A code must be recognized, interpreted, and applied for it to be useful, and for it to effect meaningful change. Codes are recognized by the appearance of repetitive patterns. Through our examination of the lives and ministries of the Old Testament duo of Elijah and Elisha, and the New Testament duo of John the Baptist and Jesus, we can clearly see a pattern—a pattern of ever-increasing power and revelation.

In considerable detail, we have outlined how Elijah and John the Baptist are linked in terms of personality and the scope of their ministry. In the same way we have detailed how the miracles and ministry of Jesus runs parallel to the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The pattern is there for all to see.

What are the implications for Christians today? If we recognize this coded message in the Scriptures, how can it impact our lives in the twenty-first century?

Above all, The Elisha Code is a call to action. Yes, we can learn a great deal about the links between Elijah and John the Baptist and the links between Elisha and Jesus. But of first importance, we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to work within us and to transform our churches and society today.

The dynamic duos of this book were the greatest revivalists of their time. Elijah and Elisha brought about transformative change in Old Testament Israel. John the Baptist and Jesus set in motion the greatest spiritual transformation the world has ever seen—a transformation that continues to this day.

Here then are some key takeaways from studying the lives of these biblical dynamic duos and other revivalists and key figures in church history:

• Revivals/spiritual renewals have been an integral part of our faith from the time of ancient Israel to the present.
• The age of miracles has not ended. We have Jesus’ promise that believers will do even greater things (John 14:12).
• Genuine revivals are initiated by the Holy Spirit through fallible, imperfect human vessels (2 Timothy 2:20-22).
• Literary prophets have played, and will continue to play, an important role in fomenting revival and bringing about social and spiritual change.
• We need leaders with prophetic hindsight, insight, and foresight for the church to reach its full potential.
  
• Humility and selfless service are foundational in initiating and sustaining revival. The Spirit of God is quenched and grieved when pride, sin, or selfishness enter in (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
• Life-changing repentance is at the core of any authentic revival (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38).
• The gospel message according to Jesus is all about regime change on a personal level. It’s about letting King Jesus rule our hearts and minds (Colossians 1:13-14).
• True spiritual awakenings leap across religious, denominational, racial, and cultural barriers (Acts 10). The most effective revivalists build bridges rather than walls.
  
• The church must remain focused on the core of the gospel message, rather than become swallowed by political agendas and yield to the third temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:8-11).
• We are called to live a crucified life that elevates Christ and others by the power of relentless love and forgiveness (Galatians 2:20).
• God uses broken people who are yielded to his will (John 21:15-19).
• Hungry humble prayer prepares a runway for the Holy Spirit to land just as it did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4).
• Frequently, revivals begin where and when we least expect them, and they are often spearheaded by the young.
  
• Our goal should be to finish well. Our service to the Lord may involve many transitions, but his calling on our lives remains till we take our last breath (Romans 11:29).

Finally, the Elisha code is a call to courageous and audacious faith.

Courage is a matter of the heart. The word courage is derived from the Latin word for heart. We must put our heart into our faith. Courageous faith flows from a heart that has been captured by the love of Jesus.

Let this be our prayer. Lord, give us courageous faith.

Audacious faith refuses to remain silent. It speaks out. It must speak.

After Elijah was swept up to heaven in a chariot of fire, Elisha did not remain silent. He spoke up with audacious faith.

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. (2 Kings 2:14, NKJV)

Audacious faith is bold—bold like Elisha. The word audacious is derived from the same Latin root as audio. Audacious faith makes noise. It must be heard. Is your faith loud enough to be heard by others? Is it being heard by God?

Jesus, whose New Testament miracles are patterned after Elisha’s miracles, frequently chided his disciples for their lack of faith (Matthew 17:17-20).

Let this be our prayer. Lord Jesus, grant us a mustard seed of your audacious faith—mountain moving faith, and as we walk this road with you, light your fire in our hearts.

This is the final excerpt from the award-winning book 
The Elisha Code & the Coming Revival

Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
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