New Dimensions: Stepping Into the Call of God
In 1 Kings 19:19-21, we find a powerful moment that speaks to the call of God upon a life. Elisha, a hardworking man plowing the fields of his father Shaphat, is suddenly interrupted by Elijah, the iconic prophet. Elijah passes by Elisha and throws his mantle upon him, symbolizing a divine call to something greater. Elisha’s response is remarkable—he leaves his oxen, runs after Elijah, and makes the decision to follow him.
This brief yet profound encounter marked the beginning of Elisha’s journey into a new dimension—a dimension where he would not only walk in the footsteps of Elijah but also receive a double portion of the anointing that was upon Elijah’s life. It is in this story that we begin to understand a principle that is vital for every believer: God calls us to new dimensions when we are faithful where we are. Elisha wasn’t sitting, Elisha was working.
The Call to New Dimensions
In Acts 2, we witness the birth of the Church. This was the beginning of something unstoppable—the Church was birthed in power, signs, and wonders, and it continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. There is no “amen” at the end of the book of Acts because we are still living in Acts 29. If we continue, God will continue.
Elisha was a man who was faithful in his father's field, plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, yet God had greater plans for him. When Elijah placed the mantle on him, Elisha didn’t hesitate. He saw the opportunity to step into something greater, and he pursued it with everything he had.
God calls those who are busy. Throughout the Bible, we see that God often calls people who are already active. Moses and David were tending sheep, Gideon was threshing wheat, and the disciples were fishing. God calls those who are faithful in the small things and invites them to step into new dimensions of service, power, and anointing.
The Journey to a New Dimension
Elisha’s journey with Elijah was not just about following a man; it was about being faithful and committed to the call of God, even when the journey was difficult. Elijah tested Elisha’s commitment at every turn, telling him to stay behind while he moved on to different locations: Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and Jordan. But Elisha refused to be left behind. He was determined to be with Elijah until the very end because he knew that being present at the moment of Elijah’s departure was key to receiving the double portion.
Elisha’s journey through these four locations symbolizes the steps we must take to walk into a new dimension with God:
Gilgal: Separation – Gilgal represents a place of separation. It is where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, and it was here that God rolled away the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9). In order to step into a new dimension, there are things we must leave behind. We must separate ourselves from the old life, old habits, and anything that holds us back from fully pursuing God.
Bethel: The Presence of God – Bethel is the place where Jacob encountered God and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (Genesis 28:16). To walk in a new dimension, we must pursue the presence of God. Revival, power, and new dimensions are found in His presence. Like rain falling from the sky, the amount of power we experience depends on how much prayer and pursuit of God ascend from our hearts.
Jericho: Walking by Faith – Jericho represents the walk of faith. It was at Jericho that the Israelites learned they had to trust God completely in order to conquer the land. The walls of Jericho didn’t fall because of their shout; they fell because of their obedience. To step into new dimensions, we must walk by faith, trusting God to do what only He can do.
Jordan: The Mantle Descends – Finally, Jordan is the place where Elisha received the double portion. It was here that Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, and his mantle fell upon Elisha. Jordan represents the place where we fully step into the calling and anointing that God has for us. It is the place where we see the fruit of our pursuit, faithfulness, and obedience.
The Cost of a New Dimension
When Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion, Elijah responded, “You have asked a hard thing” (2 Kings 2:10). Walking in a new dimension of anointing and power is not easy. It requires sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance. Just as the anointing oil comes from the crushing of olives, great anointing often comes through great sacrifice.
God tested Elisha’s commitment by giving him the option to stop at any point along the journey. But Elisha’s hunger for the things of God was so great that he refused to stop. He was determined to be there when Elijah was taken up because he knew that if he missed that moment, he would miss the double portion.
God will often test our motives when we seek new dimensions. Are we pursuing God for personal gain, popularity, or recognition? Or are we pursuing Him out of a genuine desire to serve and glorify Him? Our motives will be tested, but if we remain committed, we will see God do incredible things in our lives.
New Dimensions for the Church
Just as God called Elisha to a new dimension, He is calling the Church to step into new dimensions of revival, power, and anointing. There is a dimension of the Holy Spirit that we have yet to explore—depths and heights that we have not yet seen.
In Amos 9:13-14, the prophet speaks of a time when the plowman will overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes will overtake the one sowing seed. This is a picture of supernatural harvest—a new dimension where one season runs into another, and the blessings of God overflow in ways that defy the natural order.
This is the kind of revival that God is calling us to step into in these last days. The church is not meant to limp across the finish line. We are called to walk in power, anointing, and victory. The world-conquering empires of the past couldn’t stop the Church, and neither can the challenges of today. God is raising up a glorious Church, one that will walk in new dimensions of His Spirit.
Conclusion
The story of Elisha teaches us that stepping into new dimensions requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice. God is calling each of us to a new dimension, but we must be willing to make the journey. Like Elisha, we must be willing to separate ourselves from the old, pursue the presence of God, walk by faith, and stay committed to the call, even when it costs us something.
Now is the time to step into the new dimensions that God has for us. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Let’s cast aside everything that hinders us and step boldly into the calling that God has placed upon our lives. Greater things are yet to be done, and the best is yet to come.