We're here to delve into the book of 2 Kings, specifically chapter 2, verses 1-15. But before we do, I'd like to share a quote from the great Christian author and preacher, Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." What profound wisdom! The Bible is not just a book to be read, but a book to be lived. It's not just a source of knowledge, but a source of life. It's not just a collection of stories, but a collection of truths that can transform our lives, if we let them.
"When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”
So they went to Jericho. The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.”
And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it.
The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”
And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over."
2 Kings 2:1-15
Now, as we look at this passage, there are three main points that I want us to focus on. The first is Elisha's exemplary obedience. The second is through obedience, elevating to our true potential. And the third is embracing the benefits of serving God. Let's start with the first point...
In the story of Elijah and Elisha, we see a beautiful picture of obedience. Elisha, the protégé of Elijah, is a model of obedience that we can all learn from. He shows us what it means to follow God's commands, even when it's difficult, even when it doesn't make sense.
Elisha's obedience is first demonstrated in his refusal to leave Elijah's side. Despite Elijah's repeated instructions to stay behind, Elisha insists on accompanying him. "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you," he says. This is not blind obedience, but obedience born out of love and respect. Elisha knows that Elijah is about to be taken up to heaven, and he wants to be there with him until the end. He wants to learn as much as he can from his mentor. He wants to honor him with his presence. This is the kind of obedience that God desires from us - obedience that comes from a place of love and respect, not fear or obligation.
So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22
One of the things about Elisha's obedience is his acceptance of God's will. When the prophets at Bethel and Jericho tell him that Elijah is going to be taken away, he doesn't question it. He doesn't argue or complain. He simply says, "Yes, I know," and asks them to be quiet. This shows us that Elisha understands and accepts God's will. He knows that God's plans are perfect, even when they're painful. He knows that God's ways are higher than our ways. And so, he submits to God's will, even though it means losing his beloved mentor. This is another lesson for us - to accept God's will with humility and trust, even when it's hard.
Know that Elisha's obedience is his boldness in asking for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. This is a big request, but Elisha is not afraid to ask for it. He knows that he needs God's power to carry on Elijah's work. He knows that he can't do it on his own. And so, he asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, not out of greed or ambition, but out of a desire to serve God effectively. This teaches us to be bold in our prayers, to ask God for what we need to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
The power of Elisha's obedience is his faithfulness in carrying on Elijah's work. After Elijah is taken up to heaven, Elisha picks up his cloak and strikes the water of the Jordan, just as Elijah had done. The water parts, and Elisha crosses over on dry ground. This is a powerful demonstration of Elisha's faithfulness. He doesn't let Elijah's departure stop him from carrying on with his work. He doesn't let his grief or fear hold him back. He steps up and carries on, trusting in God's power and provision. This is a call for us to be faithful in our service to God, to carry on the work He has entrusted to us, no matter what challenges we face.
In all these ways, Elisha shows us what it means to be obedient to God. He shows us that obedience is not just about following rules, but about loving God, accepting His will, being bold in prayer, and being faithful in service. He shows us that obedience is not a burden, but a blessing. It's not a restriction, but a pathway to a deeper relationship with God. It's not a sacrifice, but a source of joy and fulfillment. May we all strive to follow Elisha's example of exemplary obedience. Amen.
As we continue to reflect on the story of Elijah and Elisha, we see a powerful illustration of what it means to be elevated to our true potential. Elisha's story is a testament to the transformative power of God's spirit, the power that can take us from where we are to where we are meant to be, from who we are to who we are meant to be.
The first characteristic of this elevation is seen in Elisha's steadfastness. Despite the impending departure of his master, Elisha remains unwavering in his commitment. He doesn't allow the uncertainty of the future to deter him from his present duty. This steadfastness reflects his deep trust in God, a trust that enables him to rise above his circumstances and reach his full potential.
In the same way, we too are called to be steadfast in our faith, to trust in God even when the future seems uncertain. We are called to rise above our circumstances, to elevate to our true potential. But this elevation is not about achieving worldly success or attaining personal glory, although God may elevate you in the world, so that it works in His end goal. It's about becoming who God wants us to be, about fulfilling the purpose for which He has created us.
The second characteristic of this elevation is seen in Elisha's humility. Despite being the chosen successor of Elijah, Elisha doesn't let pride get the better of him. He doesn't seek to establish his own authority or to assert his own will. Instead, he humbly submits to God's will, he humbly accepts the mantle of leadership that is passed on to him.
This humility reflects his deep reverence for God, a reverence that enables him to put aside his own desires and ambitions and to embrace God's plan for his life. It's this humility that allows him to elevate to his true potential, to step into the role that God has prepared for him.
John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,
rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:27-30
In the same way, we too are called to be humble in our walk with God, to submit to His will even when it doesn't align with our own desires or ambitions. We are called to put aside our pride, to embrace God's plan for our lives. It's this humility that allows us to elevate to our true potential, to step into the roles that God has prepared for us.
The third characteristic of this elevation is seen in Elisha's courage. Despite the daunting task of filling Elijah's shoes, Elisha doesn't shy away from the challenge. He doesn't let fear hold him back from stepping into his destiny. Instead, he courageously embraces his calling, he courageously steps into the role that God have ordained for him.
This courage reflects his deep faith in God, a faith that enables him to face the unknown with confidence, to embrace his destiny with boldness. It's this courage that allows him to elevate to his true potential, to step into the role that God has ordained for him.
In the same way, we too are called to be courageous in our walk with God, to embrace our calling even when it seems daunting. We are called to face the unknown with confidence, to embrace our destiny with boldness. It's this courage that allows us to elevate to our true potential, to step into the roles that God has ordained for us.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep!
Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:7-10
Continuing with our reflection, we see that Elisha's elevation to his true potential is also marked by his faithfulness. Despite the loss of his master, Elisha remains faithful to the mission that he has been entrusted with. He doesn't abandon his calling; he doesn't shirk his responsibilities. Instead, he faithfully carries on the work that Elijah had begun, he faithfully fulfills the mission that God has entrusted to him.
This faithfulness reflects his deep commitment to God, a commitment that enables him to carry on in the face of loss, to fulfill his mission despite the challenges. It's this faithfulness that allows him to elevate to his true potential, to carry on the work that God has entrusted to him.
In the same way, we too are called to be faithful in our walk with God, to carry on the work that He has entrusted to us. We are called to remain committed to our mission, to fulfill our responsibilities despite the challenges. It's this faithfulness that allows us to elevate to our true potential, to carry on the work that God has entrusted to us.
Lastly, Elisha's elevation to his true potential is marked by his receptiveness. Despite the magnitude of the task ahead, Elisha remains open to the guidance of God. He doesn't close himself off to the wisdom of God, he doesn't ignore the leading of the Spirit. Instead, he remains receptive to the guidance of God, he remains open to the leading of the Spirit.
This receptiveness reflects his deep dependence on God, a dependence that enables him to navigate the challenges of his calling, to fulfill his mission with wisdom and discernment. It's this receptiveness that allows him to elevate to his true potential, to fulfill his mission with the guidance of God.
In like manner, we too are called to be receptive in our walk with God, to remain open to His guidance. We are called to depend on His wisdom, to follow His leadings. It's this receptiveness that allows us to elevate to our true potential, to fulfill our mission with the guidance of God.
As we continue to reflect on the story of Elijah and Elisha, we now turn our attention to the third key theme that emerges from this passage: Embracing the Benefits of Serving God. This is a theme that resonates deeply with all of us, as we strive to live our lives in service to our Heavenly Father.
The first benefit of serving God is the privilege of being in His presence. When we serve God, we draw near to Him. We enter a deep, intimate relationship with Him. We come to know Him in a way that is not possible through mere intellectual knowledge. We come to know Him as a loving Father, a faithful Friend, a powerful Protector. We come to know His heart, His character, His ways. And in knowing Him, we find true joy, true peace, true fulfillment.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:10-11
This is the joy of serving God. This is the pleasure of being in His presence. It's not a fleeting pleasure, not a temporary joy, but a joy that is full, a pleasure that is everlasting.
The second benefit of serving God is the privilege of being used by Him. When we serve God, we become instruments in His hands. We become channels of His grace, His love, His power. We become partakers in His divine work, co-laborers in His divine mission. We become vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:20-21
C.S. Lewis, a respected Christian writer, once said, "The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become." This is the paradox of serving God. In surrendering ourselves to Him, in letting Him take us over, we don't lose ourselves. Instead, we become more truly ourselves. We become the people God created us to be, the people God wants us to be. More like the image of God.
The third benefit of serving God is the privilege of being shaped by Him. When we serve God, we are not left unchanged. We are transformed, molded, shaped into the image of Christ. We are refined like gold, purified like silver, made holy and righteous in His sight. As Paul writes in Romans 8:29, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." This is the goal of serving God, to be conformed to the image of His Son, to be made like Jesus.
The fourth benefit of serving God is the privilege of being rewarded by Him. When we serve God, we store up treasures in heaven. We earn rewards that are eternal, imperishable, unfading. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:20, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This is the promise of serving God, the promise of eternal rewards.
So, let us embrace these benefits of serving God. Let us draw closer to Him, let us be used by Him, let us be shaped by Him, let us be rewarded by Him. Let us serve Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, with all our mind. Let us serve Him not out of duty, but out of love. Let us serve Him not for what we can get, but for what we can give. Let us serve Him not in our own strength, but in His strength. Let us serve Him not in our own wisdom, but in His wisdom. Let us serve Him not in our own way, but in His way. Let us serve Him, for He is worthy of our service.
As we close today, let's remember the powerful lessons we've learned from Elijah and Elisha. Let's strive to be obedient like Elisha, never wavering from the path God has set before us. Let's aim to reach our true potential, knowing that with God, all things are possible. And let's never forget the benefits of serving God, the blessings that flow from a life lived in service to Him.
God's love for us is immeasurable, His grace is boundless, and His mercy is unending. No matter where we are in our journey, no matter what we're going through, He is there with us, guiding us, strengthening us, loving us. So, let's hold on to that truth. Let's hold on to His promises. Let's hold on to His love.
Understand this: disobedience to God is similar to disobedience to government, and we do so by protesting or going on strike, which we call civil disobedience. No matter how you word it, it is a sign that you are unhappy with how things are run.
So, let me leave you with this little poem.
It’s a good thing that God Almighty has never gone on strike.
Because of unfair treatment or things He didn’t like.
Should He ever once sit down and say, that’s it, I’m done I’m through, I’ve had enough of those on earth, so this is what I’ll do.
He’ll give orders to the sun, cut off the heat supply, and tell the moon, “Give no more light.”
Then run the oceans dry.
And just to make things double tough and put the pressure on, He’ll cut off the air oxygen till every breath is gone.
For sure He will be justified, if fairness was His game.
For no one has been more abused or treated with disdain.
Yet He carries on and on, providing for you and me with all the goodness of His grace and everything for free.
But people say, “we want a better deal, and so on strike we go.”
But what a deal we’re giving God, whom everything we owe.
We don’t care who we hurt or harm to gain the things we like.
But what a mess we’ll all be in if God should go on strike.
