Growing in Knowledge and Grace (part 2)

In 1Kings 19:19-21, Elijah challenged the heart of Elisha to follow him.  When he questioned Elisha’s commitment, Elisha immediately went home, said goodbye to his parents, sacrificed his 12 pairs of oxen, burned his plow, AND LEFT EVERYTHING TO FOLLOW HIM.  (The 12 pairs of oxen suggests that Elisha had a budding business which is what he left).  That is the committed heart Jesus calls us to.  He doesn’t call us to get rid of our things, only to put him first in all of our life; as did Elisha.

This morning we are challenged to put ourselves in Elisha’s shoes and answer the question, what would we have done if in the same situation as Elisha?  Jesus calls us to the higher ground, so let’s leave the comfort of the valley.

Next Peter specifies in our text of 2 Peter 3:18 HOW we are to grow.  He lists 2 ways; in Knowledge & grace.  Knowledge is what we gain from studying the word of God and committing it to memory,  It is through knowledge that we understand, and learn what the will of the Lord is.   We also learn what God personally wants and expects from each of us.  Knowledge constrains us.  Knowledge feeds us.  Knowledge protects us.  Knowledge inspires us.  Knowledge frees us.  Knowledge leads us right into the throne room of God and enables us to see what we cannot otherwise see. It is knowledge that takes a vague idea about God, and transforms it into an intimate relationship with him.  Knowledge is what David referred to in Psalm 119:11 “I hide your word in my heart, so that I will not sin against you.”  We would all do well to embrace the knowledge of God and hide his word in our hearts, so that we will workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly diving the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15, KJV).  Without his word, we die.  With it we glorify our heavenly father.  Embrace his word by embracing knowledge.  Blessings.   (continued next week).

​~Lamar