2 Kings 2, Called
Theological Proposition/Focus: The focus of ministry is on God!
Homiletical Proposition/Application: Our focus should always be on God therefore, we should not be surprised when God makes adjustments to ministry.
Introduction:
Image: Negotiables and non-negiotiables keeping the main thing the main thing
Emily and I enjoy traveling and we often create detailed plans for our trips. However, when planning a trip it is easy to lose track of the main thing. For example, if you are going on a trip to see the Channel Islands (our last trip) you have to be careful that you don't get so distracted by other nearby places that you miss visiting the main area. As we planned the trip we talked about visiting Yosemite, death valley, and Joshua Tree, but when we pulled out the map we began to realize that we would not be able to get to all of those areas. We needed to keep the main thing the main thing.
Need: As we serve God we must keep the main thing the main thing, and the main thing is God so don't be surprised when God makes major changes to ministry.
Preview: Today we are going to dig into the life and ministry of Elijah and what I want you to see is God's sovereign will playing out in Elijah's life and ministry.
Text: 2 Kings 2. Wait to read the text until point 3.
Setting the Stage:
Today we are going to look at a snapshot of the life of Elijah.
You may or may not recall much from the life of Elijah so my first two points will be some background information before we get to our main text!
The critical information you need before we begin is that
Elijah was a prophet of God during the period of time when Israel and Judah were divided from each other into two countries.
The nation of Israel largely rejected God and embraced idolatry.
Elijah largely ministered to this idolatrous nation of Israel.
Body
Serving God can be a lot like riding a roller coaster.
At times serving God takes us to the pinnacle (victory on Mt. Carmel).
Sometimes serving God places us in the wilderness (loneliness in Beersheba).
Then God pulls us back to the pinnacle (revelation on Mt. Sinai).
Image:
MTR: Do some self-reflection. Does God have you on a mountain-top or a valley right now?
There are times when we can clearly see God building to something great.
God provides people who can be trained to be the next generation (the Call of Elisha).
Sometimes God removes major obstacles (the fall of Ahab).
At times God so clearly demonstrates His sovereign power that He cannot be denied (the judgement of Ahaziah).
Image:
MTR: How have you seen God building something great?
However, the focus always has been and must always be on God not the mere servant (2 Kings 2).
God continues his work through those who are willing to work (2:1-2, 4-6).
Elisha was a worker and desired to work. We can see the work ethic of Elisha in 2nd Kings 2:2. Elisha refused to risk missing an opportunity to learn from Elijah. Another telling story of Elisha’s work ethic comes back in 1st Kings 19:19. Elisha was the heir of a wealthy family. Notice the position Elisha was in. Elisha is plowing with the servants. Not only is Elisha plowing, but also Elisha is plowing at the back. Elisha is plowing in the position where all the dust and dirt fall, behind many oxen, downwind of the dust cloud that must have been present. Elisha is in the lowest of low places working when he could have been basking in his future riches. Elisha knew how to work. God continues his work through those who are willing to work.
God will preserve His work it is not for humans to bear that burden themselves (2:3).
Another characteristic of Elisha is revealed in 2nd Kings 2:3. In this passage the ministers in training ask the question on everyone’s mind, “What are we going to do now that Elijah is leaving, don’t you know this is going to destroy our ministry?” Elisha’s response reveals his trust in God, “Keep quiet.” These two words convey a multitude of meaning. God was at work and to Elisha the doubters were unhelpful. God would preserve his ministry.
God qualifies the called (2:7-10)
Not every hardworking, God trusting individual is chosen to serve in the way Elisha was. In fact, another characteristic of Elisha stands out. Elisha was desirous of an opportunity to serve. Before Elijah leaves he asks Elisha what Elisha wants. Elisha asks for a double portion. The cultural significance cannot be overstated. Elisha is asking to be the given the ministerial position of first-born. Recall that Elijah did not have an easy life, Elisha is not asking for fame and fortune, or easy living. Elisha is asking to be the successor. In fact, scripture seems to confirm a double portion. Elisha has twice as many miracles recorded as Elijah. God is the one who qualified Elisha by granting him the double-portion. Elisha by asking for this was unassuming. Nothing Elisha possessed could qualify him to serve as the next great prophet, that had to come by God's grace.
MTR: Just do it (2:11-18)!
When Elijah is taken Elisha once again shows himself a worthy successor. Others are still focused on finding the body of Elijah. Elisha immediately begins ministry. God’s work is in motion. When God moves one person into a new realm he knows what he is doing and we can be confident that he will provide for his ministry. The key is that we are ready, willing, and desire to work.
