RTW 2023

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.”‍And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”‍

‍“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”‍As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.

Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.‍Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.

‍2 Kings 2:9-14

Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. “Go away, baldy!” they chanted. “Go away, baldy!” Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them.

2 Kings 2:23-24

• The prophets Elijah and Elisha served as godly leadership when the kings were anything but godly!
• Elijah was known as the prophet of fire, always showing the people the power of His God.
• Elijah was taken into heaven on a chariot of fire.
• Now a double portion of Elijah’s spirit would fall on Elisha.  
• Elisha’s miracles would show that God’s power was now with him.
• Elisha’s miracles were works of healing and restoration.
• Elisha’s work was a testimony to the response of God to the call of need by His people.
• Elijah was a forerunner to the ministry of John the Baptist.
• Elisha prefigured the miracles of Christ.
• Resurrection Miracle in Old Testament: 2 Kings 4
• Resurrection Miracle in New Testament: Matthew 9:18-25
• Feeding Miracle in Old Testament: 2 Kings 4:42-44
• Feeding Miracle in New Testament: Matthew 14:13-21
• Healing Miracle in Old Testament: 2 Kings 5
• Healing Miracle in New Testament: Matthew 8:1-5
• Many more miracles of Elisha anticipated the ministry of Jesus!
• Elisha prayed to God to bring about his miracles.
• Jesus did not have to pray for His miracles to happen.
• Jesus just spoke.
• Elisha points us to the miracles of Jesus.
• Jesus points us to the greatest miracle…the resurrection!

‍

The Word has power to change lives. May I be found faithful sharing the Word with others!!