1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:04,520 Speaker 1: Let us pray as it came to pass. As they 2 00:00:04,559 --> 00:00:08,799 Speaker 1: still went on and talked that behold, there appeared a 3 00:00:08,920 --> 00:00:13,280 Speaker 1: chariot of fire and horses of fire, and parted them 4 00:00:13,320 --> 00:00:18,280 Speaker 1: both asunder, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 5 00:00:19,440 --> 00:00:24,680 Speaker 1: Second Kings two eleven. Lord, as you place powerful men 6 00:00:24,680 --> 00:00:28,360 Speaker 1: and women in my life as mentors, I have made 7 00:00:28,400 --> 00:00:31,760 Speaker 1: the decision that I will not stop pursuing them, even 8 00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:34,520 Speaker 1: when it is convenient to leave and be on my own. 9 00:00:35,560 --> 00:00:39,200 Speaker 1: I declare that I will not leave or part ways 10 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:43,560 Speaker 1: until you tell me to do so. God. When other 11 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:47,040 Speaker 1: people in my field try to discourage me and dissuade 12 00:00:47,040 --> 00:00:51,280 Speaker 1: me from holding fast to the process, I will ignore 13 00:00:51,320 --> 00:00:55,960 Speaker 1: them because I am not moved by external voices, but 14 00:00:56,120 --> 00:01:02,080 Speaker 1: by internal convictions. Because proximity determines my ability, I will 15 00:01:02,080 --> 00:01:06,040 Speaker 1: stay close until I receive a double portion of the 16 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:11,440 Speaker 1: wisdom and knowledge they possess. I praise you, Lord, because 17 00:01:11,440 --> 00:01:15,000 Speaker 1: in your goodness you also give me the opportunity to 18 00:01:15,040 --> 00:01:18,520 Speaker 1: go above and beyond those who guide me, that I 19 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:22,400 Speaker 1: can be blessed to be a blessing to those coming 20 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:29,720 Speaker 1: after me. In Jesus' name, Amen, thank you for praying 21 00:01:29,720 --> 00:01:33,720 Speaker 1: with me today. Continue listening for an incredible Bible story 22 00:01:34,200 --> 00:01:36,760 Speaker 1: brought to you by Bible in a Year dot. 23 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:49,280 Speaker 2: Com Chariots of Fire. In our last story, we learned 24 00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:54,000 Speaker 2: about Asiah's short reign is king over Israel. He fell 25 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:56,720 Speaker 2: from the top of his upper room and injured himself 26 00:01:56,760 --> 00:02:00,320 Speaker 2: beyond repair. He sought the healing and guide it of 27 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:04,760 Speaker 2: the Philistine gods, but was instead met with Elijah's rebuke 28 00:02:05,160 --> 00:02:09,640 Speaker 2: in God's justice. In this story, we witness Elijah's departure 29 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:12,799 Speaker 2: from this earth through the eyes of his student Elisha. 30 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:18,440 Speaker 2: Elishah witnesses the glory and profound power of God as he. 31 00:02:18,360 --> 00:02:22,680 Speaker 3: Takes his master up in a chariot of Fire. Inspired 32 00:02:22,720 --> 00:02:24,520 Speaker 3: by the Book of Second Kings. 33 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:29,560 Speaker 4: Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 34 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:32,920 Speaker 4: Bible in a Year podcast. In our last time together, 35 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:36,560 Speaker 4: we learned about a Haziah, who, like his father Ahab, 36 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:40,560 Speaker 4: looked to help and hope in foreign gods and false deities. 37 00:02:41,440 --> 00:02:44,040 Speaker 4: His reign and his life was cut short because he 38 00:02:44,160 --> 00:02:48,079 Speaker 4: did not seek the one true God. Elijah had delivered 39 00:02:48,080 --> 00:02:51,320 Speaker 4: God's message of judgment to Ahziah as the king lay 40 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:55,400 Speaker 4: helplessly in bed after a great fall. Today, we'll hear 41 00:02:55,480 --> 00:02:59,000 Speaker 4: how Elijah's time on Earth comes to an end. This 42 00:02:59,160 --> 00:03:01,799 Speaker 4: great man of God God, the one who served God 43 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:05,440 Speaker 4: so faithfully and forcefully, would be taken up before the 44 00:03:05,440 --> 00:03:09,520 Speaker 4: eyes of his successor, Elisha. It is an incredible display 45 00:03:10,200 --> 00:03:15,680 Speaker 4: of God's supernatural power that will profoundly impact Elisha as 46 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:17,880 Speaker 4: he takes on the manner of the prophet of God 47 00:03:18,320 --> 00:03:22,519 Speaker 4: to be the man of God to God's people. So 48 00:03:22,639 --> 00:03:24,239 Speaker 4: let's listen to today's reading. 49 00:03:25,760 --> 00:03:29,000 Speaker 3: The sun was high in the sky. A few clouds 50 00:03:29,120 --> 00:03:32,359 Speaker 3: danced around it to the late summer breeze, creating brief 51 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:36,080 Speaker 3: moments of shade for the two travelers below. The earth 52 00:03:36,080 --> 00:03:39,840 Speaker 3: and sky seemed to be in perfect harmony, both dancing 53 00:03:39,960 --> 00:03:43,840 Speaker 3: and swaying to the wind. On the trail, surrounded by lilies. 54 00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:48,280 Speaker 3: Coming from Gilgal, walked Elijah and Elisha. The old and 55 00:03:48,320 --> 00:03:52,200 Speaker 3: grizzled prophet had traveled everywhere with his younger prentice. The 56 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:56,560 Speaker 3: two of them had experienced many miracles together. Elijah had 57 00:03:56,560 --> 00:03:59,600 Speaker 3: taught Elisha the ways of God. He spoke of the 58 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:04,440 Speaker 3: Lord's truth, justice, goodness, and mercy. Elisha was able to 59 00:04:04,560 --> 00:04:07,440 Speaker 3: observe the way Elijah cared for the people of Israel. 60 00:04:07,960 --> 00:04:11,360 Speaker 3: He gave his entire life to them, ministering and healing 61 00:04:11,400 --> 00:04:15,960 Speaker 3: when necessary. He had also watched Elijah speak truth to power. 62 00:04:16,720 --> 00:04:21,600 Speaker 3: He confronted kings and queens. Despite his fears, Elishah admired 63 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:25,000 Speaker 3: his old teacher. He prayed to God he would become 64 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:28,599 Speaker 3: just as good a man as he. No, he prayed 65 00:04:28,600 --> 00:04:32,159 Speaker 3: he would be better. He prayed for faithfulness like his 66 00:04:32,800 --> 00:04:36,120 Speaker 3: in a strong sense of justice and truth. The two 67 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:39,520 Speaker 3: of them strolled along in silence. The grass next to 68 00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:44,239 Speaker 3: the trail swayed gracefully all throughout the valley. Elijah turned 69 00:04:44,279 --> 00:04:47,360 Speaker 3: his face towards the sun and breathed in the sweet 70 00:04:47,440 --> 00:04:51,159 Speaker 3: summer air. He turned to his young student and said, 71 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:54,480 Speaker 3: the Lord has told me to go to Bethel. You 72 00:04:54,640 --> 00:04:58,919 Speaker 3: should remain here. Elishah smiled and shook his head. He 73 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:01,040 Speaker 3: had a feeling as to what the Lord was about 74 00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:05,400 Speaker 3: to do. No, he responded plainly, as the Lord lives, 75 00:05:05,480 --> 00:05:08,200 Speaker 3: I will not leave your side. So the two of 76 00:05:08,240 --> 00:05:11,520 Speaker 3: them changed course to the holy ground of Bethel, where 77 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:15,280 Speaker 3: Jacob once prayed many years ago. On their way to Bethel, 78 00:05:15,360 --> 00:05:17,920 Speaker 3: a group of prophets passed them on the road. They 79 00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:21,440 Speaker 3: had anticipated Elijah's arrival, for the Lord had spoken to 80 00:05:21,520 --> 00:05:26,279 Speaker 3: them as well. They walked beside the two men in silence. However, 81 00:05:26,680 --> 00:05:29,800 Speaker 3: one turned to Elishah and whispered, do you know that 82 00:05:29,880 --> 00:05:32,680 Speaker 3: the Lord is going to take your master away? To day? 83 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:36,720 Speaker 3: Elishah looked at the prophet intently and put his hand 84 00:05:36,760 --> 00:05:40,400 Speaker 3: on his shoulder. He gave a quick smile and said yes. 85 00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:43,880 Speaker 3: He then turned to look at his master walking ahead 86 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:46,320 Speaker 3: of him, But he will not speak of it today. 87 00:05:47,520 --> 00:05:50,359 Speaker 3: The men had arrived at Bethel, and Elijah stayed for 88 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:53,960 Speaker 3: a few moments to speak to the Lord. Elishah stood 89 00:05:53,960 --> 00:05:56,760 Speaker 3: at a distance. He was always curious as to how 90 00:05:56,800 --> 00:05:59,680 Speaker 3: the Lord spoke to Elijah. Was it how he spoke 91 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:03,680 Speaker 3: to him? Was it through whispers or feelings? Did he 92 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:07,480 Speaker 3: see an angel before him? These were things Elishah would 93 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:11,919 Speaker 3: never know. Elijah turned to Elisha and said, you should 94 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:14,599 Speaker 3: stay here, my boy, for the Lord has told me 95 00:06:14,760 --> 00:06:19,080 Speaker 3: to go to Jericho. There was a weariness in Eliza's voice. 96 00:06:19,520 --> 00:06:21,640 Speaker 3: It was almost as if he had run away from 97 00:06:21,640 --> 00:06:25,040 Speaker 3: his age for years and it was finally gaining on him. 98 00:06:25,320 --> 00:06:29,479 Speaker 3: Elishah smiled again and said, no, I think I will 99 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:32,240 Speaker 3: go with you, as the Lord lives I shall not 100 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:36,760 Speaker 3: leave your side. So the two set off again towards Jericho. 101 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:40,080 Speaker 3: When they arrived, Elijah departed. 102 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:40,520 Speaker 1: Again to pray. 103 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:44,039 Speaker 3: A group of prophets from the area walked up to Elisha, 104 00:06:44,160 --> 00:06:47,200 Speaker 3: who was standing at a distance from his master. They 105 00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:49,760 Speaker 3: brought him in and whispered, did you know that the 106 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:53,120 Speaker 3: Lord is going to take Elijah away to day? This 107 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:56,200 Speaker 3: time there was a slight heaviness in Elisha's chest as 108 00:06:56,200 --> 00:07:00,599 Speaker 3: he replied, of course I know, he said sombrely, but 109 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:04,960 Speaker 3: do not speak of it. Elijah finished praying and came 110 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:08,040 Speaker 3: back to Elisha. It is time for me to go 111 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:12,080 Speaker 3: to the Jordan River. You should stay here. It was 112 00:07:12,120 --> 00:07:15,480 Speaker 3: a silly command, for Elijah knew that his young student 113 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:18,760 Speaker 3: would not leave his side. The two of them traveled 114 00:07:18,760 --> 00:07:21,760 Speaker 3: a short while to the Jordan River. A group of 115 00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:25,080 Speaker 3: prophets followed them at a distance, curious as to when 116 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:28,720 Speaker 3: Elijah would pass away. The two men stopped beside the 117 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:32,960 Speaker 3: Jordan The river flowed heavily. Tumbling rocks could be heard 118 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:36,760 Speaker 3: from beneath the waters. Elijah removed his cloak and folded 119 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:39,680 Speaker 3: it into a whip. He swung his hips and struck 120 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:43,280 Speaker 3: the water with his clock Elishah watched as his master's 121 00:07:43,280 --> 00:07:46,920 Speaker 3: cloak caused the flowing river to split before them. The 122 00:07:47,040 --> 00:07:49,320 Speaker 3: river divided and the two of them were able to 123 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:53,480 Speaker 3: cross on dry ground. Hundreds of memories flowed in Elisha's 124 00:07:53,560 --> 00:07:57,480 Speaker 3: head as they crossed, Memories of stories told for generations, 125 00:07:57,960 --> 00:08:01,200 Speaker 3: stories of gods splitting the Red See for Moses, and 126 00:08:01,280 --> 00:08:05,080 Speaker 3: the Jordan River for Joshua. Was his master as faithful 127 00:08:05,120 --> 00:08:08,400 Speaker 3: as they were, did he hold the same favor of God? 128 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:11,800 Speaker 3: The two of them walked along the path, and Elijah 129 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:16,680 Speaker 3: could sense Elisha's mind racing. He smiled and said, tell me, 130 00:08:16,840 --> 00:08:19,800 Speaker 3: my son, what can I do for you before I 131 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:24,200 Speaker 3: am taken away. Elishah's eyes lit up. He did his 132 00:08:24,320 --> 00:08:27,920 Speaker 3: best to withhold his boyish grin. I want a double 133 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:30,480 Speaker 3: share of what the Lord has given you. I want 134 00:08:30,520 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 3: to be your successor and see greater things done for God. 135 00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:38,520 Speaker 3: Elijah was pleased at his request. Elishah did not just 136 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:41,400 Speaker 3: want to be as faithful as Elijah. He wanted to 137 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:44,880 Speaker 3: be more faithful. He wanted a double portion of God's 138 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:48,080 Speaker 3: spirit upon him. You have asked for a great and 139 00:08:48,240 --> 00:08:53,800 Speaker 3: difficult thing, Elijah replied frankly. However, if you see how 140 00:08:53,920 --> 00:08:57,960 Speaker 3: I am taken away, then your request will definitely be granted, 141 00:08:58,520 --> 00:09:01,319 Speaker 3: for God will show his glowry to those he wishes 142 00:09:01,360 --> 00:09:05,079 Speaker 3: to use. If you do not witness my departure, then 143 00:09:05,120 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 3: you will not receive any of his spirit. The two 144 00:09:09,720 --> 00:09:13,240 Speaker 3: walked and talked for a few moments. Elishah watched his 145 00:09:13,320 --> 00:09:18,000 Speaker 3: old master walk purposefully forward. Then suddenly the clouds opened 146 00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:22,120 Speaker 3: up like fortified gates. Blinding light emanated from the sky, 147 00:09:22,720 --> 00:09:25,760 Speaker 3: only it was not light from the sun. Elisha could 148 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:29,120 Speaker 3: hear trumpets sounding like thunder, and he watched as a 149 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:33,560 Speaker 3: chariot of fire descended violently from the clouds. The chariot 150 00:09:33,679 --> 00:09:37,120 Speaker 3: was consumed with fire and drawn by horses of flame. 151 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:40,720 Speaker 3: Elishah could not see who was riding the chariot, but 152 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:43,160 Speaker 3: he could see it descending as if the air was 153 00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:46,680 Speaker 3: thick enough to ride on. The chariot blew in between 154 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:50,480 Speaker 3: the two men, flinging Elishah back onto the ground. He 155 00:09:50,600 --> 00:09:53,439 Speaker 3: watched as his master was wrapped up in a whirlwind. 156 00:09:54,040 --> 00:09:56,760 Speaker 3: The bright light swirled around the old prophet and the 157 00:09:56,840 --> 00:10:00,200 Speaker 3: chariot of fire like a tornado. As the wind wines 158 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:03,760 Speaker 3: blew violently and the light burned brightly, Elishah could see 159 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:06,439 Speaker 3: a smile worn on the face of his master. Elijah. 160 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:10,280 Speaker 3: I can see it, Elisha yelled to his beloved master. 161 00:10:11,040 --> 00:10:13,920 Speaker 3: Tears filled his eyes as he watched the beauty of 162 00:10:14,040 --> 00:10:18,240 Speaker 3: God unfolding before him. My father, I can see you. 163 00:10:18,559 --> 00:10:22,439 Speaker 3: I can see the chariots of Israel. Then, just as 164 00:10:22,480 --> 00:10:26,520 Speaker 3: quickly as it came, the whirlwind left, with Elijah wrapped 165 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:31,480 Speaker 3: up in it. All was calm and still. Elisha remained 166 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:34,040 Speaker 3: on the floor in awe of what had just happened. 167 00:10:34,760 --> 00:10:40,280 Speaker 3: Elishah's face was covered in tears and dust. Elisha looked 168 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:43,360 Speaker 3: down at his clothes to realize he had torn his shirt. 169 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:47,040 Speaker 3: In amazement, he stumbled to his feet and walked towards 170 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:51,520 Speaker 3: the cloak Elijah had left. When taken up silently, Elishah 171 00:10:51,559 --> 00:10:54,360 Speaker 3: picked up the cloak, folded it, and headed down to 172 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:59,000 Speaker 3: the river. Had God given him his spirit? Elisha lifted 173 00:10:59,080 --> 00:11:02,000 Speaker 3: up the cloak, swung his hips, and struck the water 174 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:06,040 Speaker 3: as his master did just moments before. Elisha watched as 175 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:10,080 Speaker 3: the rivers opened up before him. A content smile slid 176 00:11:10,080 --> 00:11:13,360 Speaker 3: across his face. A group of prophets saw this from 177 00:11:13,400 --> 00:11:18,320 Speaker 3: a distance and exclaimed Elijah's spirit is upon Elisha. So 178 00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:21,600 Speaker 3: they ran to him and bowed before him. The reverence 179 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:25,160 Speaker 3: made Alisha uncomfortable, for he knew it was the spirit 180 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:28,960 Speaker 3: of God. The men were frantic in saying, do you 181 00:11:29,040 --> 00:11:32,400 Speaker 3: want us to look for your master? Perhaps the Lord 182 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:36,000 Speaker 3: brought him to another place. Elisha shook his head and 183 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:40,880 Speaker 3: said no, he knew his master was gone with God. However, 184 00:11:40,920 --> 00:11:45,000 Speaker 3: the prophets insisted and still looked. For days. They searched 185 00:11:45,040 --> 00:11:48,240 Speaker 3: and found nothing. A few days later, the town of 186 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:52,040 Speaker 3: Jericho sent leaders to visit Elisha. They came to him 187 00:11:52,080 --> 00:11:54,720 Speaker 3: with a dire problem. They needed the Lord's aid. In 188 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:58,400 Speaker 3: our town is beautiful, but our water is toxic and 189 00:11:58,440 --> 00:12:01,920 Speaker 3: causing disease. They said, our crops are poisoned, and our 190 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:06,320 Speaker 3: children are sickened. Elisha considered their problem carefully and prayed 191 00:12:06,320 --> 00:12:09,360 Speaker 3: to the Lord for wisdom. He had them bring him 192 00:12:09,400 --> 00:12:12,320 Speaker 3: a bowl of salt. Then he went out to the 193 00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:15,800 Speaker 3: spring that supplied the town with water. He bent down 194 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:19,560 Speaker 3: and threw the salt into the water. He whispered slightly 195 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:22,400 Speaker 3: to the Lord, and then turned to the leaders and said, 196 00:12:22,880 --> 00:12:27,120 Speaker 3: the Lord has purified your water. Neither death or infertility 197 00:12:27,160 --> 00:12:30,680 Speaker 3: will plague this city. As Elijah was leaving, a group 198 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:34,600 Speaker 3: of boys began mocking them. They threw insults and stones 199 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:39,760 Speaker 3: his way go home, baldy, they shouted, mocking his bald head. 200 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:44,960 Speaker 3: Forty two boys bombarded Elisha with evil laughter and prideful spitting. 201 00:12:45,720 --> 00:12:50,440 Speaker 3: Elisha did not speak, He only looked at them intensely. Then, 202 00:12:50,840 --> 00:12:54,360 Speaker 3: in a terrifying turn of events, two bears ran towards 203 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:57,960 Speaker 3: them from the woods. Their growls drowned out the screaming 204 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:01,520 Speaker 3: of all forty two mortars. Their claws tore them limb 205 00:13:01,520 --> 00:13:05,760 Speaker 3: from limb, and they feasted on the mocking teenagers. Elishah 206 00:13:05,800 --> 00:13:09,320 Speaker 3: walked away from the thrashing and went back to Mount Carmer. 207 00:13:12,440 --> 00:13:15,439 Speaker 4: As we read God's word today, we find Elijah and 208 00:13:15,480 --> 00:13:19,200 Speaker 4: his apprentice Elijah walking together on the road from Gilgal. 209 00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:22,280 Speaker 4: It had been more than six years since the Lord 210 00:13:22,280 --> 00:13:25,360 Speaker 4: had led Elijah to the young man Elisha, and since 211 00:13:25,400 --> 00:13:28,560 Speaker 4: that day the two had walked side by side, closely together. 212 00:13:29,520 --> 00:13:33,560 Speaker 4: Elijah knew that God had plans for Elisha, and the 213 00:13:33,640 --> 00:13:35,880 Speaker 4: job that Elishah was going to take on was no 214 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:40,360 Speaker 4: small task. So the seasoned prophet poured his life into 215 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:43,559 Speaker 4: his apprentice, mentoring him and how to walk with God, 216 00:13:43,960 --> 00:13:46,200 Speaker 4: how to listen to God's voice, how to be a 217 00:13:46,200 --> 00:13:49,640 Speaker 4: man of God. Surely, as they walked along the road, 218 00:13:49,679 --> 00:13:53,080 Speaker 4: he continued to train him and teach him, especially now 219 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:56,800 Speaker 4: as Elijah knew that his time was ending, because that 220 00:13:56,920 --> 00:13:59,320 Speaker 4: day was different, it was time for a changing of 221 00:13:59,360 --> 00:14:03,280 Speaker 4: the guard. Elijah first tells Elisha that God had called 222 00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:07,160 Speaker 4: him to Bethel, but Elisha knows this day is different also, 223 00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:11,679 Speaker 4: and he insists he won't leave his master's side. Elishah 224 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:13,400 Speaker 4: wanted to make the most of the time he had 225 00:14:13,480 --> 00:14:15,960 Speaker 4: left with his mentor, to learn all that he could, 226 00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:18,880 Speaker 4: and to enjoy his presence while he was still able. 227 00:14:19,640 --> 00:14:21,920 Speaker 4: I think many of us can relate to this kind 228 00:14:21,960 --> 00:14:24,840 Speaker 4: of sentiment, the desire to make the most of what 229 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:28,040 Speaker 4: time we have with a very special person in our life, 230 00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:31,880 Speaker 4: whether it is a spouse, or a child or a friend. 231 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,800 Speaker 4: So both men went to Bethel together. The prophets in 232 00:14:36,840 --> 00:14:39,640 Speaker 4: Bethel asked Elishah if he knew God was going to 233 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:43,320 Speaker 4: take Elijah away that day. He said he did, but 234 00:14:43,440 --> 00:14:46,280 Speaker 4: he did not want to speak of it. God then 235 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:51,160 Speaker 4: led Elijah to Jericho again. He asked Elisha to stay behind, 236 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:54,600 Speaker 4: but Elisha refused to part with his master. So they 237 00:14:54,640 --> 00:14:58,160 Speaker 4: went together, and once again the prophets asked Elisha if 238 00:14:58,200 --> 00:15:01,320 Speaker 4: he knew God was about to take a lion. He 239 00:15:01,360 --> 00:15:05,000 Speaker 4: said yes, but to keep quiet. Why did he want 240 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:08,520 Speaker 4: them to keep quiet? Not because it was some big secret, 241 00:15:08,640 --> 00:15:10,760 Speaker 4: as it seemed God and made known to many of 242 00:15:10,760 --> 00:15:14,000 Speaker 4: the prophets to whom he spoke. But Elishah said this 243 00:15:14,080 --> 00:15:16,640 Speaker 4: because he didn't want to get caught up in talking 244 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:19,480 Speaker 4: about what was going to happen that he missed what 245 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:24,080 Speaker 4: actually did happen. His mind was focused on watching and 246 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:28,000 Speaker 4: waiting for what God would do. How often do we 247 00:15:28,040 --> 00:15:31,320 Speaker 4: get our attention pulled away by concerns or anticipation of 248 00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:34,400 Speaker 4: things to come, even worry, and we miss what God 249 00:15:34,480 --> 00:15:38,080 Speaker 4: is doing right in front of us. Always focus on 250 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:42,160 Speaker 4: today and maximizing every day of your life. And so 251 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:45,360 Speaker 4: when Elijah tells Elisha to stay there while he goes 252 00:15:45,400 --> 00:15:48,960 Speaker 4: to the Jordan River, his answer is obvious, no, he 253 00:15:49,040 --> 00:15:52,400 Speaker 4: will walk with him. The events that the Jordan take 254 00:15:52,480 --> 00:15:55,360 Speaker 4: us back to so many moments when God's glory and 255 00:15:55,480 --> 00:16:00,800 Speaker 4: power were on display throughout Jewish history, supernatural power. When 256 00:16:00,800 --> 00:16:03,680 Speaker 4: Elijah strikes the water with his cloak and the river parts, 257 00:16:03,920 --> 00:16:06,120 Speaker 4: it was a reminder that God is the same God 258 00:16:06,120 --> 00:16:08,880 Speaker 4: who parted the sea for Moses and the very same 259 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:13,280 Speaker 4: river for Joshua. After they crossed on dry land, Elijah 260 00:16:13,360 --> 00:16:17,280 Speaker 4: asked his apprentice something. We read his question and Elishah's 261 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:22,960 Speaker 4: response in Second Kings two nine. When they had crossed. 262 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:26,320 Speaker 4: Elijah said to Elisha, ask what I shall do for 263 00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:30,080 Speaker 4: you before I'm taken from you? And Elishah said, please, 264 00:16:30,440 --> 00:16:33,400 Speaker 4: let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me. 265 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:39,160 Speaker 4: What a wonderful request. Elisha knew that he had impossible 266 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:41,600 Speaker 4: task in front of him in big shoes to fill, 267 00:16:42,280 --> 00:16:46,160 Speaker 4: and his question shows his humility and his maturity and 268 00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:50,240 Speaker 4: his selflessness. He wasn't just asking this for himself for 269 00:16:50,320 --> 00:16:53,360 Speaker 4: his own glory or power. He wanted to be fully 270 00:16:53,400 --> 00:16:56,640 Speaker 4: prepared to be a man of God, to speak God's word, 271 00:16:57,040 --> 00:17:00,160 Speaker 4: to minister to the people, just as Elijah had. So 272 00:17:00,280 --> 00:17:03,760 Speaker 4: he asked for more, more of God's power, more of 273 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:07,760 Speaker 4: God's blessing, a double portion of the spirit of God. 274 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:12,320 Speaker 4: Elijah told him this is a heavy request. He knew 275 00:17:12,320 --> 00:17:14,600 Speaker 4: what the life of a prophet meant, and it often 276 00:17:14,640 --> 00:17:18,639 Speaker 4: meant fierce opposition from wicked people. Notice he did not 277 00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:20,679 Speaker 4: give him a yes or no, because he knew this 278 00:17:20,840 --> 00:17:24,679 Speaker 4: was not his to grant, but God gives spiritual power. 279 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:28,679 Speaker 4: So he told Elishah to watch what was about to happen, 280 00:17:29,040 --> 00:17:31,960 Speaker 4: and if he could see him being taken up, translated 281 00:17:32,040 --> 00:17:36,560 Speaker 4: up into heaven, he would know God would grant his request. 282 00:17:37,280 --> 00:17:41,119 Speaker 4: Elisha then saw an amazing sight. It was spectacular. It 283 00:17:41,160 --> 00:17:45,879 Speaker 4: was supernatural chariots of fire and a whirlwind descending from heaven. 284 00:17:46,560 --> 00:17:49,600 Speaker 4: Fire which had marked so much of Elijah's ministry, was 285 00:17:49,640 --> 00:17:52,320 Speaker 4: now being used to usher him into the presence of 286 00:17:52,320 --> 00:17:56,439 Speaker 4: the Lord, the one he had faithfully served. This was 287 00:17:56,480 --> 00:18:00,400 Speaker 4: a rapture, This was a translation into heaven. Elijah did 288 00:18:00,400 --> 00:18:04,399 Speaker 4: not die a physical death. Elishah saw it all and 289 00:18:04,480 --> 00:18:07,720 Speaker 4: knew God had granted his request. It was a moment 290 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:11,560 Speaker 4: filled with wonder and amazement, but also sorrow and grief, 291 00:18:11,600 --> 00:18:15,480 Speaker 4: for now the man of God, his mentor, a man 292 00:18:15,520 --> 00:18:18,240 Speaker 4: who has been like a father to him, is gone. 293 00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:22,520 Speaker 4: We closed the passage with Elisha immediately seeing God's power 294 00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:25,480 Speaker 4: working in him, first in the party of the Jordan 295 00:18:25,520 --> 00:18:28,240 Speaker 4: once again, and then as he brought about healing to 296 00:18:28,320 --> 00:18:34,159 Speaker 4: Jericho's poisoned waters. Yes, God's hand was on Elisha, and 297 00:18:34,200 --> 00:18:36,639 Speaker 4: he would do great things in the name of the Lord, 298 00:18:37,080 --> 00:18:41,240 Speaker 4: pointing the Lord's people towards hope and righteousness and faith, 299 00:18:41,560 --> 00:18:46,840 Speaker 4: and God would bless him abundantly. Dear Lord, the God 300 00:18:46,880 --> 00:18:50,680 Speaker 4: of Elijah and Elisha, we thank you for this extreme 301 00:18:50,760 --> 00:18:53,960 Speaker 4: example of faith and perseverance. We thank you for your 302 00:18:54,040 --> 00:18:56,880 Speaker 4: power to take us to heaven when our time comes. 303 00:18:57,440 --> 00:19:00,000 Speaker 4: And Lord, that we are trusting in you not only 304 00:19:00,160 --> 00:19:03,080 Speaker 4: throughout life, but at the end of our lives. We 305 00:19:03,160 --> 00:19:08,960 Speaker 4: thank you for Elisha's relationship with Elijah, and we pray 306 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:11,400 Speaker 4: that you would give us influence on those around us, 307 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:15,639 Speaker 4: our family, our friends, members of our churches, that we 308 00:19:15,680 --> 00:19:20,080 Speaker 4: would mentor and coach and guide and give spiritual leadership 309 00:19:20,119 --> 00:19:22,600 Speaker 4: to those around us. Help us to be men and 310 00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:28,040 Speaker 4: women of God, always seeking your truth and proclaiming your name. Amen. 311 00:19:29,040 --> 00:19:32,040 Speaker 4: Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 312 00:19:32,520 --> 00:19:36,280 Speaker 4: I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Let me encourage 313 00:19:36,280 --> 00:19:39,880 Speaker 4: you to download theprey dot com app and always make 314 00:19:39,920 --> 00:19:42,879 Speaker 4: Bible reading and Bible study a priority in your life 315 00:19:42,920 --> 00:19:46,760 Speaker 4: along with prayer. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it 316 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:50,000 Speaker 4: with someone you love. Let someone know because by sharing 317 00:19:50,040 --> 00:19:54,160 Speaker 4: this podcast, you can truly make a difference in someone's life. 318 00:19:54,320 --> 00:19:57,280 Speaker 4: And if you want more resources from me, Jack Graham 319 00:19:57,640 --> 00:19:59,920 Speaker 4: as to how you can grow in your Christian life, 320 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:04,119 Speaker 4: then go to Jack Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham 321 00:20:04,640 --> 00:20:13,240 Speaker 4: dot org. God Bless you. This episode is sponsored by 322 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:17,320 Speaker 4: Meta Share, an innovative healthcare solution for Christians to save 323 00:20:17,480 --> 00:20:19,560 Speaker 4: money without sacrificing quality. 324 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:23,360 Speaker 5: Welcome to the Prey News podcast, where hope is our 325 00:20:23,359 --> 00:20:27,760 Speaker 5: only bias. Each day, we'll unpack the most prominent stories 326 00:20:27,800 --> 00:20:31,359 Speaker 5: happening in the news and offer a Christian perspective. We 327 00:20:31,400 --> 00:20:33,960 Speaker 5: won't shy away from the hard topics, and we won't 328 00:20:33,960 --> 00:20:37,560 Speaker 5: dilute the hopeful message of Christ. This is more than 329 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:39,679 Speaker 5: a daily brief on the news. It's a way to 330 00:20:39,720 --> 00:20:44,199 Speaker 5: be informed and transformed. Listen to Prey News on the 331 00:20:44,240 --> 00:20:48,560 Speaker 5: iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.