A Test of Discipleship
2/25/26 Bible Thought (2 Kings 2)
Main Idea: A true disciple isn’t easily turned away.
A Look at the Text:
In the last chapter, the inspired narrator recounted the end of the wicked king, Ahaziah, after an encounter with the prophet Elijah. Now, in chapter 2, the scene changes to the coming end of Elijah.
With this in mind, we are reintroduced to Elisha, who was called to be Elijah’s replacement back in 1 Kings 19:19-21. In today’s text, we see how resolute Elisha was as Elijah’s disciple.
When we first met Elisha, after his call, he returned home briefly to say goodbye to his family. Perhaps he was on the fence ever so slightly. Nevertheless, we saw his resolute commitment to a new way of life when he took the yoke of oxen he’d been plowing with and sacrificed them to Yahweh, burning the yoke itself to start the fire. No longer was he a farmer—he was going to be a prophet.
Somehow, it is made clear in 2 Kings 2 that Elijah’s time had come. The prophets in Bethel knew it (2 Kings 2:3), and the prophets in Jericho knew it as well (2 Kings 2:5). Even more, all throughout the journey, Elijah discouraged Elisha from continuing on with him. It seems as if this was a test.
Being a prophet wasn’t an easy task. Elijah knew this all too well. On at least one occasion, it nearly cost him his life. Certainly, it regularly cost him many of the comforts of a normal life. Prophetic work was lonely. It was unpopular. It was rarely respected and was often scoffed at or persecuted.
Yet, Elisha remained steadfast in following Elijah from town to town, over many miles.
As a result, when he saw Elijah taken into heaven, he received the inheritance of a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This was quickly proven with many miracles that we will see more of throughout the coming chapters.
Bringing it Home:
There is One today who is greater than Elijah, whose name is Jesus Christ. Similarly, as He walked the earth incarnate, He took disciples for Himself. Yet, while the great prophet Elisha was allowed to bid his family farewell, the Lord Jesus once warned:
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
If we look to the example of Elisha in today’s text and see how resolute he was in following his master, should this not challenge us in the loyal pursuit of our own Master, Jesus?
The call to follow Jesus Christ is all-encompassing. Discipleship under Jesus is a lifestyle that doesn’t just characterize a part of one’s life. It is wholly consuming. It is to be the primary decision-making paradigm of our lives, the greatest pursuit of our goals, and the very reason we are here.
Challenge:
How devoted am I to my Savior and Master, Jesus Christ? Am I willing to face down discouragements, setbacks, and the approval of man in a faithful pursuit of discipleship under Jesus?