Elisha’s call – Preaching
Preaching Outline on II Kings 2: 1-7 – And it came to pass, when the LORD had taken Elijah up in a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah departed with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel. But Elisha said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went to Bethel.
Elisha’s call: A journey of trial and perseverance
Introduction: Elisha’s call
When Elijah met Elisha, he was plowing the land with twelve yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:19-21). Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of a prophetic call. This gesture marked the beginning of a journey that would require renunciation, commitment and perseverance. Elisha abandoned everything – family, work and his old life – to answer God’s call.
Like Elisha, we are called to leave behind the old man, our traditions and sins, and press on towards the goal, which is the call of God in Christ Jesus(Philippians 3:13-14). This journey is gradual, full of challenges, but culminates in eternal victory.
In this passage, we see Elijah leading Elisha through places that represent different stages of our spiritual life. Each stage teaches us fundamental lessons about communion, holiness, obedience and perseverance.
Call handling
Answering the Lord’s call requires
- Renunciation: Like Elisha, we must abandon everything that prevents us from following God. Jesus teaches us that anyone who loves anything more than Him is not worthy of Him(Matthew 10:37).
- Surrender: It is a break with the past and a total surrender to the Lord. The Holy Spirit gradually works on us, shaping us day by day until we reach spiritual maturity(II Timothy 3:17).
- Obedience: Answering the call requires faith and a willingness to walk according to God’s direction, even if you don’t understand all the purposes at first.
Elisha’s journey: Places of trial and growth
Elijah led Elisha through four important places, which symbolize stages in Christian life:
a) Gilgal – The starting point (Renunciation and Communion)
Gilgal means “wheel” or “circular” and was where Joshua circumcised the children of Israel before they entered the Promised Land(Joshua 5:9). Spiritually, it represents the beginning of the Christian journey, when we need to strip ourselves of the old nature and the sins of the past.
- Spiritual Lesson: Gilgal is the place of circumcision of the heart, where we renounce the flesh and draw closer to God. Many can’t go on because freedom from the vices, sins and traditions of the world can seem too heavy.
- Complementary Text: “Forget what is past; do not live in the past”(Isaiah 43:18).
b) Bethel – The house of the Lord (Communion with God and with the brothers)
Bethel means “House of God”. It was there that Jacob had the vision of the ladder that connected earth to heaven(Genesis 28:10-19). It represents the church environment, where we grow in the knowledge of God and strengthen our faith.
- Spiritual Lesson: After the new birth, we need to be in the body of Christ (the church), where we are built up by the Word, spiritual gifts and fellowship with the brethren(Psalm 133).
- Warning: Many, like the sons of the prophets at Bethel, are aware of what God is doing, but remain inert, without seeking growth or greater commitment.
c) Jericho – The place of fragrance (Witness and Evangelization)
Jericho means “place of fragrance”. Spiritually, it represents the Christian’s witness in the world. Here, we learn to exude the “good fragrance of Christ”(II Corinthians 2:14-15), drawing others to the Lord.
- Spiritual Lesson: This is the stage of Christian service. It’s when we become useful in the Kingdom of God, evangelizing, helping in the work and exercising the gifts that the Lord has given us.
- Warning: Many watch from afar, like the sons of the prophets, and don’t get actively involved in the service of the Kingdom.
d) Jordan – The Crossroads (Rapture and Eternity)
The Jordan was the last place on Elijah and Elisha’s journey. Spiritually, it symbolizes the moment of the rapture and the final transformation.
Elijah opened the waters of the Jordan with his cloak, allowing them both to pass through with dry feet. This points to the work of Christ, who opened the way to heaven, allowing those who remain faithful to enter eternal glory.
- Spiritual Lesson: The Jordan symbolizes the final separation between believers and unbelievers. It is the moment when the church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air(I Thessalonians 4:17).
Elisha’s perseverance
Elisha was tested at every stage of the journey, but he persevered. He could have stopped at Gilgal, Bethel or Jericho, but he decided to continue to the end. His determination is an example to us all:
- Eyes fixed on the Lord: Elisha didn’t take his eyes off Elijah until the moment of the rapture. In the same way, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith(Hebrews 12:2).
- Receiving the Promise: For his faithfulness, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit(II Kings 2:9-12). This points to the reward that God has prepared for those who remain faithful to the end.
Conclusion: The Proven Church and the Rapture
The Christian journey is dynamic and requires perseverance at every stage. We cannot stop at any point, because the goal is heaven and eternal life with Christ.
Just as Elisha was led by Elijah to the rapture, Jesus leads us today by the Holy Spirit. We need to be faithful and vigilant, because the Jordan (rapture) is approaching.
- Are you moving forward in your walk with Christ, or have you stopped somewhere?
- Are you ready to cross the Jordan and receive the promise of eternal life?
Be like Elisha: determined, persevering and faithful. Don’t stop at any stage of the journey, because the final reward will be glorious. As Paul says: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”(II Timothy 4:7-8).
Today is the day to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord. Don’t stand still; move forward on your journey and be ready for the rapture!
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