TAKING UP THE MANTLE THE CALL OF ELISHA

TAKING UP THE MANTLE THE CALL OF ELISHA 1 KINGS 19 2 KINGS 2

ELIJAH ANOINTS ELISHA 1 KINGS 19: 15 -21 • Elisha is God’s sword and plowman for Israel, and a help for Elijah. • Covered by Elijah’s mantle, Elisha ‘sacrifices’ to follow and serve his new master.

FAST-FORWARDING… 1 KINGS 20 – 2 KINGS 1 • There are, in fact, other prophets in Israel. (20: 13, 35; 22: 8, 15 -23) • Elijah condemns Ahab & Jezebel, and Ahab dies by God’s will. (ch. 21 -22) • Ahab’s son continues his idolatry,

ELIJAH LEAVES ELISHA 2 KINGS 2: 1 -14 • Knowing his master is leaving, Elisha clings to him faithfully. • His last request is a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. • Now ‘alone’, Elisha takes up the mantle—but is God with

IS GOD WITH ELISHA? 2 KINGS 2: 15 -25 • God’s presence with Elisha is obvious, but he must establish his authority as the prophet. • He blesses those who turn to him, and curses those who reject his God-given authority.

TAKING UP THE MANTLE JOHN & JESUS • John came in the spirit of Elijah, a lone prophet challenging Israel to repent. • He prepared the way for Jesus, who was anointed by God’s Spirit in water. • Jesus brings a sword: life to those

TAKING UP THE MANTLE JESUS & US • Victoriously rejected, Jesus calls us to sacrifice all to follow and serve Him. • Taken up into heaven, He has given us His Spirit—God’s presence with us. • Passing through water, we go into

TAKING UP THE MANTLE WHERE IS JEHOVAH, THE GOD OF ELISHA?