Today we look at the transferring of the prophetic mantle from Elijah to Elisha. It is taken from 2 Kings 2:5-15. We are first introduced to Elisha in 1 Kings chapter nineteen. In 2 Kings 3:11, we are told that Elisha "poured water on the hands of Elijah." During the closing of Elijah's ministry, Elisha accompanied him and ministered to his needs. Now as Elijah is departing, Elisha's request is for a "double portion". of the older prophet's spirit. As we study, we will see that Elisha's request was granted. The Scripture records that through Elisha God performed twice as many miracles as were done through Elijah.
The "double portion" is a type of second blessing of heart holiness. The Old Testament contains many types and symbols for second blessing holiness. It is a good study to see how God laid out His plan in the Old Testament for New Testament salvation through Jesus Christ.
The first section is "A Steadfast Devotion." vv. 4-8 The story of Elijah is coming to an end. His trials are about ended. Elijah had "fought the good fight. and he had keep the faith." He was prepared to meet God. What a wonderful testimony! Eight years earlier from today's passage, Elijah had met a young man plowing. He asked the young man to become his attendant and train to be a prophet. The young man Elisha went with Elijah and became one of the great prophets of Israel. He served as a prophet for sixty years.
Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind as he was leaving. Elijah either wanted to end his life alone, or he was testing Elisha's devotion. Elisha swore an oath that he would not leave Elijah. They went to Beth-el where the school for the prophets was. From there, they went to Jericho and once more Elijah asked Elisha to stay behind. Again, Elisha refused, he would not leave Elijah. There would be a third test of devotion and Elisha remained steadfast. They came to the Jordan River. Elijah took his mantle (like a cape), rolled it up and struck the rolling river. It divided and they both went over on dry ground.
The mantle was not the source of power. It was the vehicle of the Spirit's power. The power was not through an object, but through faith and obedience. Elijah's faith resulted in a miracle because what he asked was in accordance with God's will. Remember, no problem is to great, nor stream too deep and dangerous, that God cannot lead us through them unharmed.
The second section is "A Request Granted." vv. 9-12 After reaching the other shore, Elijah asked Elisha, "What do you want from me?" This was like a dying father hearing the final request from his son. They talked for a while and then there was a chariot of fire and horses of fire. Elijah stepped into the whirlwind and he was taken to heaven. Elisha gave an instinctive tribute to the departed saint when he said, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." We understand from this passage that faith finds or makes a way. While Elijah could not grant Elisha's request, God could. What was the request in actuality? It was a double portion of the Holy Spirit that he sought. The greatest gift in this world is not gold, but it is the the gift of the Holy Spirit. Being faithful until death is an indispensable condition of eternal reward.
The third section is "A Mantle Taken Up." vv. 13-15 Elijah was now gone. Elisha must have sensed some loneliness and he tore his clothes from top to bottom. The mantle was left by Elijah as a symbol of his call to the prophetic office and a sign that Elisha's prayer was answered. As Elisha approach the Jordan to return, he was the same person but not the same person. He may have been a bit unsure when he returned to the Jordan. Elisha hit the waters and said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" That question was really a prayer made in faith and confidence. The waters parted just like it did for Elijah. Elisha passed through which represents that the Lord opens paths for those He has chosen and called to be messengers. This was the first of three miracles which served to confirm that Elisha was the divinely appointed successor of Elijah. A point to draw from the section is that the indwelling Spirit is the source of spiritual power.
The Golden Text is "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (Ten. 5:24) John Wesley said that God perhaps took Enoch because the world which had become so corrupt was not worthy of him or his work was now done on earth. God took Enoch just as He took Elijah. Their work on earth was complete. Those alive when Christ returns will experience the same translation.
My summary points:
1. A steadfast devotion will bring God's favor and anointing.
2. Faith finds a way where there is a committed heart.
3. The indwelling Spirit is the source of spiritual power.
Next week, "Naaman, the Syrian." 2 Kings 5: 1-14.
Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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