THE MANTLE OF THE MINISTRY FALLS UPON ELISHA (2 KINGS 2:9-18)

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                      

The mantle of the ministry falls upon Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-18)  

Last month we started a series on the miracles of Elisha. Elisha was a successor to the prophet Elijah, as the Bible records that Elisha “took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him.” However, the miracles of Elisha were remarkable because they exceeded Elijah’s miracles in terms of quantity and in terms of spectacle. Amongst the many miracles that Elisha experienced in his ministry, two of the most spectacular were those that occurred as he began his ministry. The miracles are those of Elijah being taken up and of the parting of the river of Jordan upon Elisha’s behest. The Bible records how Elisha was asked if he had a request before his mentor Elijah was taken. 

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” 2 Kings 2:9

The account happened towards the beginning of Jehoram’s reign, just after King Ahaziah had died. Just after that, God had declared to Elijah that “the LORD will take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:1. Jehoram was a bad king and he would “cleave unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.” Elisha was not going to have an easy ministry. King Jehoram will let the nation continue in idolatry. Just as Elijah had to deal with the prophets of Baal with great signs and miracles, Elisha’s ministry will require a clear mandate that he is a servant of the true and living God.

A. God works and assures His servant

The exploits of Elijah were of great renown. His victorious battle over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel were so remarkable that evil queen Jezebel put a price on Elijah’s head. He was able to call fire upon those who came to arrest him, he prayed, and the nation was afflicted with a three and half year drought. Elijah was truly a servant of God who exhibited great faith and even greater courage to go head to head with evil king Ahab.

If you talk about successor anxiety, Elisha had really big shoes to fill. So when asked if he had a petition, Elisha’s reply was, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” Elisha’s request was not one of self-glory, it was a cry for strength to serve the God of Israel and His people. When Elijah was taken up, the Bible records that, “And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.” 2 Kings 2:12. Elisha had no doubts that he was filling the shoes of the man who was intercessor and defender of God’s people. A great task indeed, and what a great and urgent petition it must be in Elisha’s heart.

Secondly, because of the great works by Elijah, Elisha knew that he needed God’s help for the ministry ahead. A ministry that is so effectual and apparent that an observer would deem Elisha a true successor to Elijah, one that meets God’s approval.

Elijah’s answer to him was, “Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” We know that Elisha saw the whole spectacle of Elijah being taken up, so God was pleased to answer Elisha’s request. This was the very first miracle witnessed by Elisha, as the mantle of Elijah fell from him.

B. God’s people acknowledges the work of God’s servant.

The very first miracle that Elisha performed was to part the waters of the River of Jordan. He did this in the sight of all the sons of prophets by striking the river with Elijah’s mantle. They all exclaimed, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” 2 Kings 2:15. It was apparent to all the prophets that used to be under the charge of Elijah that Elisha was God’s approved successor. Even today we use the expression, “taking up the mantle” to indicate that a person is filling in for his predecessor.  

Beloved, this narrative that we considered today tells us of God’s gracious watch over His work, and His loving care upon His servant. The ministry of God’s work is never limited by man’s capacity or longevity. Elijah will be taken up, God will see to it that His work amongst His people will continue. And as in this case God empowers and assures Elisha and the sons of the prophets that there will be continuity of God’s work to intercede, to proclaim the word of God and to reveal God’s will to His people.

For some time now, we have been praying for God to call servants to serve in His vineyard. Please continue to pray. We need a new generation of committed young men and women, called by God to serve Him full-time. Decades ago, when Rev. Timothy Tow set up the FEBC, his intention was that the college will serve as a training ground for equipping the servants of God. Please pray that God will call someone in our midst who will rise up to answer the call of God. Are there anyone amongst us who will answer God’s call to service? We pray that willing hearts will answer God’s call. May God’s name be praised.

In Christ,

 Dn. Lim Seh Beng