Determination Wins The Day

2 Kings 2:1-15 Determination wins the Day I. ELISHA'S LESSONS ON LOVE A. His Commitment 1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. (a) The Reason For His Commitment ie. Elijah 1. There was a SPIRITUALNESS about Elijah: " And Enoch walked with God." ( Gen 5:22 ) Elijah ended his life the way he had lived it, in submission to God's will. 2. There was a STILLNESS about Elijah: He knew that before long he would be standing in eternity, beholding the face of God, But meantime instead of being taken up with ecstatic things, he visits the " schools of the prophets," and quietly talks with his friends till the chariot comes and sweeps him away. 3. There was a SELFLESSNESS about Elijah: ( 2:1, And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.) For although he knew about his glorious departure he makes no mention of it. Here is a man on the verge of heaven full of genuine humility. (b) The Resolve Of His Commitment 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. Elijah offers Elisha three opportunities to leave him while he makes a final round of ministry to some tough areas ... a. Gilgal to Bethel ... from the mountains to the valley! b. Bethel to Jericho ... to a city that God had cursed! c. Jericho to the Jordan ... the boundary of the Promise Land to the wilderness! ( 2:2 )" I will not leave thee." ( 2:2 ) So " they went down to Bethel," ( 2:4 )" they came to Jericho," ( 2:6 )" they two went on," ( 2:7 ) " they two stood by Jordan," ( 2:8 )" they two went over on dry ground," ( 2:9 ) " they were gone over," ( 2:11 ) " they still went on," Luke 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Each time Elijah offers Elisha a way out ... to stay behind while he makes one last call on these cities and the schools of the prophets that existed in each one!

(c) The Result Of His Commitment 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. B. His Communication 3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. ILLUS: A stranger "We'll never get this washing machine in there!" To this the homeowner responded, "IN! ... I'M TRYING TO MOVE IT OUT OF HERE!" " God always gives the best to those who leave the choice with Him." The psalmist says, " My times are in God's hands." ( Ps 31:15 ) 1.The TIMING of your Departure is in God's Hands: 2. The MANNER of your Departure is in God's Hands Elijah being taken to glory without having to pass through death. 3. The PLACE of your Departure is in God's Hands: For Elijah it was the banks of Jordan, Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.," C. His Companionship 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. Elisha was in this relationship for the long haul, even when the trip was to be a difficult one, or a final one! ILLUS: 1984 in Chicago was a tragic fire. The firefighters discovered the bodies of a mother and 5 children in the kitchen of the apartment. (could'nt choose) Only events beyond Elisha's control would break up the companionship they had forged! II. ELISHA'S LESSONS ON LEADING :7-10 A. His Challenge :7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. 1. Elijah was about to cross over the Jordan, to leave the Promised Land, for the greater PROMISED LAND! 2. Elisha would make the trip with him as far as possible ... right until the end! 3. Faithfulness to God and His people is what determines success ... leadership in the kingdom is based on WHAT YOU ARE ... not on WHAT YOU DO! B. His Character :8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. Elisha follows without hesitation,