2 Kings 2 - Elijah transported to heaven

For the participants of "You Don't Need More Time" - I cannot find a way to host a download of the Day Chart in this blog. If you leave your email address in the "Comments" link, I will email the chart to you directly. In your comment, write "I need the Day Chart."

Click to read 2 Kings 2

Synopsis

Elijah ended his ministry on earth gloriously. He had stood up against the evil kings and nation and proclaimed God's words to the unbelieving populace. Despite being threatened with death many times, He did the Lord's work till the end. He was about to be transported back to heaven without seeing death. The remaining prophets were much aware of it and kept telling Elisha. Elisha desired to be Elijah's successor and thus he continued to walk with Elijah till he was taken away.

Major Verses

V1-6 - On the way from Gilgal, Elijah was preparing himself for his return to heaven. Elisha was faithfully following him. When Elijah told him to leave him as he journeyed to Bethel, Elisha refused to and continued to journey with him. This happened two more times on the way to Jericho and Jordan. Elisha, knowing that Elijah would soon leave the earth, insisted on following him as he wanted to succeed and continue with Elijah's work.

What I learn

Elisha had a pure motive to succeed Elijah - it was to continue with the work of the Lord, turning the wayward nations back to God. He was passionate and intense and as such, kept focused on following Elijah till the end. When we serve the Lord, we also need to be passionate and intense so that we can serve Him well.

V9-10 - To ask for a double portion of Elijah's spirit was to ask to be his legitimate successor. This was in accordance to the Jewish practice where the first born was given a double portion of the inheritance. But the decision to grant Elisha's request was not for Elijah to make but up to God. That was why Elijah only told Elisha how he would know if his desire was granted, that was, if he saw Elijah being taken up.

What I learn

As pure as Elisha's motive was, Elijah respected that it was only God who can make the decision. Right till the end, Elijah was totally revering and respecting God. The mark of a Godly man is his unceasing respect and reverence for God.

V11-13 - Elisha saw with his own eyes Elijah being taken up to heaven gloriously on a chariot. The cloak of Elijah represented him. And as Elisha picked up the cloak that fell from Elijah as he ascended to heaven, he took it to test if he was given Elijah's spirit. He simply did with the cloak what he saw Elijah did before, striking the river and seeing it parted. He did so not out of disrespect for God but to get the confirmation of his appointment from God.

What I learn

Eisha had pure motives for wanting to succeed Elijah - he wanted to continue with the Lord's work. He was not seeking to be more powerful than Elijah for his own ends. God honors those who have pure motives.

Summary

Elijah ended his ministry gloriously. He withstood the evil kings during his time and continued to proclaim God's words to the nations despite being threatened with death many times. He swam against the current of the evil times and was aptly rewarded. Elisha had a pure motive to continue with God's work and thus boldly asked to be a legitimate successor to Elijah. Thus begins his ministry.

Up next......

Evil kings continued to rule the nations and war began all over again ... coming up on 7th Apr.