[Anglican Communion 20 May 2020] Topic: Be Alert!

Posted by: Henry || Categories: Devotional

TOPIC: Be Alert!

READ: 2 KINGS 2:1-15 (NKJV)

1. And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2. Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “[As] the LORD lives, and [as] your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel.
3. Now the sons of the prophets who [were] at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”
4. Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But he said, “[As] the LORD lives, and [as] your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they came to Jericho.
5. Now the sons of the prophets who [were] at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”
6. Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “[As] the LORD lives, and [as] your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on.
7. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing [them] at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.
8. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled [it] up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.
9. And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”
10. So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. [Nevertheless,] if you see me [when I am] taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be [so.”]
11. Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire [appeared] with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12. And Elisha saw [it,] and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
13. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.
14. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
15. Now when the sons of the prophets who [were] from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.

THE MESSAGE:

Elijah did not tell Elisha about his impending departure until the very end (verse 9). Elisha and the other prophets knew of this coming event apparently by revelation (verse 3, verse 5 and verse 7). God often reveals His plans to people who walk with Him (Genesis 18:17; Amos 3:7). Elijah initially asked Elisha to remain at Bethel and then at Jericho. Was it to prevent Elisha from making the request in verse 9 or to test his faith and patience? Whatever the case, Elisha was clearly determined. Having abandoned his farming enterprise and followed Elijah for the latter part of his challenging prophetic ministry, Elisha would not want anything to distract him (1 Kings 19:16-21; verses 2-3, verses 4-6).

Elisha’s desire was for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and power (verse 9)! Although this was a difficult request, it would be granted if he was alert (verse 10). What level of faith is required to make such a request, and have it fulfilled (Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 11:6)? Apart from lack of faith, major barriers to receiving answers to prayers are sin, lack of knowledge of the power of God, and praying with wrong motives or outside God’s will (Isaiah 59:1-3; Mark 12:21; James 4:3). What can we do to ensure that our prayer requests are granted?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please increase our faith!

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