​Day 174 – June 23, 2021

​Day 174 – June 23, 2021
Scriptures: 2 Kings 2-3, Mark 4
 
 
Elijah is caught up into heaven in a chariot of fire. Before his departure, his protégé Elisha asks for a double portion of the Spirit of God that is with Elijah. Our Bible project video on 1 & 2 Kings shared something I never picked up on. The account of Elijah’s life in Kings shares 7 miracles. The account of Elisha’s life and ministry in Kings includes 14 miracles. He truly received a double portion of the Spirit of Yahweh.
 
In our Gospel of Mark reading, there is an important set of parables taught by Jesus, teaching about the kingdom. The first is a story about listening, really hearing the Word of God and heeding its counsel or message. We learn the kingdom is also like a seed that grows without knowing it and the kingdom is also like a mustard seed that starts small and grows mightily.
This teaching is capped off with yet another reminder of the authority and power of Jesus. He calms the storm, and the disciples are amazed at the power of Jesus. 
 
We are told later in the New Testament account of Jesus and the Church, that this kingdom is growing just as Jesus said it would. The seed would be planted dead in the ground. Jesus would be killed at the cross, buried in the tomb, and raised from the dead. The Spirit of God awakens Jesus to new life and now Jesus extends this to all of creation offering new life in the Kingdom of God. 
 
Will you have ears to hear this? The Kingdom is here, and you may have new life in Christ because of it. He offers you the Spirit of the Lord, and not just a portion. Paul teaches us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, is alive in you Christian. Where the Spirit is, so is new life. 
 
For those who are in Christ Jesus, the old is gone and the new is here!
 
Jordan