DCLM Daily Manna, Sunday January 31, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Reward of consecration

Topic: Reward of Consecration [Sunday January 31, 2016]

Text: 2 Kings 2:7-18

Key Verse: "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" (2 Kings 2:10).

James Calvert, a missionary to Fiji Islands, which was noted for its cannibalism, consecrated himself to follow God through. When he and his fellow missionaries landed on the island, the captain of the ship, in an attempt to discourage them, tried to turn back. "You will die, the men with you will die, if you stay here," the captain cried.

After a moment, Calvert, while being point-blank that they had crossed the Rubicon, replied, "We died before we came here". Calvert's ardent disposition toward God's calling aptly explained Elisha's unusual commitment of his service to God.

Right from the outset, he refused to leave Elijah, wanting to be with him for as long a time as possible. Prior to that, he was a successful farmer. When Elijah cast his mantle upon him, Elisha, without hesitation, bade goodbye to his parents and followed Elijah. Many Christians, today, treasure their career and family engagement more than following Christ unreservedly. Some people even get tied down by tradition and religion of their parents.

The unwavering disposition of Elisha towards God was outstanding. He never allowed anybody or anything to distract him. His focus was definite - he would continue to be Elijah's servant until the end. In our Christian journey, some people, even brethren, may try to distract us with a lot of worldly enticements, but our determination to serve God to the end will help us to overcome every temptation and enticement from the devil. Many Christians do not know that for them to make a headway in their heavenly journey, they need total consecration, a single-minded devotion to the high calling of the Almighty. That is why you need purity of heart. If you want to be spiritually strong, you have to enter into a permanent consecration with God. Consecration makes the spiritually weak strong.

Thought for the day: The cornerstone of a steadfast life lies in uncommon consecration to God.

Bible Reading in one Year: Matthew 6-7

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.