2 Kings 3,
Inone of the most critical moments in the history of the Nation of Israel, an ally Nation, Moab had just rebelled and wanted to exterminate Israel. At the time, Jeroham, the son of Ahab was the King over Israel and even though he didn’t do as much evil as his father, he did not have a proper relationship with God, so he couldn’t face the king of Moab alone. He therefore sought alliances with the Kings of Judah and Edom. Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah had a much stronger spiritual awareness and knew there was a real need to seek the face of God regarding the outcome of the imminent battle.
As the three kings assailed against the Moabites they got into some difficulties with supplies and logistics, on their 7-day route to the land of Moab, there was no water for their army and cattle (terrible planning by the way). Jehoshaphat, I imagined sensed a measure of bankruptcy in the prophetic in the land, so much so he asked, is there no prophet in Israel, that we may enquire of him? Then one of the servants of the King of Israel responded by introducing Elisha to these three kings in distress — Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.
Ermm, no you must be mistaken — I’m talking about a prophet that can call fire down, or water or hail, like a powerful man of God who enters in and out of realms and dimensions with a dedicated portal signatured with his mantle. We need a serious ballistic intercontinental anointing! It cannot be him you just described. C’mom stop playing, this is not a joking matter. Our troops are in trouble, we have no supplies, the Moabites are inevitably coming for our heads, and all you have for me is a man that pours water?
Well, yes! Unfortunately for the carnally minded, the only people God prefers to pour His anointing on, are those who have learned to pour water on the hands of others. You know that Naaman moment where you expect an impressive CV, a dramatic gesture, a swirling and a shaking as the sign of a true prophet but all you get is a man bowed over, pouring water on another’s hand. In the face of a National emergency, the man who came to the rescue was a man with the reputation of a servant.
Elisha could have had the reputation of the man with the double portion of Elijah’s anointing, I bet that would have been more impressive. Elijah was known as ferocious and fiery, now imagine someone introduces an Elijah 2.0 or Elijah pro max, that definitely would have felt more reassuring for the 3 Kings. The fiery Elijah 2.0 introduction would have been true too, but the Spirit of Scriptures would not spotlight that, He would rather have us see Elisha through the lens of service, especially in such a moment.
Listen friends, no matter the magnitude of a challenge, everything bows to the authority of the meek. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Your lack of submission and humility is actually costing you impact. There is a lot more you can do for God and His Kingdom if you would be just as comfortable being described as the man that pours water as you would be, when introduced as the man that reigns fire. There are people who will not stand to be recognized because a letter was omitted from their DNA length-like appellations. You’d definitely be hearing from their lawyers if you referred to them as one pouring water, such audacity!!
But can you pour water? I bet everyone can! Including you..
But will you pour water? Hmmn, that’s where things get tricky.
What kind of water? On whose hands will I pour it? Will people see me pouring the water? What will happen to my steeze? How long will I pour it for? Will I get the throne after pouring?
Can’t I pour the water in secret?
Ermm, No you can’t. Elisha was KNOWN as the man that poured water. That meant, people saw him do it so often, that it had marked his reputation. The same way Saul’s servant spoke of David and referred him for palatial services based on what he knew of him.
The same way one explosive season cannot qualify you for the GOAT conversation, reputations are hardly built around one-offs, it’s often built around a consistent behavior, tendency or track record. Can you be referred to as the man or woman that pours water? And if you were, would it sting your ego or would you feel honored by such?
While Jesus was on earth, of all the Segun Johnson-esque oga nla titles He could have handpicked, He instead was known as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Like seriously? Lamb? and when He asks us to learn of Him, He spotlights His meekness and lowliness.
“[28] Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light “— Matthew 11:28–30 KJV
Friends, we can never outgrow the need to stay humble, for therein is the power of God most at home in our lives. Andrew Murray once wrote that pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.
How do we develop the heart of a servant like Elisha did?
- Find someone specific or a people and serve them: That could be your parents, your boss at work, your pastor in Church, a mentor starting his business, your community, or even a friend. You need to build a track record of service across all the places you have been. We must know you as the man or woman that pours water.
- Enjoy the beauty of being seen by God and God alone: People often value and prefer visible, attractive and marketable reputations because of what it means among men, but blessed are the prophetess Annas of this world for their reward shall be great in heaven. Get to a place where if you’re seen by men, fine, but if you’re seen by God alone, you’re just as fine. I know it can be tough, but true contentment can be learned.
- Connect your life to a bigger and broader purpose: The moment you see your life as a link in a massive chain or a small piece in a giant puzzle, you suddenly have perspective on how much bigger life is and how much of a privilege it is, to serve in your capacity. The world, the Church, life, the Kingdom of God don’t revolve around you, you’re only here to serve your gift to the world while you still have breath and let God do with your contribution, whatever He may. This is what Joseph understood when he reunited with his brothers, he had seen his role in the big picture God was painting and it humbled him.
The missionaries who brought the gospel to Africa had these 3 powerful principles and what a blessing they turned out to be.
If you live your life all wrapped up in yourself, you make a very small package — Andrew Wommack
Have a productive week full of cheerful service.
God bless your hearts
Dami Oguntunde
IG: @damioguntunde
Push Buttons is a weekly devotional of The PowerPoint Tribe.