The Presence of a Christian

2 Kings 13:14 KJV

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

This passage is poignant with application. The king has really paid no attention to the message Elisha has preached. One would think that outside of those miracles worked through this prophet, his life could be considered a waste. He has not turned any of the hearts of the kings to the Lord. He has even anointed one man to be king and changed who is the royal family only to have that king not be a man after God's heart.

But now this preacher is in his death bed and the reigning king comes to see him.

·        By his condescension we know that he respects the preacher and

·        By his words we know that the kings of Israel have followed and passed down to the next the career of this man of God and

·        By his tears we know that even if the king has not heeded his message the king does mourn the loss of the benefit this man's presence has had in the nation

Our world system, the governments that operate in it, are seldom serious about obeying and following the Word of the Lord. Certainly among even those who claim Christianity and may seek some advice from a pastor, there is no real desire to have a personal and close walk with the Lord. But, even if they may deny it, they know that the prayers of the saints and the preaching of the Word and the encouragement to righteousness has been a benefit to our nation and our world.

There will come a time when Christianity will look like it is on its deathbed. It is not that it will be defeated but that it will be translated into eternity. Those who remain though outwardly happy for its demise will suffer the terrible consequences of its loss in the Tribulation.

The presence of the Christian is never vain. Though it might appear to be despised in the world, its influence preserves and protects in this world.