05.11.2018 – Old Testament: 2Ki 2.4–8

To read the Bible in a year, read Second Kings 1–3 on May 11, In the year of our Lord 2018

By Don Ruhl

The time arrived for Elijah to leave the earth but Elisha would not leave him. As they journeyed, Elijah encouraged Elisha to stay at various locations, but Elisha refused and insisted on staying with Elijah,

Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they came to Jericho. Now the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep silent!” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground (2 Kings 2.4–8).

If someone you respected, admired, and loved was going to die today, would you leave his or her side? While Elijah would not die, but the Lord would take the prophet directly into heaven, the point still stands. Elisha wanted to be with Elijah until the very end, and if he did, there was a special blessing awaiting Elisha.

Questions:

• Have you been with a loved one when he or she died?
• How has that person made your life better?

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