The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on Dec. 10, 2023.
For scripture reference read II Kings 2:1-15.
Elijah’s exciting life was coming to an end. He prophesied during an all time low in the spirituality of Israel. He stood for God. His protégé was Elisha. The time was near for him to be taken to heaven in a whirlwind. He is only one of two men who left earth without dying. Enoch was the other. This reminds me of the rapture. We’ll be caught up without dying. Elisha was determined not to leave Elijah’s side. At the Jordan River a crowd gathered. Elijah hit the water with this mantle and both he and Elisha went to the other side on dry land. God had parted the waters. Elisha has asked for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. He was told that if he saw Elijah when he was taken up it would happen. Then by a whirlwind Elijah disappeared into heaven. His mantle fell to the ground. Elisha picked it up and using it the waters parted again. People said the spirit of Elijah now rests on Elisha. Let’s look at a few things about Elisha a bit closer that are brought out in this scripture.
Elisha had a living God. In verses 2, 4, and 6 the phrase “as the Lord liveth” is used. We still have a living God! He has never vacated his throne and he’s still a miracle-working God. We serve the same God that Elijah and Elisha did. Gideon asked this question while they were being oppressed: “where is the God of all the miracles?” In verse 7 we see that some didn’t want to get too close to the action because they stood afar off and viewed what was about to happen. Sometimes we want to do the same. We don’t want to wade into the deep waters.
Elisha wouldn’t quit following Elijah around even though he was told three times to go back. He refused. We’ve come too far to look back. Statistically we know that there is more behind us than ahead, adding to the fact that we’ve come too far. We’re too near home. In Luke Jesus taught a parable about the persistence of prayer. A widow constantly went to a judge over a matter. He gave her what she wanted because of that. We need to persist in prayer. If God hasn’t answered a prayer yet, keep on praying. We rarely see persistence in the church. God doesn’t need quitters; he can’t use that type of person.
Elisha ran with the right crowd. You’ll be like the people you run with. Solomon’s heart was turned from God because of the influence of all the women in his life. Peter was a defeated individual. After the arrest of Jesus he was warming his hands by the wrong fire and cursed and denied the Lord. He lacked courage and boldness. The Lord didn’t use him again till he repented. Be careful who you associate with. It could end up dragging you down.
Elisha asked for big things. In verse 9 he asked for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. He didn’t ask to benefit himself but to do more for the Lord. He had the right motives. Elijah performed many miracles. No wonder he told Elisha that asking for a double portion was asking a hard thing. Eight miracles were attributed to Elijah; 16 to Elisha. I call that a double portion!
Are you willing to ask God for big things? God is out of our government. We’ve seen prayer come out of the classroom in our lifetime. We may not be able to do a lot about these things, but God has been left out of homes. We can do something about that. Bring him back in, but that has to start with him being brought back into hearts. Does God live in your heart? Don’t step into eternity unprepared to meet God. Elisha clothed himself in God’s righteousness. We have to be clothed that way too. Then God can use us.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 