame because it was a sign of inhospitality.


If a neighbour can be imposed upon and coerced into giving bread in the middle of the night, how much more hospitable is God, who, no matter what the circumstances, is generous and gracious to give us what we need.

In conclusion Jesus makes a startling claim:
“How much more will the heavenly Father give!” v13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

The Lord is ever ready to give us not only what we need, but more than we can expect. He gives freely of His Holy Spirit that we may share in His life and joy.


Do you approach your heavenly Father with confidence in His mercy and kindness? "Heaven Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your disciple and child."