How can we apply Elisha's response to challenges in our own lives? Setting the Scene “Then the men of the city said to Elisha, ‘Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, but the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.’ ” (2 Kings 2:19) Elisha answers by asking for a new bowl filled with salt, throws the salt into the spring, and declares, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed this water; no longer will there be death or unfruitfulness because of it.’” (vv. 20-21). The water remains pure “to this day” (v. 22). Noticing the Need • The townspeople speak plainly: “the water is bad.” • Application: Face challenges head-on. Pretending everything is fine never invites God’s intervention (Psalm 34:17). • Honest confession—personally or in community—opens the way for healing. Looking to One Source • Jericho’s leaders go to the prophet, not to political power or personal schemes. • Psalm 121:1-2 reminds: “My help comes from the LORD.” • When confronted with a “bitter spring” in your life—finances, health, relationships—make the Lord your first, not last, resort. Receiving a God-Given Strategy • “Bring me a new bowl and put salt in it.” God often provides specific, even surprising, steps. • The “new bowl” points to fresh, undefiled tools (Ephesians 4:24). • Salt symbolizes purity and preservation (Matthew 5:13). • Application: Ask the Lord for His unique plan instead of copying someone else’s formula. Obeying with Visible Action • Elisha walks to the spring and throws in the salt—faith expressed publicly (James 2:17). • Our obedience may appear simple—an apology, a budget, medical counsel—but it invites God’s power. Speaking Life over the Problem • Elisha proclaims, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed this water.’” • Proverbs 18:21 teaches the tongue’s power. • Replace defeatist talk with declarations anchored in Scripture: – Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ…” – Romans 8:37: “We are more than conquerors…” Expecting Complete and Lasting Change • “No longer will there be death or unfruitfulness.” God’s solutions are thorough. • Jeremiah 17:7-8 pictures the believer as a tree whose leaves stay green even in drought. • Don’t settle for partial healing when the Lord offers fullness (John 10:10). Daily Application Checklist – Identify one “bitter spring” you’ve been tolerating. Admit the issue honestly. – Seek God’s direction through prayer and Scripture before moving. – Embrace any “new bowl” He highlights—new mindset, habit, relationship boundary. – Take the first concrete step today, even if it feels small. – Speak God’s promises aloud every time doubt surfaces. – Look for and record evidence of His ongoing restoration. Living as Salted Springs Christ calls us “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). As He transforms our own waters, our lives become sources of refreshing for others—proof that the same God who purified Jericho’s spring still heals, restores, and makes barren places fruitful. |
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