We have reached the end of this particular journey. Today our reading will take us to the end of Elisha's earthly life.
Read 2 Kings 13: 14 - 23
Our protagonist has grown old and is sick. Jehoash, king of Israel goes to pay his last respects to the old prophet. The use of the phrase "My Father" was typical of the times when a younger man was showing respect to an older. And the use of "the chariots and horsemen of Israel" links Elisha with Elijah. It is a tribute. This king is truly honoring the prophet.
The interchange in verses 15 - 19 seems strange to our ears. Obviously there is symbolism regarding Israel's victory over their enemy, the Arameans. What is it about this striking of the ground that we read in verses 18 - 19? Most of the commentators that I read think that it is symbolic of half-hearted commitment by the kings of Israel to devote themselves to God - to fully trust God. If that is true, the lessons literally leap off the page! How is your commitment to trusting God with your life? Are you in the "strike the ground 3 times only" group, the half-hearted group, the "I'll go along a little way, but not too far" group? Those who will talk of commitment to Christ, to His church, as long as it is easy and convenient? Our God requires all of us - not part, not "one day a week". His requirement is "all".
Scripture is full of the concept of "all". Listen to Jesus when asked about what really matters: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." I don't want any half-hearted response from me. Do you? Give it all. Pray that God will open your eyes to see where you are holding back your trust in Him.
And Elisha died and was buried. (verse 20a) Such understatement!
While the detail around his death and burial is so sparse, God allows us to see the strength, the power, and the significance of this prophet of His. Verses 20 - 21 are almost comedic. God raised a dead man because his body touched the bones of this great prophet. Wish I had been there to see that!
Elijah - the dramatic prophet - the voice calling Israel back to her God - a beacon in his time.
Elisha - the gentle prophet - one by one calling Israelites, calling kings, back to their God - a light in his time.
What about you? Whatever your personality, whatever your style, wherever your circumstances take you ... God has placed the same mission in our laps ... calling people back to their God. Be a light ... be a light in your family ... be a light in your circle of influence.
"This little light of mine ...
I'm gonna let is shine.
This little light of mine ...
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ... ALL the time ... let it shine."
I pray that you will ... and I pray that I will ... Let's be light!
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