2 Kings 2:1-18
Today’s Passage: 2 Kings 2:1-18
Elijah is a major character in the Old Testament. He is a significant prophet. He is one of only three people in the Bible to not taste death - along with Enoch and Melchizedek (this one is argued because most people believe this was a theophany).
Elijah fought the spiritual battle well in His life. And now it was time for Him to be taken from this word and appoint a successor to continue His life and Ministry. Elisha was that person. Elisha did a couple things that we should emulate in our lives as we want to be fully devoted followers of Jesus.
1) ELISHA COUNTED THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (v.1-8)
Elijah kept moving and telling Elisha not to come with him. But Elisha always responded the same - “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Most scholars believe that this is Elijah seeing how committed Elisha was and that this was Elisha showing that he has counted the cost. No doubt he has seen the difficult parts of ministry and following Jesus. But when presented with an opportunity to leave, he chose to press in more.
It reminds me of Peter in John 6…
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” / John 6:66-69
We too have to count the cost of following Jesus. What is Jesus worth to you? Have you counted the cost? Are you all in?
2) ELISHA SHOWS HIS HEART IN HIS REQUEST (v.9-15)
When Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him before he is taken into heaven, this is what Elisha asks - “And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” This request echoes Solomon’s request when he asked God for wisdom.
Elisha didn’t ask for material blessing, for more miracles than Elijah, for more fame than Elijah or anything else self serving. He was asking for God to use him for His name & fame like He used Elijah. Now Elisha’s theology was not perfect - he didn’t need Elijah’s spirit. He needed God’s Spirit. But God understood. God granted His request because God sees our heart. God was going to go on to use Elisha in some incredible way.
What do your requests show about your heart?
There are several ways to apply this passage to our lives today.
Thankful for you, Jumpstart Readers. I pray that today stirred your heart to love God more. Let’s keep pushing forward one step closer to being fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. He is worth everything.
Written By: Nick Parsons
Elijah is a major character in the Old Testament. He is a significant prophet. He is one of only three people in the Bible to not taste death - along with Enoch and Melchizedek (this one is argued because most people believe this was a theophany).
Elijah fought the spiritual battle well in His life. And now it was time for Him to be taken from this word and appoint a successor to continue His life and Ministry. Elisha was that person. Elisha did a couple things that we should emulate in our lives as we want to be fully devoted followers of Jesus.
1) ELISHA COUNTED THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (v.1-8)
Elijah kept moving and telling Elisha not to come with him. But Elisha always responded the same - “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Most scholars believe that this is Elijah seeing how committed Elisha was and that this was Elisha showing that he has counted the cost. No doubt he has seen the difficult parts of ministry and following Jesus. But when presented with an opportunity to leave, he chose to press in more.
It reminds me of Peter in John 6…
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” / John 6:66-69
We too have to count the cost of following Jesus. What is Jesus worth to you? Have you counted the cost? Are you all in?
2) ELISHA SHOWS HIS HEART IN HIS REQUEST (v.9-15)
When Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him before he is taken into heaven, this is what Elisha asks - “And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” This request echoes Solomon’s request when he asked God for wisdom.
Elisha didn’t ask for material blessing, for more miracles than Elijah, for more fame than Elijah or anything else self serving. He was asking for God to use him for His name & fame like He used Elijah. Now Elisha’s theology was not perfect - he didn’t need Elijah’s spirit. He needed God’s Spirit. But God understood. God granted His request because God sees our heart. God was going to go on to use Elisha in some incredible way.
What do your requests show about your heart?
There are several ways to apply this passage to our lives today.
● We can count the cost and go all in.
● We can heart check our prayer life.
● We can be in awe of how God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will.
Written By: Nick Parsons
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