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THE GRIEF OF ELISHA

Text: 2 Kings 2
19 January 2010

(I) THE GRIEF OF ELISHA

“And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.” 2 Kings 2:12

1. Tearing of clothes

Symbol of grief

2. Example of Job

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head…” Job 1:20

(II) ASSUMING THE PROPHETIC OFFICE

“He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.” 2 Kings 2:13

1. The first time the mantle of Elijah was mentioned

“Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him” 1 Kings 19:19

2. The second time the mantle of Elijah was mentioned

a) The mantle represented the authority of Elijah

b) This mantle was left behind

c) Elisha now picked up this mantle

i) Physically

ii) Symbolically

(III) THE POWER OF GOD ON ELISHA

“Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, ‘Where is the LORD God of Elijah?’ And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that: and Elisha crossed over.” 2 Kings 2:14

1. The crossing of the River Jordan with Elijah

Elijah struck the water with his mantle and he crossed over dryshod with Elisha (Cf. 2 Kings 2:14)

a) Demonstration of the power of God

b) Teaching of Elisha about the power of God that a prophet can wield

2. The crossing of the River Jordan by Elisha

a) He would replicate the powerful deed of his master, Elijah (2 Kings 2:14)

b) He used the mantle of Elijah (symbolic)

c) His cry “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14)

i) A rhetorical question

ii) A declaration of faith

d) The power and authority of Elijah had indeed been fully passed over to Elisha

i) He wielded tremendous power

ii) He was able to invoke the name of God with tremendous authority