In today's reading the ministry of Elijah comes to an end and his spirit is given in a double portion to Elisha. Elijah is the second person in the Bible to be translated from this existence to a heavenly existence without dying (Enoch was the first). He is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. Because Elisha saw Elijah depart, the Lord fulfilled a promise He made through Elijah and gave a double portion of his spirit to Elisha. A careful examination of the miracles of both show that Elisha performed double the miracles that Elijah performed.
Elisha's ministry was similar to Elijah's. Both used the prophet's mantel to part the waters of the Jordan river. Both ministered to a widow woman - in Elisha's case the woman had to pay a debt. Both raised a woman's son from the dead. In both cases the woman was hospitable to the prophet and thus received a blessing from God. Both ministered to the king of Israel and told him of his evil and idolatry.
Only God can make a man a prophet and prophets are born as prophets. Elijah and Elisha were outstanding examples of true prophets of the Lord.
May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment