2 Kings 2:1-14

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Rapture of Elijah; Elisha's Ministry Begins

BACKGROUND NOTES

Who knew that Elijah was about to be taken home to heaven?
On what issues was Elisha being tested? Did he pass?
What was the last miracle of Elijah and the first miracle of Elisha?
Is our departure to heaven (or, God forbid, hell) purely happenstance?
Discuss Elijah's departure to heaven. Of what is this a picture? Support this with a New Testament passage.

Elijah, Elisha and the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 2:3, 9)
Was he really committed to the ministry? Was he ready to take on Elijah's mantle? Yes.
The parting of the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8, 14)
No. It depends on our acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
God knew the time and place and the means of Elijah's departure to heaven. A chariot of fire and horses appeared, and took him to heaven. God knows the time and place and the means of our departure from this earth. This is a picture of the rapture. See 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

What are your thoughts about death? What are your thoughts about heaven and hell? About the rapture?
Are these thoughts based on Scripture? For example, turn to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Psalm 116:15.

Elijah served the Lord in his retirement years by visiting and encouraging the student prophets. He tested Elisha’s commitment, and taught him along the way. He was a caring spiritual father right up to the end. If you are retired, how are you serving the Lord? Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit. He was willing to pick up the responsibilities of the prophetic office – the vacancy that would be left when Elijah was taken away. If you are not retired, have you willingly stepped into a vacancy? In either retirement of workforce, can you say with Paul, “Lord,what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6)