By Staff
"Where now is the LORD?" This question was asked by Elisha in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, chapter 2, verse 14, after Elijah was taken up into heaven.
Elijah was the prophet of God at the time, had finished his race on earth, and had been commanded by God to appoint a prophet in his place (1 Kings 19:16).
Elijah was gone, Elisha had his mantle of power and anointing, and now Elisha was quick to determine if the Lord was with him as He had been with Elijah. He came to the Jordan River desiring to cross the river on dry ground, so he took the cloak of Elijah, struck the water in the river, and cried out, "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" (2 Kings 2:14). The river parted and Elisha crossed over.
We might have the same question, "Where is the LORD God?" Nobody denies the "God-sized" opportunities that are all around us.
Where is the LORD God? What is He doing now? The first thing to understand is that God never changes (Malachi 3:6). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Psalms, chapter 14, verse 2, tells us what God is doing: "The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God." God is scrutinizing us-our lives, our passions, our dreams, our goals, and our attendant lifestyles. He is looking for those who understand what God is about and for those who are seeking Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 echoes the same thought: "The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
How can we become one who understands and seeks God? The first step must be to read His book, the Holy Bible. God reveals Himself in His Word.
In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 31, God says, "those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength" (NKJV). What does it mean to wait on God? Who wants to wait on anything or anybody? Surely we can figure out something to do, and do it, and then ask God to bless it? That is not waiting on God.
Waiting on God is doing what He says, as difficult as it sounds, and then waiting on Him to intervene. Jesus said, in Matthew, chapter 6, verse 33, "Seek first his [God's] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Seek God's kingdom, His righteousness . . . how do we do that?
God's kingdom is an absolute monarchy. God is the source, He is the sustainer, and He is the ruler. God's plan is that everybody knows about Him. So for those of us who do know, our mission is to tell those who do not know. That is His kingdom work.
God's righteousness is the righteousness of Christ. We are not righteous in ourselves, nor can we be, no matter how hard we work at it. We must depend on the imputed righteousness of Christ. That is a struggle because we must humble ourselves, recognize our need, and cry out to God for it. It is a moment-by-moment walk of utter dependence.
What is God looking for as He looks down from heaven? He is looking for people who have taken the cross of Christ as their cross, people who are dying daily to all self-effort and self-aggrandizement, and are seeking only to see God get the credit for their lives.
We must understand God is God and we are not. God IS working! Find out where and join Him.
Where is the LORD God? He is waiting on us to wait on Him!