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July 2nd

The Bible reading today is in 2 Kings 1-4...God using Elijah (at the end of his ministry in Israel)

and Elisha (at the beginning of his) for His glory!

The king of Israel, Ahaziah, was on his sickbed in Samaria. He had fallen from the second-floor balcony onto the ground below. He was worried. So he sent for the Philistine seer, Baal Zebub...used in the New Testament for Satan.

Elijah intercepted the king’s entourage. He gave the king’s representatives a message from the God of Israel. “‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭1:3-4

So the king’s entourage turned around and delivered Elijah’s message to Ahaziah. The king did not like the message. Perhaps that was the reason for not sending for Elijah in the first place. So Ahaziah sent a commander and 50 soldiers to bring Elijah to the palace in Samaria.

And what happened? Well...something about a message from heaven. A firey one...twice.

Then God told Elijah that he was going to heaven soon. A Chariot and horses of fire were mentioned, along with a whirlwind. Over the next weeks and months, Elijah and his disciple, Elisha, were on God’s assignments together. There were some other God followers hanging around, but they dropped off. Only Elisha stayed next to the old prophet.

Let’s listen...“Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.

Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭2:4, 6‬

Earlier in 1 Kings, God told Elijah to mentor his replacement, and Elisha was invited to follow Elijah. Here, Elisha’s determination to follow Elijah all the way to his trip to heaven, proved his “God calling” to take Elijah’s place as the dominate prophet in Israel.

And guess what? Elisha witnessed Elijah’s going up to heaven, not in a still small voice, but in a whirlwind. While the firey chariot with its firey horses presented Elisha with a visual aid that God’s power on Elijah would now be upon the young prophet too.

And then God used the new prophet in some amazing ways.

And that’s the rest of the story. Do enjoy it. It all points to “The” Savior...Jesus our Lord.

Have a good day