August 21, 2021 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

#5 in the series: Becoming the People of God

Warnings, Wisdom & White Robes

The Anointing

Preface: It is important that we learn about and even pattern our lives after Biblical figures. However, we sometimes do not ‘get the point’ the Bible story is making. We interpret the actions of the Biblical figures in such a way that we fail to make a personal connection or the ability to be like a particular figure. This series, ‘Becoming the People of God’ will help you identify with the characters of the Bible and hopefully strengthen your faith and deepen your ability to believe in Jesus by ‘taking Him at His word’.

Rule #5. A lesson in anointing becoming an Elijah or Elisha. This is a simple lesson but has tremendous significance. First, you might like to read 1st & 2nd Kings, and focus on 2nd Kings chapter 2 verses 9 and 10: “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”

Elisha got what he asked for—a double portion of the anointing of God in his life, but he did not get a free ride to heaven in a chariot within a whirlwind. Elijah never died because took him—God translated him into heaven without dying. Elisha never got his free ride! Elisha had a double amount to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but he suffered more and died on earth. Who did the will of God more—they both did! But often when we receive anointing or any gifts from God does not mean we suffer less. In the Bible, these people usually suffered more and were persecuted & tried more.

Here is ‘the truth’ in this story. To hunger after God’s righteousness is not the same as to hunger after more anointing. To love God more does not mean you should desire more anointing. For God to give you or anyone more anointing is always a good thing, but it does not at any time make one more spiritual or perform the will of God above anyone else in the Body of Christ.

Why do you want more anointing? Will you be humbler after you get it? Will you have more love and righteousness because of the anointing? One’s motive is everything and being willing to suffer more persecution and be tried even greater will often be the cost that comes with more anointing. “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Jesus said in Luke 12:48.) This is God’s wisdom; God holds one responsible for what He gives.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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