June 26, 2024 • 20 mins
In this Bible Story, we learn about the departure of Elijah. The faithful prophet is taken up into the clouds by chariots of fire. Elisha, his faithful student, took his place as prophet over Israel. Now he watches over the people, ministering to them in times of trouble. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 2. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.
Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 2:11 from the King James Version.
Episode 129: Joram, King Ahab’s son was now King over Israel, and for 12 years he built a kingdom that fed his self-importance. Sick of being under Israelite subjugation, the nation of Moab rose in revolt. King Joram quickly sent word to King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Edom asking for help. As the three kings and their armies were marching up for battle they ran out of provisions. Frightened, the kings sent for Elisha that he might inquire of God on their behalf. Then Elisha prophesied water for the men, and victory over the Moabites.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray as it came to pass. As they
still went on and talked that behold, there appeared a
chariot of fire and horses of fire, and parted them
both asunder, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Second Kings two eleven. Lord, as you place powerful men
(00:24):
and women in my life as mentors, I have made
the decision that I will not stop pursuing them, even
when it is convenient to leave and be on my own.
I declare that I will not leave or part ways
until you tell me to do so. God. When other
people in my field try to discourage me and dissuade
(00:47):
me from holding fast to the process, I will ignore
them because I am not moved by external voices, but
by internal convictions. Because proximity determines my ability, I will
stay close until I receive a double portion of the
wisdom and knowledge they possess. I praise you, Lord, because
(01:11):
in your goodness you also give me the opportunity to
go above and beyond those who guide me, that I
can be blessed to be a blessing to those coming
after me. In Jesus' name, Amen, thank you for praying
with me today. Continue listening for an incredible Bible story
(01:34):
brought to you by Bible in a Year dot.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Com Chariots of Fire. In our last story, we learned
about Asiah's short reign is king over Israel. He fell
from the top of his upper room and injured himself
(01:56):
beyond repair. He sought the healing and guide it of
the Philistine gods, but was instead met with Elijah's rebuke
in God's justice. In this story, we witness Elijah's departure
from this earth through the eyes of his student Elisha.
Elishah witnesses the glory and profound power of God as
(02:18):
he takes his master up in a chariot of Fire.
Inspired by the Book of Second Kings.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year podcast. In our last time together,
we learned about a Haziah, who, like his father Ahab,
looked to help and hope in foreign gods and false deities.
His reign and his life was cut short because he
did not seek the one true God. Elijah had delivered
(02:48):
God's message of judgment to Ahziah as the king lay
helplessly in bed after a great fall. Today, we'll hear
how Elijah's time on Earth comes to an end. This
great man of God God, the one who served God
so faithfully and forcefully, would be taken up before the
eyes of his successor, Elisha. It is an incredible display
(03:10):
of God's supernatural power that will profoundly impact Elisha as
he takes on the manner of the prophet of God
to be the man of God to God's people. So
let's listen to today's reading.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
The sun was high in the sky. A few clouds
danced around it to the late summer breeze, creating brief
moments of shade for the two travelers below. The earth
and sky seemed to be in perfect harmony, both dancing
and swaying to the wind. On the trail, surrounded by lilies.
Coming from Gilgal, walked Elijah and Elisha. The old and
(03:48):
grizzled prophet had traveled everywhere with his younger prentice. The
two of them had experienced many miracles together. Elijah had
taught Elisha the ways of God. He spoke of the
Lord's truth, justice, goodness, and mercy. Elisha was able to
observe the way Elijah cared for the people of Israel.
He gave his entire life to them, ministering and healing
(04:11):
when necessary. He had also watched Elijah speak truth to power.
He confronted kings and queens. Despite his fears, Elijhah admired
his old teacher. He prayed to God he would become
just as good a man as he. No, he prayed
he would be better. He prayed for faithfulness like his
(04:32):
in a strong sense of justice and truth. The two
of them strolled along in silence. The grass next to
the trail swayed gracefully all throughout the valley. Elijah turned
his face towards the sun and breathed in the sweet
summer air. He turned to his young student and said,
the Lord has told me to go to Bethel. You
(04:54):
should remain here. Elishah smiled and shook his head. He
had a feeling as to what the Lord was about
to do. No, he responded plainly, as the Lord lives,
I will not leave your side. So the two of
them changed course to the holy ground of Bethel, where
Jacob once prayed many years ago. On their way to Bethel,
(05:15):
a group of prophets passed them on the road. They
had anticipated Elijah's arrival, for the Lord had spoken to
them as well. They walked beside the two men in silence. However,
one turned to Elishah and whispered, do you know that
the Lord is going to take your master away? To day?
Elishah looked at the prophet intently and put his hand
(05:36):
on his shoulder. He gave a quick smile and said yes.
He then turned to look at his master walking ahead
of him, But he will not speak of it today.
The men had arrived at Bethel, and Elijah stayed for
a few moments to speak to the Lord. Elishah stood
at a distance. He was always curious as to how
(05:56):
the Lord spoke to Elijah. Was it how he spoke
to him? Was it through whispers or feelings? Did he
see an angel before him? These were things Elishah would
never know. Elijah turned to Elisha and said, you should
stay here, my boy, for the Lord has told me
to go to Jericho.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
There was a weariness in Eliza's voice.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It was almost as if he had run away from
his age for years and it was finally gaining on him.
Elishah smiled again and said, no, I think I will
go with you, as the Lord lives I shall not
leave your side. So the two set off again towards Jericho.
When they arrived, Elijah departed.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Again to pray.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
A group of prophets from the area walked up to Elisha,
who was standing at a distance from his master. They
brought him in and whispered, did you know that the
Lord is going to take Elijah away to day? This
time there was a slight heaviness in Elisha's chest as
he replied, of course I know, he said sombrely, but
do not speak of it. Elijah finished praying and came
(07:05):
back to Elisha. It is time for me to go
to the Jordan River.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
You should stay here.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
It was a silly command, for Elijah knew that his
young student would not leave his side. The two of
them traveled a short while to the Jordan River. A
group of prophets followed them at a distance, curious as
to when Elijah would pass away. The two men stopped
beside the Jordan The river flowed heavily. Tumbling rocks could
(07:32):
be heard from beneath the waters. Elijah removed his cloak
and folded it into a whip. He swung his hips
and struck the water with his clock Elishah watched as
his master's cloak caused the flowing river to split before them.
The river divided and the two of them were able
to cross on dry ground. Hundreds of memories flowed in
(07:52):
Elisha's head as they crossed, Memories of stories told for generations,
stories of gods splitting the Red See for Moses, and
the Jordan River for Joshua. Was his master as faithful
as they were, did he hold the same favor of God?
The two of them walked along the path, and Elijah
could sense Elisha's mind racing. He smiled and said, tell me,
(08:16):
my son, what can I do for you before I
am taken away. Elishah's eyes lit up. He did his
best to withhold his boyish grin. I want a double
share of what the Lord has given you. I want
to be your successor and see greater things done for God.
Elijah was pleased at his request. Elishah did not just
(08:38):
want to be as faithful as Elijah. He wanted to
be more faithful. He wanted a double portion of God's
spirit upon him. You have asked for a great and
difficult thing, Elijah replied frankly. However, if you see how
I am taken away, then your request will definitely be granted,
for God will show his glowry to those he wishes
(09:01):
to use.
Speaker 4 (09:02):
If you do not.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Witness my departure, then you will not receive any of
his spirit. The two walked and talked for a few moments.
Elishah watched his old master.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
Walk purposefully forward.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Then suddenly the clouds opened up like fortified gates. Blinding
light emanated from the sky, only it was not light
from the sun. Elisha could hear trumpets sounding like thunder,
and he watched as a chariot of fire descended violently.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
From the clouds. The chariot was consumed.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
With fire and drawn by horses of flames. Elisha could
not see who was riding the chariot, but he could
see it descending as if the air.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
Was thick enough to ride on.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
The chariot blew in between the two men, flinging Elishah
back onto the ground. He watched as his master was
wrapped up in a whirlwind. The bright light swirled around
the old prophet and the chariot of fire like a tornado.
As the wind wines blew violently and the light burned brightly,
Elishah could see a smile worn on the face of
(10:05):
his master.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Elijah.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
I can see it, Elisha yelled to his beloved master.
Tears filled his eyes as he watched the beauty of
God unfolding before him. My father, I can see you.
I can see the chariots of Israel. Then, just as
quickly as it came, the whirlwind left, with Elijah wrapped
up in it. All was calm and still. Elisha remained
(10:31):
on the floor in awe of what.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Had just happened.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Elishah's face was covered in tears and dust. Elisha looked
down at his clothes to realize he had torn his shirt.
In amazement, he stumbled to his feet and walked towards
the cloak Elijah had left. When taken up silently, Elishah
picked up the cloak, folded it, and headed down to
the river. Had God given him his spirit? Elisha lifted
(10:59):
up the cloak, swung his hips, and struck the water
as his master did just moments before. Elisha watched as
the rivers opened up before him. A content smile slid
across his face. A group of prophets saw this from
a distance and exclaimed Elijah's spirit is upon Elisha. So
they ran to him and bowed before him. The reverence
(11:21):
made Alisha uncomfortable, for he knew it was the spirit
of God. The men were frantic in saying, do you
want us to look for your master? Perhaps the Lord
brought him to another place. Elisha shook his head and
said no, he knew his master was gone with God. However,
the prophets insisted and still looked.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
For days. They searched and found nothing.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
A few days later, the town of Jericho sent leaders
to visit Elisha. They came to him with a dire problem.
They needed the Lord's aid. In our town is beautiful,
but our water is toxic and causing disease. They said,
our crops are poisoned, and our children are sickened. Elisha
considered their problem carefully and prayed to the Lord for wisdom.
(12:08):
He had them bring him a bowl of salt. Then
he went out to the spring that supplied the town
with water.
Speaker 4 (12:15):
He bent down and threw.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
The salt into the water. He whispered slightly to the Lord,
and then turned to the leaders and said, the Lord
has purified your water. Neither death or infertility will plague
this city. As Elijah was leaving, a group of boys
began mocking them. They threw insults and stones his way
go home, baldy, they shouted, mocking his bald head. Forty
(12:40):
two boys bombarded Elisha with evil laughter and prideful spitting.
Elisha did not speak, He only looked at them intensely. Then,
in a terrifying turn of events, two bears ran.
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Towards them from the woods.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Their growls drowned out the screaming of all forty two waters.
Their claws tore them limb from limb, and they feasted
on the mocking teenagers. Elishah walked away from the thrashing
and went back to Mount Carmer.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
As we read God's word today, we find Elijah and
his apprentice Elijah walking together on the road from Gilgal.
It had been more than six years since the Lord
had led Elijah to the young man Elisha, and since
that day the two had walked side by side, closely together.
Elijah knew that God had plans for Elisha, and the
(13:33):
job that Elishah was going to take on was no
small task. So the seasoned prophet poured his life into
his apprentice, mentoring him and how to walk with God,
how to listen to God's voice, how to be a
man of God. Surely, as they walked along the road,
he continued to train him and teach him, especially now
as Elijah knew that his time was ending. Because that
(13:56):
day was different, it was time for a changing of
the guard. Elijah first tells Elisha that God had called
him to Bethel, but Elisha knows this day is different also,
and he insists he won't leave his master's side. Elishah
wanted to make the most of the time he had
left with his mentor, to learn all that he could,
and to enjoy his presence while he was still able.
(14:19):
I think many of us can relate to this kind
of sentiment, the desire to make the most of what
time we have with a very special person in our life,
whether it is a spouse, or a child or a friend.
So both men went to Bethel together. The prophets in
Bethel asked Elishah if he knew God was going to
(14:39):
take Elijah away that day.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
He said he.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
Did, but he did not want to speak of it.
God then led Elijah to Jericho again. He asked Elisha
to stay behind, but Elisha refused to part with his Master.
So they went together, and once again the prophets asked
Elisha if he knew God was about to take a lion.
He said yes, but to keep quiet. Why did he
(15:04):
want them to keep quiet? Not because it was some
big secret, as it seemed God and made known to
many of the prophets to whom he spoke. But Elishah
said this because he didn't want to get caught up
in talking about what was going to happen that he
missed what actually did happen. His mind was focused on
watching and waiting for what God would do. How often
(15:27):
do we get our attention pulled away by concerns or
anticipation of things to come, even worry, and we miss
what God is doing right in front of us. Always
focus on today and maximizing every day of your life.
And so when Elijah tells Elisha to stay there while
he goes to the Jordan River, his answer is obvious, no,
(15:48):
he will walk with him. The events that the Jordan
take us back to so many moments when God's glory
and power were on display throughout Jewish history, supernatural power.
When Elijah strikes the water with his cloak and the
river parts it was a reminder that God is the
same God who parted the sea for Moses and the
very same river for Joshua. After they cross on dry land,
(16:12):
Elijah asked his apprentice something. We read his question and
Elishah's response in Second Kings two nine. When they had crossed.
Elijah said to Elisha, ask what I shall do for
you before I'm taken from you? And Elishah said, please,
let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.
(16:34):
What a wonderful request. Elisha knew that he had impossible
task in front of him in big shoes to fill,
and his question shows his humility and his maturity and
his selflessness. He wasn't just asking this for himself for
his own glory or power. He wanted to be fully
prepared to be a man of God, to speak God's word,
(16:57):
to minister to the people, just as Elijah had. So
he asked for more, more of God's power, more of
God's blessing, a double portion of the spirit of God.
Elijah told him this is a heavy request. He knew
what the life of a prophet meant, and it often
meant fierce opposition from wicked people. Notice he did not
(17:18):
give him a yes or no, because he knew this
was not his to grant, but God gives spiritual power.
So he told Elishah to watch what was about to happen,
and if he could see him being taken up, translated
up into heaven, he would know God would grant his request.
Elisha then saw an amazing sight. It was spectacular. It
(17:41):
was supernatural chariots of fire and a whirlwind descending from heaven.
Fire which had marked so much of Elijah's ministry, was
now being used to usher him into the presence of
the Lord, the one he had faithfully served. This was
a rapture, This was a translation into heaven. Elijah did
not die a physical death. Elishah saw it all and
(18:04):
knew God had granted his request. It was a moment
filled with wonder and amazement, but also sorrow and grief,
for now the man of God, his mentor, a man
who has been like a father to him, is gone.
We closed the passage with Elisha immediately seeing God's power
working in him, first in the party of the Jordan
(18:25):
once again, and then as he brought about healing to
Jericho's poisoned waters. Yes, God's hand was on Elisha, and
he would do great things in the name of the Lord,
pointing the Lord's people towards hope and righteousness and faith,
and God would bless him abundantly. Dear Lord, the God
(18:46):
of Elijah and Elisha, we thank you for this extreme
example of faith and perseverance. We thank you for your
power to take us to heaven when our time comes.
And Lord, that we are trusting in you not only
throughout life, but at the end of our lives. We
thank you for Elisha's relationship with Elijah, and we pray
(19:09):
that you would give us influence on those around us,
our family, our friends, members of our churches, that we
would mentor and coach and guide and give spiritual leadership
to those around us. Help us to be men and
women of God, always seeking your truth and proclaiming your name. Amen.
(19:29):
Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.
I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Let me encourage
you to download theprey dot com app and always make
Bible reading and Bible study a priority in your life
along with prayer. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it
with someone you love. Let someone know because by sharing
(19:50):
this podcast, you can truly make a difference in someone's life.
And if you want more resources from me, Jack Graham,
as to how you can grow in your Christian life,
then go to Jack Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham
dot org. God bless you.
Let us pray as it came to pass. As they
still went on and talked that behold, there appeared a
chariot of fire and horses of fire, and parted them
both asunder, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Second Kings two eleven. Lord, as you place powerful men
(00:24):
and women in my life as mentors, I have made
the decision that I will not stop pursuing them, even
when it is convenient to leave and be on my own.
I declare that I will not leave or part ways
until you tell me to do so. God. When other
people in my field try to discourage me and dissuade
(00:47):
me from holding fast to the process, I will ignore
them because I am not moved by external voices, but
by internal convictions. Because proximity determines my ability, I will
stay close until I receive a double portion of the
wisdom and knowledge they possess. I praise you, Lord, because
(01:11):
in your goodness you also give me the opportunity to
go above and beyond those who guide me, that I
can be blessed to be a blessing to those coming
after me. In Jesus' name, Amen, thank you for praying
with me today. Continue listening for an incredible Bible story
(01:34):
brought to you by Bible in a Year dot.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Com Chariots of Fire. In our last story, we learned
about Asiah's short reign is king over Israel. He fell
from the top of his upper room and injured himself
(01:56):
beyond repair. He sought the healing and guide it of
the Philistine gods, but was instead met with Elijah's rebuke
in God's justice. In this story, we witness Elijah's departure
from this earth through the eyes of his student Elisha.
Elishah witnesses the glory and profound power of God as
(02:18):
he takes his master up in a chariot of Fire.
Inspired by the Book of Second Kings.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year podcast. In our last time together,
we learned about a Haziah, who, like his father Ahab,
looked to help and hope in foreign gods and false deities.
His reign and his life was cut short because he
did not seek the one true God. Elijah had delivered
(02:48):
God's message of judgment to Ahziah as the king lay
helplessly in bed after a great fall. Today, we'll hear
how Elijah's time on Earth comes to an end. This
great man of God God, the one who served God
so faithfully and forcefully, would be taken up before the
eyes of his successor, Elisha. It is an incredible display
(03:10):
of God's supernatural power that will profoundly impact Elisha as
he takes on the manner of the prophet of God
to be the man of God to God's people. So
let's listen to today's reading.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
The sun was high in the sky. A few clouds
danced around it to the late summer breeze, creating brief
moments of shade for the two travelers below. The earth
and sky seemed to be in perfect harmony, both dancing
and swaying to the wind. On the trail, surrounded by lilies.
Coming from Gilgal, walked Elijah and Elisha. The old and
(03:48):
grizzled prophet had traveled everywhere with his younger prentice. The
two of them had experienced many miracles together. Elijah had
taught Elisha the ways of God. He spoke of the
Lord's truth, justice, goodness, and mercy. Elisha was able to
observe the way Elijah cared for the people of Israel.
He gave his entire life to them, ministering and healing
(04:11):
when necessary. He had also watched Elijah speak truth to power.
He confronted kings and queens. Despite his fears, Elijhah admired
his old teacher. He prayed to God he would become
just as good a man as he. No, he prayed
he would be better. He prayed for faithfulness like his
(04:32):
in a strong sense of justice and truth. The two
of them strolled along in silence. The grass next to
the trail swayed gracefully all throughout the valley. Elijah turned
his face towards the sun and breathed in the sweet
summer air. He turned to his young student and said,
the Lord has told me to go to Bethel. You
(04:54):
should remain here. Elishah smiled and shook his head. He
had a feeling as to what the Lord was about
to do. No, he responded plainly, as the Lord lives,
I will not leave your side. So the two of
them changed course to the holy ground of Bethel, where
Jacob once prayed many years ago. On their way to Bethel,
(05:15):
a group of prophets passed them on the road. They
had anticipated Elijah's arrival, for the Lord had spoken to
them as well. They walked beside the two men in silence. However,
one turned to Elishah and whispered, do you know that
the Lord is going to take your master away? To day?
Elishah looked at the prophet intently and put his hand
(05:36):
on his shoulder. He gave a quick smile and said yes.
He then turned to look at his master walking ahead
of him, But he will not speak of it today.
The men had arrived at Bethel, and Elijah stayed for
a few moments to speak to the Lord. Elishah stood
at a distance. He was always curious as to how
(05:56):
the Lord spoke to Elijah. Was it how he spoke
to him? Was it through whispers or feelings? Did he
see an angel before him? These were things Elishah would
never know. Elijah turned to Elisha and said, you should
stay here, my boy, for the Lord has told me
to go to Jericho.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
There was a weariness in Eliza's voice.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It was almost as if he had run away from
his age for years and it was finally gaining on him.
Elishah smiled again and said, no, I think I will
go with you, as the Lord lives I shall not
leave your side. So the two set off again towards Jericho.
When they arrived, Elijah departed.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
Again to pray.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
A group of prophets from the area walked up to Elisha,
who was standing at a distance from his master. They
brought him in and whispered, did you know that the
Lord is going to take Elijah away to day? This
time there was a slight heaviness in Elisha's chest as
he replied, of course I know, he said sombrely, but
do not speak of it. Elijah finished praying and came
(07:05):
back to Elisha. It is time for me to go
to the Jordan River.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
You should stay here.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
It was a silly command, for Elijah knew that his
young student would not leave his side. The two of
them traveled a short while to the Jordan River. A
group of prophets followed them at a distance, curious as
to when Elijah would pass away. The two men stopped
beside the Jordan The river flowed heavily. Tumbling rocks could
(07:32):
be heard from beneath the waters. Elijah removed his cloak
and folded it into a whip. He swung his hips
and struck the water with his clock Elishah watched as
his master's cloak caused the flowing river to split before them.
The river divided and the two of them were able
to cross on dry ground. Hundreds of memories flowed in
(07:52):
Elisha's head as they crossed, Memories of stories told for generations,
stories of gods splitting the Red See for Moses, and
the Jordan River for Joshua. Was his master as faithful
as they were, did he hold the same favor of God?
The two of them walked along the path, and Elijah
could sense Elisha's mind racing. He smiled and said, tell me,
(08:16):
my son, what can I do for you before I
am taken away. Elishah's eyes lit up. He did his
best to withhold his boyish grin. I want a double
share of what the Lord has given you. I want
to be your successor and see greater things done for God.
Elijah was pleased at his request. Elishah did not just
(08:38):
want to be as faithful as Elijah. He wanted to
be more faithful. He wanted a double portion of God's
spirit upon him. You have asked for a great and
difficult thing, Elijah replied frankly. However, if you see how
I am taken away, then your request will definitely be granted,
for God will show his glowry to those he wishes
(09:01):
to use.
Speaker 4 (09:02):
If you do not.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Witness my departure, then you will not receive any of
his spirit. The two walked and talked for a few moments.
Elishah watched his old master.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
Walk purposefully forward.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Then suddenly the clouds opened up like fortified gates. Blinding
light emanated from the sky, only it was not light
from the sun. Elisha could hear trumpets sounding like thunder,
and he watched as a chariot of fire descended violently.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
From the clouds. The chariot was consumed.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
With fire and drawn by horses of flames. Elisha could
not see who was riding the chariot, but he could
see it descending as if the air.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
Was thick enough to ride on.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
The chariot blew in between the two men, flinging Elishah
back onto the ground. He watched as his master was
wrapped up in a whirlwind. The bright light swirled around
the old prophet and the chariot of fire like a tornado.
As the wind wines blew violently and the light burned brightly,
Elishah could see a smile worn on the face of
(10:05):
his master.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Elijah.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
I can see it, Elisha yelled to his beloved master.
Tears filled his eyes as he watched the beauty of
God unfolding before him. My father, I can see you.
I can see the chariots of Israel. Then, just as
quickly as it came, the whirlwind left, with Elijah wrapped
up in it. All was calm and still. Elisha remained
(10:31):
on the floor in awe of what.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Had just happened.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Elishah's face was covered in tears and dust. Elisha looked
down at his clothes to realize he had torn his shirt.
In amazement, he stumbled to his feet and walked towards
the cloak Elijah had left. When taken up silently, Elishah
picked up the cloak, folded it, and headed down to
the river. Had God given him his spirit? Elisha lifted
(10:59):
up the cloak, swung his hips, and struck the water
as his master did just moments before. Elisha watched as
the rivers opened up before him. A content smile slid
across his face. A group of prophets saw this from
a distance and exclaimed Elijah's spirit is upon Elisha. So
they ran to him and bowed before him. The reverence
(11:21):
made Alisha uncomfortable, for he knew it was the spirit
of God. The men were frantic in saying, do you
want us to look for your master? Perhaps the Lord
brought him to another place. Elisha shook his head and
said no, he knew his master was gone with God. However,
the prophets insisted and still looked.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
For days. They searched and found nothing.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
A few days later, the town of Jericho sent leaders
to visit Elisha. They came to him with a dire problem.
They needed the Lord's aid. In our town is beautiful,
but our water is toxic and causing disease. They said,
our crops are poisoned, and our children are sickened. Elisha
considered their problem carefully and prayed to the Lord for wisdom.
(12:08):
He had them bring him a bowl of salt. Then
he went out to the spring that supplied the town
with water.
Speaker 4 (12:15):
He bent down and threw.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
The salt into the water. He whispered slightly to the Lord,
and then turned to the leaders and said, the Lord
has purified your water. Neither death or infertility will plague
this city. As Elijah was leaving, a group of boys
began mocking them. They threw insults and stones his way
go home, baldy, they shouted, mocking his bald head. Forty
(12:40):
two boys bombarded Elisha with evil laughter and prideful spitting.
Elisha did not speak, He only looked at them intensely. Then,
in a terrifying turn of events, two bears ran.
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Towards them from the woods.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Their growls drowned out the screaming of all forty two waters.
Their claws tore them limb from limb, and they feasted
on the mocking teenagers. Elishah walked away from the thrashing
and went back to Mount Carmer.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
As we read God's word today, we find Elijah and
his apprentice Elijah walking together on the road from Gilgal.
It had been more than six years since the Lord
had led Elijah to the young man Elisha, and since
that day the two had walked side by side, closely together.
Elijah knew that God had plans for Elisha, and the
(13:33):
job that Elishah was going to take on was no
small task. So the seasoned prophet poured his life into
his apprentice, mentoring him and how to walk with God,
how to listen to God's voice, how to be a
man of God. Surely, as they walked along the road,
he continued to train him and teach him, especially now
as Elijah knew that his time was ending. Because that
(13:56):
day was different, it was time for a changing of
the guard. Elijah first tells Elisha that God had called
him to Bethel, but Elisha knows this day is different also,
and he insists he won't leave his master's side. Elishah
wanted to make the most of the time he had
left with his mentor, to learn all that he could,
and to enjoy his presence while he was still able.
(14:19):
I think many of us can relate to this kind
of sentiment, the desire to make the most of what
time we have with a very special person in our life,
whether it is a spouse, or a child or a friend.
So both men went to Bethel together. The prophets in
Bethel asked Elishah if he knew God was going to
(14:39):
take Elijah away that day.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
He said he.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
Did, but he did not want to speak of it.
God then led Elijah to Jericho again. He asked Elisha
to stay behind, but Elisha refused to part with his Master.
So they went together, and once again the prophets asked
Elisha if he knew God was about to take a lion.
He said yes, but to keep quiet. Why did he
(15:04):
want them to keep quiet? Not because it was some
big secret, as it seemed God and made known to
many of the prophets to whom he spoke. But Elishah
said this because he didn't want to get caught up
in talking about what was going to happen that he
missed what actually did happen. His mind was focused on
watching and waiting for what God would do. How often
(15:27):
do we get our attention pulled away by concerns or
anticipation of things to come, even worry, and we miss
what God is doing right in front of us. Always
focus on today and maximizing every day of your life.
And so when Elijah tells Elisha to stay there while
he goes to the Jordan River, his answer is obvious, no,
(15:48):
he will walk with him. The events that the Jordan
take us back to so many moments when God's glory
and power were on display throughout Jewish history, supernatural power.
When Elijah strikes the water with his cloak and the
river parts it was a reminder that God is the
same God who parted the sea for Moses and the
very same river for Joshua. After they cross on dry land,
(16:12):
Elijah asked his apprentice something. We read his question and
Elishah's response in Second Kings two nine. When they had crossed.
Elijah said to Elisha, ask what I shall do for
you before I'm taken from you? And Elishah said, please,
let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.
(16:34):
What a wonderful request. Elisha knew that he had impossible
task in front of him in big shoes to fill,
and his question shows his humility and his maturity and
his selflessness. He wasn't just asking this for himself for
his own glory or power. He wanted to be fully
prepared to be a man of God, to speak God's word,
(16:57):
to minister to the people, just as Elijah had. So
he asked for more, more of God's power, more of
God's blessing, a double portion of the spirit of God.
Elijah told him this is a heavy request. He knew
what the life of a prophet meant, and it often
meant fierce opposition from wicked people. Notice he did not
(17:18):
give him a yes or no, because he knew this
was not his to grant, but God gives spiritual power.
So he told Elishah to watch what was about to happen,
and if he could see him being taken up, translated
up into heaven, he would know God would grant his request.
Elisha then saw an amazing sight. It was spectacular. It
(17:41):
was supernatural chariots of fire and a whirlwind descending from heaven.
Fire which had marked so much of Elijah's ministry, was
now being used to usher him into the presence of
the Lord, the one he had faithfully served. This was
a rapture, This was a translation into heaven. Elijah did
not die a physical death. Elishah saw it all and
(18:04):
knew God had granted his request. It was a moment
filled with wonder and amazement, but also sorrow and grief,
for now the man of God, his mentor, a man
who has been like a father to him, is gone.
We closed the passage with Elisha immediately seeing God's power
working in him, first in the party of the Jordan
(18:25):
once again, and then as he brought about healing to
Jericho's poisoned waters. Yes, God's hand was on Elisha, and
he would do great things in the name of the Lord,
pointing the Lord's people towards hope and righteousness and faith,
and God would bless him abundantly. Dear Lord, the God
(18:46):
of Elijah and Elisha, we thank you for this extreme
example of faith and perseverance. We thank you for your
power to take us to heaven when our time comes.
And Lord, that we are trusting in you not only
throughout life, but at the end of our lives. We
thank you for Elisha's relationship with Elijah, and we pray
(19:09):
that you would give us influence on those around us,
our family, our friends, members of our churches, that we
would mentor and coach and guide and give spiritual leadership
to those around us. Help us to be men and
women of God, always seeking your truth and proclaiming your name. Amen.
(19:29):
Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.
I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Let me encourage
you to download theprey dot com app and always make
Bible reading and Bible study a priority in your life
along with prayer. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it
with someone you love. Let someone know because by sharing
(19:50):
this podcast, you can truly make a difference in someone's life.
And if you want more resources from me, Jack Graham,
as to how you can grow in your Christian life,
then go to Jack Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham
dot org. God bless you.
Host
Jack Graham
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