Once again I saw the work of the cross in the story of Elisha and the sons of the prophets.
Sons of the prophets were like bible school students. They were learning from Elisha about the ministry of a prophet to which they were called. Elisha was asked whether the sons of the prophets could go to Jordan and each cut down a tree in order for them to be able to dwell with Elisha since his lodging place was too small for both him and them. They requested he come along.
The point is that each of Elisha's "disciples" were to fell a beam. This is significant. They each had an axe and were to each cut down a tree at the Jordan. There is another story that focuses on axes, trees and the Jordan River.
John the Baptist was baptizing at Jordan and saw Pharisees and Sadducees attend. He knew they were making a show and had no interest in baptism at all. So he told them they were not bringing forth fruits meet for repentance. In other words, he would not baptize anyone who did not show a TRUE CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE -- fruits proving they were ready for baptism. So he told them the axe is laid to the root of the trees of all who bear false fruit, and they shall be cut down and thrown into the fire.
This cutting down of trees stands as God's judgment that will eventually come to all sinners. However, if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged (
1 Cor 11:31). In other words, we can deal with our lives by choosing to cut down the trees of our old carnal lives through true application in faith OF THE CROSS. It's like Jesus said, "Lose your life now and find it unto eternal life, or keep your life and lose it forever in the end."
The disciples of Elisha show the personal need for us to deny self and see a true change in our lives in order to CROSS JORDAN. They did this at the Jordan River. John Baptized at the Jordan. Elisha began his ministry when Elijah left by using the mantle of Elijah and opening up the Jordan. Israel entered the KINGDOM LAND by crossing the Jordan. Jesus was baptized and entered into His ministry at the Jordan. JORDAN stands as a demarcation point for KINGDOM LIVING.
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