Elisha Vision – Commentary

What did you learn during the global pandemic lock-down? Let’s get personal. I hope you slowed down enough to listen to God. Today I am sharing life lessons from two friends, Hannah Bochert and Bob Mumford. I don’t think they know each other, but each heard from God and encouraged me to slow down and listen to the voice of God during this present crises.

Doreen and I enjoyed getting to know Hannah on our Israel tour last June. She is Youth Pastor at Grace Assembly in Wake Forest, NC.  She is a young lady who loves Jesus with all her heart.

Bob Mumford, on the other hand, is approaching ninety years with a lifetime of pursuing intimacy with Father God. I first met Bob in June 1968. It has been my honor to fellowship with him in recent years in a small accountability group of brothers in Raleigh, NC.

Hear from two disparate believers by age and gender, hearing the same cry of the Lord Jesus: “Listen to me.” I am blessed to have each as my friend. This week Bob posted a video titled, “The Skill of Still.” We need to learn to intentionally listen to God. Here is his text and the 7 minute video link.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

Hannah shared an excellent analogy of how we react when someone whispers to us. We lean in to catch every word. We lean in close. That is what we need to do with God. She also pointed out that we are not willing to let a stranger whisper in our ear. It requires an intimacy that is not appropriate. Whispering is an intimacy reserved for close friends. What a treasure that Jesus is our friend. Let’s listen to him. Here is Hannah’s text and her 9 minute video link  from Grace Assembly.

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before YEHOVAH.” And behold, YEHOVAH passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before YEHOVAH, but YEHOVAH was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but YEHOVAH was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:12

You may have complained about the forced lock-down at first, but I trust you also found a new intimacy with our Heavenly Father through the voice of the Holy Spirit. The good news is that we can continue a new level of “leaning in,” even as we again ramp up our busy lives. Don’t leave home without it!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation  in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.) and here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.