2 Kings 1-2 Several Changings Of The Guard

My commentary said chapter one reminds us that God judges sin, while in chapter two we are told that God wants us to remember, He rewards service, and He honors faith.

Ahab's son Ahaziah became king after Ahab died.  Ahaziah had followed his parents in their idolatry and pride, and he resented Elijah's interference as he tried to determine whether he would survive injuries he'd received in an accident.  102 men died trying to fulfill Ahaziah's orders involving his question about his own upcoming death!

Elijah then received word from God that he would be taken to heaven before the day ended, and he and Elisha, his successor, walked many miles that day together.  My commentary said there were three purposes for the long walk:

"Taking advantage of the present:  Elisha knew that his master was going to leave him, and he wanted to be with him to the very end, listen to his counsel, and learn from him."

"Preparing for the future:  The work of the Lord is always one generation short of extinction and we must be faithful to obey 2 Timothy 2:2."

"Reviewing the past:  Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River were important places in Hebrew history, each of them carrying a significant message ... The past is not an anchor to hold us back but a rudder to guide us and the Lord can use these tangible memories to strengthen our faith ... Remember is found 14 times in Deuteronomy and forget at least nine times."

Elisha had been selected by God to succeed Elijah, and God gave him the spiritual power to do just that.  "A.W. Tozer said, 'It takes more than a ballot to make a leader.' ... Regardless of how they were trained or chosen, true spiritual leaders assure their followers of their divine calling by demonstrating the power of God in their lives."

Father, I lift up our church as we seek the new leader You have prepared for us.  Help us to listen to Your heart and not our own.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford