WEEK 3, DAY 2 OF COME, LORD JESUS, COME – (A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY)
TODAY’S READING: 2 Kings 2:1-18 (SOAP: VERSE 11)
As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:11 NET
OBSERVATIONS
Such imagery might be too much for us to imagine but we live in the day of incredible cinematography that allows us to actually see in our mind this scene that Jeremiah paints of Elijah going up to heaven. I suppose some will read the passage and immediately think how outlandish it sounds and question how anyone could believe it. However, for those of us who know God and have experienced His grace and power in our own lives or seen it in the lives of others it is more than believable. Actually considering how He spoke and the world was created or how He raised Christ from the grave after His body lay three days in the tomb, this may seem a bit lack-luster in comparison. Though, nothing is truly lack-luster with God, is it? His works are wonderful, we know it and see it and we watch for the miracles and even the simplest of His fingerprints – and when we see them our faith is energized.
The difference between the modern day cinematography and God’s display of power is that the art form is for accolades and profit while the other is meant to save people from their sins and to prepare them for what they have been called to do. This is the case in 2 Kings, where”God’s awesome display of power fitted Elisha for service – much like Moses at the burning bush.”1 or like the disciples and apostles at Jesus’ ascension, and much like us at the details we are given through God’s living and active Word – literally a jumbotron of His works and unfolding story. The wealth of knowledge, love, and power that He has displayed all around us should fuel us with whole-hearted dedication to serve God faithfully all of our life.
Application: SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
Elijah was the lord and master of Elisha. So close were they that when Elisha sees him ascending into Heaven, he calls out, “my father, my father.” Elisha knew that Elijah would be leaving him but something tells me he wasn’t prepared for the way it happened, yet after the event he was clearly prepared for the call of God on his life. Much the same for us, having heard, and seen, and believed in the birth, the life, the death, the resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ – we have been empowered and are now equipped and called to respond.
Prayer: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
Father, what a miracle working God You are – One of beauty and creativity and power – One of purpose! May our eyes always be open, our ears and hearts alert, and our responses pleasing – flowing from a dedication to serve You faithfully and with purpose! – Energize us by Your Spirit Father – In Jesus’ powerful name – amen!
YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS
What 3 lessons do we learn from 2 Kings 2:1-18? How can you put these lessons into practice in your life?