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INTIMATION OF DEATH

Text: 2 Kings 2
20 October 2009

(I) INTIMATION OF DEATH

1. To some is given knowledge of death (intimation)

2. Examples

a) Moses (Deuteronomy 31)

b) Jesus (John 12:23-33)

c) Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

d) Elijah (2 Kings 2)

(II) FACING DEATH

1. Coming to terms- Preparation

a) Personal

b) People to take over

2. Communion in Prayer

a) Review of life and ministry (John 17)

b) Regret-free

3. Conclusion of Ministry- Practical details

a) At Bethel

“The LORD has sent me to Bethel” 2 Kings 2:2

b) At Jericho

“The LORD has sent me to on to Jericho” 2 Kings 2:4

c) At Jordan

“The LORD has sent me on to the Jordan” 2 Kings 2:6

Elijah’s ministry at these three places was not explained. However, the fact that there were three groups of prophets associated with these places suggests that Elijah probably had a ministry to these prophets.

(III) ELIJAH AND ELISHA: REVIEW OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MASTER AND DISCIPLE

1. Initial relationship

a) Calling of Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21)

b) Commencing of training as a “servant”

“Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant” 1 Kings 19:21

c) Continuation of relationship

Elisha continued to serve with Elijah from Ahab’s reign to Ahaziah’s reign

2. Intimate relationship

a) Growth of relationship

b) Elijah’s words to Elisha

i) Politeness of speech

“Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel” 2 Kings 2:2a

ii) Tenderness of speech

“Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho” 2 Kings 2:4a

iii) Consistent concern

“Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan” 2 Kings 2:6a

c) Elisha’s reply to Eljiah

i) Loyalty

“As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” 2 Kings 2:2b

ii) Loyalty established

“As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you” 2 Kings 2:4b

iii) Loyalty… humility… commitment

“As the LORD lives, and as you soul lives, I will not leave you.” 2 Kings 2:6b