LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for June 6: Most jobs are too big for any individual person_53104

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Posted: 5/28/04

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for June 6

Most jobs are too big for any individual person

2 Kings 2:1-14

By David Morgan

Trinity Baptist Church, Harker Heights

The 2004 Olympic torch left Greece and is to arrive in Sydney, Australia, June 4. It will travel to every continent represented by the Olympic rings before it returns to ignite the Olympic flame in Athens Aug. 13. Its light will have shone in every city that has hosted the Olympic games. Thirty-six hundred torchbearers will pass it one to another on its historic journey.

Long, demanding tasks often require more than one person and generation to complete. God's work spans the globe both geographically and generationally. He always provides the next torchbearer when divine work passes from one generation to the next.

Elijah's final work

Many people who interpret these verses center on Elijah's departure. While this event is awesome and mysterious, several factors make Elisha the central focus.

The context of the passage provides the first clue. Chapter 1 ends with Ahaziah's death and the summary of his reign. Chapter 3 begins with the introductory formula of Jehoram's reign. By setting this scene where Elisha has received the prophetic mantle between the two kings, the writer emphasizes the prophet's role. God will continue to work for Israel's good even when her wicked kings are leading the nation astray.

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A second clue is Elisha's insistence on accompanying Elijah despite the elder's request to travel alone. He would not abandon his mentor. They began to work together when Elijah saw his successor plowing. He laid his mantle on him to symbolize the call to prophetic office (1 Kings 19:18-21). Elisha then disappeared from sight until the day Elijah is taken.

Everyone seemed to know in advance that Elijah would depart the world. Verse 1 informs the reader that God will take him in a whirlwind. Elisha accompanied Elijah as they traveled from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho to the east side of the Jordan River. When they reached each city, Elijah told Elisha to stay while he traveled on. Elisha refused each time.

His loyalty to Elijah is one trait that qualified him to be Elijah's successor. Elisha suspected his presence with Elijah was necessary for him to receive the power he would need as Elijah's successor.

Elijah struck the Jordan with his mantle. The waters divided, and the two men crossed on dry ground. Note the parallels between Elijah/Elisha and Moses/Joshua: The younger will soon assume the responsibility of the older; the crossing of the river occurs at the same site; God's chosen servant will cross from east to the west to lead the nation. The similarity reminds the reader that the Lord always provides leaders for God's people.

Elisha's request

The pair kept walking after crossing the Jordan. Elijah asked what he could do for his protege before being taken. Elisha sought a double portion of Elijah's spirit.

He was not asking for twice as much of the spirit as Elijah possessed. “Double portion” reflected inheritance rights where the eldest son received twice as much as his siblings when their father died. Elisha was asking for proof that God had chosen him to succeed Elijah. He also recognized his need for God's spirit and strength to serve.

Elijah acknowledged the magnitude of the request and could not make this promise. He was able to promise that if Elisha witnessed his departure the request would be granted. Perhaps Elisha was being tested to see if he had both spiritual sensitivity and perseverance.

Elisha's new role

As the two men walked, a chariot and horses of fire separated them. Note that God took Elijah not in the chariot but in a whirlwind. God often appeared in storms to demonstrate divine power (the Hebrews at Mount Sinai, even Elijah at Mount Horeb). God's invasion of human existence is usually turbulent and powerful.

Elisha responded by tearing his garments in grief. He cried: “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel.” “Father” demonstrates the respect Elisha held for Elijah, who had been Israel's spiritual father as well as Elisha's mentor. The reference to chariots and horses suggests Israel's true defense was God working through Elijah. The prophet was God's chosen instrument. The term was later applied to Elisha at his death (2 Kings 13:14).

Elisha tore his garments in grief at Elijah's departure. He picked up the mantle which symbolized both his new responsibility and God's power. He returned to the Jordan and prayed God would clothe him with power as the Lord had done for Elijah.

The answer was quick and sure. When he struck the waters, they divided as they had done for Elijah. God had indeed endowed him with the “double portion.” Israel had a new prophet.

Elisha's next act that further demonstrated God had anointed him to succeed Elijah was to purify the city's water supply by sprinkling salt in it. God continued to provide for his people. Elisha had received God's prophetic torch from Elijah. God has handed it now to leaders in your church.

Questions for discussion

bluebull What part of the work has God given you to do in his kingdom?

bluebull Who are you investing yourself in so that they might be ready to take on responsibility later?

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