Foundations Week 21, Day 4

Scripture Read: 2 Kings 2
Title: Elisha Succeeds Elijah

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse:  "'Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken away from you.'  And Elisha said, 'Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.'"  2 Kings 2:11
 
(E) Explain:  Elisha, is the prophet of focus in chapters 2 – 13 of 2 Kings.  He was the apprentice of the prophet Elijah who took his place when Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.  Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gigal and Elijah tells Elisha that his time is up and Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit.  Elijah is thus taken into heaven by a whirlwind and the chariots of God.  We will see that in tomorrows reading Elisha, was part of a group prophets who lived in a small cramped area in Israel.  Elisha was the head prophet and all others were under his direction.  The prophets went to Jordan to get wood to build homes.
 

(A) Application: In this passage we see the result of discipleship done right.  Elijah was a prophet who was used by God and Elishah was his apprentice.  Eiljah walked with Elisha and encouraged and mentored him.  When the time came for Elijah to be taken away from the earth he asked Elisha what he should do for him before he left.  Elisha asks for a double portion of the spirit.  Elijah tells him that if Elisha sees the him being taken away then he will receive a double portion of his spirit.  We know from this passage that Elisha witnesses this event and as a result receives a double portion of his spirit.

Elijah poured his life into Elisha.  This is discipleship.  He trained him, prayed with him, and showed him how to walk in the ways of God.  Elijah was essentially a disciple of God who made disciples of God.  He set his successor up for success so than when he was no longer around his disciple would still thrive and win others to God.  

(R) Respond: Let us commit today to becoming disciples who make disciples for the Kingdom of God.