Walking As a Man of God

2 Kings 4:9‑10  •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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“And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither” (2 Kings 4:9-109And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. (2 Kings 4:9‑10)).
It should be the desire of each renewed heart to walk in this dark world in the spirit of holiness and the character of a man of God. In the portion above, we read, “I perceive that this is an holy man of God.” There was that about Elisha’s life which bore public testimony that he was indeed a holy man of God. Today, in order to manifest the moral traits and characteristics of a “holy man of God,” believers need to employ spiritually the six physical elements that are mentioned in verse 10.
A Little Chamber
The Lord said in Matthew 6:66But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6), “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.” No matter how busy our schedules or how much pressure we feel, we must employ the little chamber. J. N. Darby said, “In prayer God is ours: power is put in motion.” The assembly prayer meeting is very important, but personal, prevailing intercession is vital to a holy man of God.
On the Wall
The wall in Scripture speaks of separation. James 4:44Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4) tells us that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God.” Though separation is not a popular path, who can properly estimate the value and necessity of separation from “a wicked and adulterous generation” a “perverse nation”?
An excellent definition of holiness is abhorrence of that which is evil and delight in that which is good and of God. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way” (Psa. 119:11ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. (Psalm 119:1)). The principle of separation is vital for believers who desire to be kept from the terribly defiling scene through which we walk.
Let Us Set for Him There a Bed
Though the bed at times in Scripture is used in a negative sense, here we find a positive application: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:77Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. (Psalm 37:7)). How sweet, how blessed amidst a tumultuous world to enjoy the quiet repose that the beloved Apostle John enjoyed as one who leaned on Jesus’ bosom. No matter how dark and dismal our present circumstances may be, we can use the bed and enjoy in His blessed presence sweet peace that “passeth all understanding.”
And a Table
The table would bring before us the thought of personal communion with our Lord. “I will come in to him, and will sup with him” (Rev. 3:2020Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)). It is a most precious privilege to be able to enjoy the sweet communion of the Lord’s table collectively. But how vital to also enjoy personal, intimate communion with our God sharing, in His blessed presence, common thoughts about His well-beloved Son.
And a Stool
The stool reminds me of the famous sculpture of a man, seated on a stool, deep in thought, entitled, “The Thinker.” I’d like to make application of the stool in that way. Paul instructed Timothy, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them” (1 Tim. 4:1515Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (1 Timothy 4:15)).
Though meditation seems to be a “lost art,” it is vital that a holy man of God be characterized by meditation on the Word. Philippians 4:88Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8) is the divine blueprint for our thoughts. How quickly our minds resort to carnal things or to negative things among the saints. Let us persevere and overcome by using the stool to dwell on the glories of the blessed Man seated on the right hand of God. Such occupation will foster also proper thoughts of our brethren as well. “Draw me, we will run after Thee” (Song of Sol. 1:44Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. (Song of Solomon 1:4)).
And a Candlestick
The candlestick would bring before us the thought of light and testimony. “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matt. 5:1414Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14)). “We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace” (2 Kings 7:99Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household. (2 Kings 7:9)). How we need to let our light—the light of our precious Saviour who identified Himself as “the light of the world”—shine in this dark world!
Ephesians 5:88For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (Ephesians 5:8) tells us, “Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” The children of Israel had “light in their dwellings.” For all eternity we will walk in the light of the Lamb (Rev. 21:2323And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23)). May “we walk in the light, as He is in the light” walking as holy men of God—even now!
R. Ruga