Stephen reflects on the profound life and ministry of the prophet Elijah, emphasizing the unity of Elijah and Elisha's roles. Elijah's ministry was rooted in judgment and death, but also in grace and resurrection, illustrating God's order of first bringing judgment to lead to life. Elijah's calling was sovereign, but it required a responsive heart; Elijah was found plowing with twelve yokes of oxen, demonstrating wholehearted dedication in secular work, which God used as preparation. Stephen highlights that character, developed through faithful service in everyday tasks, is more vital than talent or gift. Elijah's immediate response to God's call—leaving everything behind—exemplifies total forsaking, akin to biblical examples like Martin Luther and Matthew. The call to discipleship involves forsaking all to follow Christ, serving in humility and obedience, exemplified by Elijah serving Elijah by pouring water and performing manual tasks. Stephen stresses that following God involves a journey through various spiritual experiences, Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, Jordan, requiring unwavering commitment. The request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit signifies a desire for zeal and dedication to God's cause, rooted in seeing the Lord in glory. Ultimately, true service begins with discipleship, character development, and a vision of Christ's ascension, enabling believers to serve with the spirit of Elijah, driven by zeal for God's righteousness.
Elijah's ministry combines judgment and grace, illustrating God's order of death followed by resurrection.
Elijah's call was sovereign; response required wholehearted readiness, demonstrated by plowing with twelve yokes of oxen.
Character development through faithful service in secular tasks is essential for God's use.
Forsaking all and total commitment are necessary responses to God's call, exemplified by Elijah, Martin Luther, and Matthew.
Discipleship involves serving in humility and obedience, often through small, faithful acts.
The walk with God includes various spiritual experiences—Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, Jordan—requiring unwavering followership.
Requesting a double portion of Elijah's spirit signifies a desire for zeal and dedication, rooted in seeing Christ in glory.
Confirmation of calling depends on seeing the Lord in heaven; the Holy Spirit is poured out upon such vision.
True service begins with discipleship, character, and a vision of Christ's ascension, enabling believers to serve with Elijah's spirit of zeal.
1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. 8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. 20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? 21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.