Middletown transcript., 1915-10-09
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 10
ELIJAH TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN.
LESSON TExT-II Kings 2:l-l2a.

This chapter is in type the Chris
tian's chapter. There are two chief
| divisions: ~ Translation w. 1-12:
~ reception and use of power w. 12-
rs. The event occurred probably S99
B. c. This is a wonderful lesson for
youth as it emphasizes that the way to
heaven is the way to the best of life.
!. Elisha's Testing, w. 1-s. Since
Carmel, Elijah had largely been work.
ing according to the still small
voice." He had revived the schools of
Samuel, but now in some way notice
was sent from God that the time of
his departure was at hand. How ELI
sha learned this fact the record does
not suggest, but he had had a great
object lesson in Elijah's faithful, step
by-step obedience to Jehovah's word
and doubtless was listening keenly
for Elijah's words and for the voice
OF Jehovah. This explains Elisha's
tenacity. Gilgal ". u means wheel"
our reproach rolled away, and is a
picture Of our salvation Il. Peter ST.;
Ps. 55:22). Elijah had already learned
the lesson Of being supplanted by a
younger man and so he gracefully al.
lows Elisha to follow him. Bethel"
the house of God. was a good place to
tarry but not for Elisha at this time.
Now ". 81 fifty "sons"-pupils-of the
prophet seek to dissuade Elisha.
Knowing something was about to
happen, they stood to view afar off,
but were not willing to draw nigh, to
follow like Elisha. They thereby
failed to reap a rich reward John
1920. Jericho ". A. means "fra-
GRANGE" 1t is the place of tempta-
tion Il. Cor. 1913. This was IA
miles farther and contained a settle
ment of prophets. Again Elijah and
Elisha PASSED on, the one to glory,
the other to the fullness of the HOLY
Spirit. At Jericho ". 81 the "sons
OF the prophet" evidenced greater in
terest than those at Bethel. but in
reply to their challenge Elisha com.
manded silence. The last difficulty to
confront them was Jordan DEATH,
but they do not hesitate, for God had
provided even for that contingency.
Neither are we to hesitate but will
ltngly "die unto self" Here the aged
prophet exercised his supernatural
power and they went over on dry
ground" ". 81. Though this Journey
seems to have been revealed only
stage by stage, yet 1t was direct to
the final goal, and at each stage,
though they saw not the end they
knew where to go next. This loyalty
OF Elisha to Elijah is a great lesson
for us to follow in our service of
Christ-our privilege of loyalty to his
cause and the blessing which will re-
suit thereby.
H. Elljah's Translation, w. e-12a.
Even as in the first section we see in
type the plan of salvation SO in this
section we are taught the resultant
tacts ana the experiments which come
10 US when the blessing is received.
Elisha is now encouraged to TASK"
yet we have a like promise from a
greater than Elijah which we too often
neglect (John 14:13. 15:17). Elijah
was such a mighty man of prayer
flames 5;17, 1S) that he was on init.
mate terms with God and could there.
lore make such an offer to Elisha (see
Acts S:l5, I'D. Notice that the "ffty
sons OF the prophets" who stood afar
OH were not on the right side of the
river to receive like promise or en-
ter into the same fellowship In
sense this was Elishas final test.
what he would ask would prove what
ne was fitted for. Elisha had been
sunciently tested so that it was per.
.ectly safe to grant him his REQUESTS.
Nnrist ls likewise safe in granting
requests to all who abide In him"
ana In whom mis- word abides" John
Lo:D. What he asked was not twice
nat possessed by Elijah but rather
ne portion belonging to the eldest
son (Deut. 21:17). the one who was to
% successor and head of the house
lolu' Elisha asked for fitness for the
Tork rather than position in the work.
1iJan reminds him that the request
naue was a hard thing" for of all
iard things to impart to another the
laruest is to transfer spiritual gifts.
AGAIN Elijah may not have known the
nan OF GOD that man SO unlike him
'eil was to take the place of leader.
mp Elijah said, however, eff thou
ee me when am taken from thee"
Nou gives you spiritual vision to
100 anu TO understand, then he will
'ooept you as my successor. There
nust oe persistence to the end and
piiituai vision. "As they still went
N Elijah went up, not in a chariot
~, atlehued by chariots and by
wniriwind into heaven" (See also
.1ek' IA; II Kings SID. Elijah,
ne man Of tempestuous fire and
"oru, VINO In his hour of weakness
rayed to die, is swept out of sight
mid display of Gods power In and
through nature.
Note the simplicity of the record
ne verse-as though such power were
ovah. '''
Ihe translation of Jesus was unite
luke 24:51). ''
And he saw It,"
Ellshas eyes were open and he saw
Is departing chief, therefore he be.
romise. ee ~ 'Ne
AS visible proof of his new an.
oihtnent Elijah let his well-known
.a".ie lall' as he ascended, and Eli
ia LOOK 1t and is recognized as Ell.
lhs successor
Wnat is heaven? Read the last chap
ers OF Revelation.