2 KINGS 2:14: Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and
said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this
way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
Someone once said, “The footsteps that a boy usually wants to follow are those that his father hoped
he had covered up.” But not so with Elijah.
In the time that Elijah had spent with Elisha, he left behind footprints that he hoped his “spiritual son”
would be able and willing to follow. Not the least of these was the miraculous way God demonstrated
His power through his prophet. Just as the Lord had parted the water of the Jordan River when Elijah
struck it with his mantle (v. 8), Elisha soon discovered that God would do the same for him as he
walked in Elijah’s footsteps.
Every Christian leaves behind footprints. As he walks through the good times as well as times of
difficulty, and as he demonstrates God’s power and presence in the various situations he encounters
as a believer, a Christian leaves indelible impressions upon those who are watching.
If people were to follow in your footsteps, where would they be led? Would they find themselves at
places of pleasure more often than at church? Would your footprints lead to questionable activities
rather than to godly behavior? Would they discover more intimacy with God because they trod where
you had stepped?
As you make your way through life, remember that others are coming behind you. Be sure your feet
only take you where you want their feet to take them. Like it or not, you’re leaving footprints behind
that they will want to follow.
WATCH WHERE YOU STEP; THOSE YOU LOVE ARE CLOSE BEHIND.