Sketched XI Day 15 Faith Made Sight

Katelyn Palmer
July 7, 2023

1 Kings 17:8-24
2 Kings 2
Ephesians 2:1-10
“It’s been a long journey,” I spoke into the emotionally heavy space between us.
He offered a curt nod but kept his eyes downcast, gently kicking at pebbles with sandaled toes. The heat of the sun and cawing of birds settled into silence as we recalled days past.
“Are you…scared?” he hesitantly queried. I think for a moment. I’ve known fear; I’ve experienced doubt; I’ve faced the threat of death. This time, though, it’s different. I feel…peace. Inexplicable peace laced with expectant joy as I consider the faithfulness of my God.
“I have faced fear and doubt often in my time walking with the Lord, but I have learned that when Yahweh says He will provide, He provides.” His eyes are on mine now, and I notice his shoulders straighten, as though my testimony bolstered him.
My eyes sweep over the arid landscape as I organize my thoughts.
“Before I found you, Yahweh called me to prophesy before King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. The stories paint me with courage and bravery, but my legs were shaking! In fact, after I defeated the last prophet who stood against Yahweh at Mount Carmel, escalating queen Jezebel to the point of ordering my own death, I ran away in utter defeat.” I scoff, pausing briefly for a drink of water and wipe the sweat from my brow. (1 Kings 18:20-46, 1 Kings 19)
“I had just called fire down from heaven in the Lord’s name and watched from the hilltop as Yahweh sent rain to end a three year drought, yet I was hollowed out in an instant by fear of queen Jezebel’s words delivered through a messenger.”
Shaking my head, I continued, “That fear seems silly now, but the enemy is crafty and will try to convince us Yahweh is small, powerless, or distant. But if you remain devoted to Yahweh, you will come to know Him as I have, for
He alone is sovereign,
He is enough,
He is omnipotent,
He is truth,
He is jealous,
He is revealed,
He is sustaining,
and He is just.”
Elijah
We continue on in silence as each step brings me closer to Yahweh. My body tingles at the prospect of witnessing His glory! Who am I that the great I AM guided my heart and my step in tandem with His will? Who am I that the great I AM held my precious life in His hands, protecting me from enemies who sought me in the flesh and the spirit alike? I am no one, but He…He is unlike any other and I long to rest in His presence.
“Teacher?” Elisha interrupts my thoughts.
“Yes?”
“We are here,” Elisha gestures with a sweep of his hand at the valley of Jericho.
“Elisha, there is still a final piece to my journey. Stay here; the Lord is sending me to the Jordan.”
“As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (2 Kings 2:6)
We leave Jericho for the Jordan River, the very place Joshua led our people as they entered the Promised Land. (Joshua 3:14-17) Though we tainted this land with idolatry, I know the God of Abraham, the God of Jacob, my God is faithful. Just as He left seven thousand believers before me in a show of His mercy (1 Kings 19:18), and just as he breathed life into the son of the widow who fed me during the famine (1 Kings 17:8-24), He is faithful to save His people.
“When Yahweh calls you to do His work, Elisha, you will falter at times, but God will be faithful to you. Our God has a plan for you; embrace it. Though it may be difficult, like living in the wilderness, and though there may be pain, like losing a teacher,” I say as I rest my hand on his shoulder, “trust that Yahweh is good and He will carry you forward, as He carried me.”
As we reach the Jordan River, I can feel the eyes of the sons of the prophets at our backs, waiting to see what happens next.
I gesture for Elisha to stand back as I remove the mantle from my shoulders. Like Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), I strike the water with my mantle and watch as God parts the river, leaving a dry bed for us to cross.
“Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you,” I ask, once we’ve reached the far shore. (2 Kings 2:9)
“Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit.” (2 Kings 2:9)
“You have asked for something difficult,” I muse. “If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.” (2 Kings 2:10) I say a silent prayer, asking Yahweh to fulfill the request of my appointed successor according to His will.
Give Elisha the portion of a first born son as he inherits a ministry in You, Yahweh. Let him experience Your blessing and guidance as he lives and prophesies in Your name, as I have for so many years. Fulfill Your calling on his life, my Lord, as You call me home. I am ready, Yahweh.
As we walk on, I can feel a warmth spread through my bones and peace wash over my heart. It is time.
As if on cue, a chariot of fire pulled by horses of the same separates myself from Elisha, and the winds of Yahweh surround me. (2 Kings 2:11)
Elisha
“My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” I cry out as I tear my clothes in two. (2 Kings 2:12) Through my tears, I gather up my teacher’s mantle and strike the Jordan.
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” I shout, courage flooding my spirit. Once again the water parts and I cross the dry bed. (2 Kings 2:13-14)
I am greeted by the sons of the prophets of Jericho, who bow at my feet. God of Elijah, Yahweh, I am Your servant. Guide my steps and let me walk a righteous path as my teacher did.
A Note About Sketched
In Sketched themes, we imaginatively step into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally.
We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters viewed God, themselves, and the world around them.
Perhaps we will find parts of our story reflected in theirs!
Sketched XI, Day 15
Digging Deeper
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