[From the original version]
God’s faithless people: this is theme threading its way through the Second Book of Kings. See what happens when the King consults an idol instead of turning to the Lord.
Reflect on your own life. What place do you give the Lord when you look for wisdom about important decisions in your life? In seeking the well-intended advice of others, we can be vulnerable to their bias, their prejudice—reactions from what is unhealed in their lives … hardly the wisdom we need!
Elijah “passes the torch” to Elisha. The Spirit came at Pentecost as tongues or torches of fire on each one. The same can happen to you right now. In Jesus, you are greater than the Old Testament prophets are. Do not resist, or much less rebel, as those in chapter 3. The power of God is with you.
[From the version for families with children]
The great prophets, Elijah and Elisha are like beams of light in the middle of very dark and evil days of wicked kings. God always raises up persons like these prophets who will speak for God no matter what. Like the passing of the torch at the run at the beginning of the Olympics, so does the power of Elijah pass to Elisha. Elijah now goes off to heaven in a fiery chariot.
It’s a powerful, amazing story. Picture yourself standing with Elisha who receives the power of Elijah coming upon him. Is there someone in your life who has been a source of influence for God in your life? Spend some time thanking God for that person. Will there be persons in the next generation who will thank God for your positive influence in their lives? Ask God to give you the grace and power of the greatest prophet of all—Jesus!
What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In this season, A few weeks with Proverbs, then 2 Kings
For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information
The Bible Through the Seasons 