Power Transfer

Read 2 Kings 2, 4, 6:1-7
 
2 Kings 2:13-14 Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. 14 He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.
 
TWO times in perhaps just an hour or so, God divided the waters of the Jordan River, so Elijah and Elisha could safely cross over. Surely this was as remarkable as God parting the Jordan in Joshua 4. It is also God’s same miracle power that parted the Red Sea. This same power was on Jesus when he walked on Galilee’s water (John 6). God worked through Elijah and Elisha as he did with Moses, Joshua and Jesus for one purpose: to demonstrate his majesty and his might. This is God’s testimony, “I AM who I AM.” so his people will testify to the nations.
   When Elisha asked, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he expressed the sure hope and expectation God would continue his work. He awaited the spiritual cloak of God’s power on his life, so he would be the LORD God’s tool to shape his will in Israel. Elisha is confirming, “Here I am, LORD. Send me.”
   The Jordan River’s parting also gave evidence for the other prophets to confess “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” The public witness and proclamation underscored Elisha was Elijah’s successor. Still, the witnesses needed one more piece of evidence:
 
2 Kings 2:17 But the prophets kept urging Elisha until they shamed him into agreeing, and he finally said, “All right, send them.” So fifty men searched for three days but did not find Elijah.
 
First, this passage tells us Elisha is now the prophet of authority. The others must ask his permission to search for Elijah. Yet, in a sense, the men are searching for God. They wanted physical proof he was really gone into heaven. After the search, each man knew in his heart and mind that God had powerfully and graciously acted before their eyes. There was no death’s door for Elijah! Think of the testimonies they told the rest of their lives. Assured in God’s visible power, they would repeatedly tell of I AM’s grand display of eternal life.  
   Jesus’ disciples responded to his resurrection and ascension in the same way, didn’t they? At first the disciples doubted, even mocked the news, “He is risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6) Then they saw Jesus alive and watched him ascend to heaven. With this blessed evidence they testified throughout their lives of God’s eternal life. No authority or power on earth could stop them from repeatedly testifying to the good news, “He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee…that he would again rise on the third day.” (Luke 24:6, 7b)
   Be assured, it’s good to faithfully search for God. When you do, you will see the magnificent work he has done and is doing. You will be convinced of his work to come. And you will be joyful to repeatedly tell the good news.
   In Christ, you are as the prophets. The Spirit has saved you to give you a voice of truth. When you know the way to the Lord, you will testify to those who also must know.