Do We Tarry At Gilgal?

by Bert Ghilardi

2 Kings:1-15

he episode recorded in our text regarding Elisha's pursuit of the great prophet Elijah may have great significance for us today. At each of the steps, the temptation to stop short of the journey's end presents itself. It is noted that Elisha would not settle in any location but repeatedly declared, "As the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee."

It is the Lord's intention that His true Church pass the test of divine delay at Gilgal so it may appropriate all that lies ahead. In the past, the Lord had delivered a whole nation out of Egypt but He could not deliver the Egypt out of them. Thus, the older generation perished in the wilderness, short of God's objective.

At Gilgal (Joshua 5:8-14), the Lord circumcized the new generation from the nature and ways of the Egyptians and weaned them from manna, a symbol of yesterday's blessings and way of provision. God is performing a similar cutting work in the hearts of His people today. Its purpose is to give us a renewed trust in His provision and not the provision of Egypt (the world). In 1 Samuel 13:8-14, the insubordinate King Saul failed the test at Gilgal because He disobeyed the word of the prophet. He trusted rather in the arm of the flesh and great numbers.

"God is performing a similar cutting work in the hearts of His people today."

In 2 Kings 2:1-6 a young prophet will pass the test at Gilgal. Elisha will properly relate to Gilgal, which in turn will enable him to go the full journey with Elijah. Many of God's people have been stalled in their journey because they never yielded to the Lord's sanctifying work at Gilgal. Gilgal is the place of conversion and sanctification, where the old man is crucified and the new man emerges.

Elisha was told by Elijah to tarry at Gilgal, but Elisha sensed that beyond this command there was a heart in Elijah that really wanted him to go all the way with him. His season of mentoring with Elijah had given him discernment. Thus, in 2 Kings 2:6, is recorded the powerful testimony of what took place: "And they two went on."

In contrast, Saul had received instruction from Samuel but had never responded in obedience. Those that have submitted to the personal working of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the prophets will discern what they need to do. May the Lord grant us grace to pursue His highest in this crucial hour in Church history.