Preaching Outline on II Kings 2: 1-7 – And it came to pass, when the LORD had taken Elijah up in a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah departed with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel. But Elisha said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went to Bethel.
Elisha’s call: A journey of trial and perseverance
When Elijah met Elisha, he was plowing the land with twelve yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:19-21). Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of a prophetic call. This gesture marked the beginning of a journey that would require renunciation, commitment and perseverance. Elisha abandoned everything – family, work and his old life – to answer God’s call.
Like Elisha, we are called to leave behind the old man, our traditions and sins, and press on towards the goal, which is the call of God in Christ Jesus(Philippians 3:13-14). This journey is gradual, full of challenges, but culminates in eternal victory.
In this passage, we see Elijah leading Elisha through places that represent different stages of our spiritual life. Each stage teaches us fundamental lessons about communion, holiness, obedience and perseverance.
Answering the Lord’s call requires
Elijah led Elisha through four important places, which symbolize stages in Christian life:
Gilgal means “wheel” or “circular” and was where Joshua circumcised the children of Israel before they entered the Promised Land(Joshua 5:9). Spiritually, it represents the beginning of the Christian journey, when we need to strip ourselves of the old nature and the sins of the past.
Bethel means “House of God”. It was there that Jacob had the vision of the ladder that connected earth to heaven(Genesis 28:10-19). It represents the church environment, where we grow in the knowledge of God and strengthen our faith.
Jericho means “place of fragrance”. Spiritually, it represents the Christian’s witness in the world. Here, we learn to exude the “good fragrance of Christ”(II Corinthians 2:14-15), drawing others to the Lord.
The Jordan was the last place on Elijah and Elisha’s journey. Spiritually, it symbolizes the moment of the rapture and the final transformation.
Elijah opened the waters of the Jordan with his cloak, allowing them both to pass through with dry feet. This points to the work of Christ, who opened the way to heaven, allowing those who remain faithful to enter eternal glory.
Elisha was tested at every stage of the journey, but he persevered. He could have stopped at Gilgal, Bethel or Jericho, but he decided to continue to the end. His determination is an example to us all:
The Christian journey is dynamic and requires perseverance at every stage. We cannot stop at any point, because the goal is heaven and eternal life with Christ.
Just as Elisha was led by Elijah to the rapture, Jesus leads us today by the Holy Spirit. We need to be faithful and vigilant, because the Jordan (rapture) is approaching.
Be like Elisha: determined, persevering and faithful. Don’t stop at any stage of the journey, because the final reward will be glorious. As Paul says: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”(II Timothy 4:7-8).
Today is the day to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord. Don’t stand still; move forward on your journey and be ready for the rapture!