Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1922-02-02
LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 5
ELIJAH TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN

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LESSON TExT.-II Kings. 2i-l5.
GOLDEN TExT.-Be thou faithful unto
death. aad I viii give thee a crown of
bfe.-aRAy. $40.
REFERENCE MATERIAL-Mark s:2-s;
II Tim. Ais.
Z PRIMARY ToPIC-God Takes Elijah to
Heaven.
JUNIOR ToPIc-Enjah Taken Up Into
Heaven.
INTERMEDIARY AND SENIOR TOPIC
--Jshovah's Champion Exalted.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Divine Approval OF Faithful Service.
4 |. God Reveals to Elijah His Ap-
preaching Rapture " -.
( It was made known to Elijah that
be was to go to heaven by a whirl-
wind. There is striking correspond
enceI between his life and his home.
going. Much of his life was charaC-
terized with the rush of the storm, so
God chose to take him home to him
self In the whirlwfnd. AS reward
for his faithfulness, God lifted the
prophet over death into heaven.
Elijah did not choose the time of his
home-going but was ready.
IL. Eiljsh's Closing Ministry wv.
2.s).
Knowing that the time of his home
going was near, he did not change his
manner or method of life, but thought
fully and calmly pursued his custom
airy duties.
J.. Visits the schools of the prophets
(vv. 2-S). At the Lords direction he
went to give his farewell counsels to
the young students whom he had been
training and upon whom the future
Of the nation politically and reli-
giously 80 largely depended. He made
regular rounds In visitation and in
struction. Schools were located at
Gilgal, Bethel and Jericho. His edu-
catisnal work shows him to have been
not merely an iconoclast, but a states
man OF high order.
2. Trains Elisha to be his successor
wv, 2-s), There was a real friend
ship between Elijah and Elisha,
Though the one was old and the other
young. Elisha came into the life of
Elijah In the field when Elijah called
him from the pillow Il Kings 19:19-2D.
Elisha chung to his master to the very
last In spite of three urgent requests
for, him. to remain behind. These
tests were somewhat like those of the
Master with Peter (John q Ibid.
The great object was to. get him ready
to take up the work which Elijah was
to lay down. The, order Of progress
of the journey indicates, says SEQ
field, 'the experience of every child
Of God who enters into a vital expert
ence OF Gods best. That walk began
at Gilgal. The typical significance of
Gilgal cannot be mistaken by any
reader Of Joshua. Gilgal was the place
where redeemed people rolled away
the reproach of Egypt Gosh. 5:1-11).
"The next stage, was Bethel-house
of God--the place Of vision, of spir-
ttual insight. for Bethel YVES the place
where Jehovah gave Jacob the great
ladder vision (Gen. 28:1-19). He
must 80 on from Bethel to Jordan.
Jordan stands for the New Testament
truth, crucified with Christ. There,
ON the resurrection side of Jordan,
the gift Of power awaited the prophet"
I'll. Eillah's Rapture CIV. 9-11).
1. Elisha's request of Elijah ". 81.
The walk of Elisha with Elijah from
Gilgal to Jordan has prepared him for
the final question of Elijah before his
rapture. Elijah now knew that it
was safe to allow Elisha to choose for
himself. Elisha made noble request
did not ask for riches, honor or posi-
lion. He suprenely desired the quail
feations which would enable him. to
wOrthily succeed Elijah. Curiously
enough, however, Elisha performed
twice as many miracles as Elijah.
Q. The condition of receiving was
steaafastness and perseverance ".
10Y. He must have faith in the in-
visible life in order to have power for
public ministry.
3. Eiijah's rapture ". ~. 1t
seems that he went to heaven in
chariot OF Ere enveloped by the whirl-
Wild. Elijah underwent that change
which all believers shall experience at
the appearing Of Christ Il Cor. Is 81,
52).
w. The Spirit Of Elijah Upon
Elisha wv. 12.15).
1. Elishas cry ". 12). He cried
after Elijah, '9rhe chariot of Israel
and the horsemen thereof" This
shows the value of godly man to
his country. 1t implies that Elijah
was the true national defense. God
Illness and character are more impor-
tant than armies and navies.
2. Elisha uses the power wv. 10,
14). He had faith to put the power
to test.
8. The spirit of Elijah on Elisha ".
16). This was confirmed by the sons
Of the prophets.