Building a Place for God's Presence
"Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye." - 2 Kings 6:2
### Building a Place for God's Presence
**Scripture Passage:** 2 Kings 6:2 (KJV)
"Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye."
In the context of 2 Kings 6, we find the sons of the prophets, earnest in their desire to expand their living quarters, so that they can serve God more effectively. This slight yet significant verse encapsulates a deep longing for a physical space that would symbolize their commitment to the community of faith and their dedication to serving the Lord together. As we reflect on this verse, we encounter certain themes that challenge and inspire our spiritual lives today.
#### The Yearning for Community
The request voiced by the sons of the prophets might seem simple at first glance—a request for beams to build a dwelling place. However, this act represents more than just a physical structure; it signifies their desire for community. In this fast-paced, individualistic world, gathering together as believers is crucial. The sons of the prophets recognized the importance of being together in worship, study, and fellowship. They wanted a designated space where they could grow, learn, and be sharpened by one another.
As we contemplate the physical spaces we occupy for worship—our churches, homes, or small groups—we can ask ourselves if our current environments allow for true community. Are we creating places where meaningful connections can happen? Are we fostering relationships that promote accountability and growth in our faith journey? Building a community is essential, as we know from Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
#### Seeking God's Direction
The sons of the prophets sought the guidance of their leader, Elisha, before embarking on their plan. They understood that their endeavor needed divine backing. Elisha's response, "Go ye," was not just an affirmation of their intentions, but a charge to pursue their goal with God's blessing. Herein lies a profound lesson: we must seek God’s guidance in our undertakings, especially when desiring to expand our influence for the kingdom.
In our lives, we need reminders of the importance of prayer and seeking counsel from God before we act. Proverbs 16:3 tells us, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." Seeking God’s guidance ensures that our plans align with His will. How often do we rush ahead with our ideas, forgetting to bathe them in prayer? The foundation of any project should be built on God's will; otherwise, the beams we construct may crumble under the weight of our intentions.
#### Taking Action
Elisha’s response also highlights an important principle for us: once God gives the go-ahead, we must act. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The sons of the prophets didn’t just sit idly waiting for a miraculous building; they took the initiative to gather materials actively. They had faith in their leader's counsel and in God’s provision. Likewise, we must blend faith with action. After earnest praying and seeking God’s direction, we are called to take steps to fulfill the vision He has laid on our hearts, whether it is a ministry endeavor, a personal growth project, or outreach to others.
#### Conclusion
In closing, let us take inspiration from the earnestness of the sons of the prophets. They desired more than just mere shelter; they wanted a space where they could experience the fullness of God collectively. As we carve our path in faith, let us cultivate communities, seek God’s guidance with prayer, and be ready to act on His word. May we constantly ask ourselves: what beams can we gather today not only to build a place to dwell but to invite God's presence to thrive within our communities?
As we step forward, let us echo their heart’s cry, allowing our intentions to dwell in fellowship with our Creator, for it is in His presence we find purpose and fulfillment.
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2 Kings 6:2 Artwork
2 Kings 6:2 - "Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye."
"Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye." - 2 Kings 6:2
2 kings 6:24
2 Kings 15:6 - "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 6:16 - "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
2 Kings 3:6 - "¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 6:4 - "So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood."
2 Kings 22:6 - "Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house."
2 Kings 25:6 - "So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him."
2 Kings 24:6 - "So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 6:6 - "And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim."
2 Kings 6:7 - "Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it."
2 Kings 6:8 - "¶ Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp."
2 Kings 6:14 - "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about."
2 Kings 6:17 – "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes."
2 Kings 6:5 - "But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed."
2 Kings 6:3 - "And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go."
1 Kings 2:6 - "Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace."
2 Kings 6:26 - "And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king."
2 Kings 6:24 - "¶ And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria."
2 Kings 6:9 - "And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down."
2 Kings 18:6 - "For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses."
2 Kings 6:10 - "And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice."
2 Kings 2:6 - "And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on."
2 Kings 6:1 - "And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us."
2 Kings 6:27 - "And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?"
2 Kings 7:6 - "For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us."
2 Kings 16:6 - "At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day."
2 Kings 6:13 - "¶ And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan."