Elisha Takes Up Elijah's Mantle

Elijah's final day on earth was known not only by himself, but also by Elisha and the other prophets. Three times on that day Elisha was given the opportunity to choose to go through with his prior commitment to take up Elijah's ministry. After his third reaffirmation, Elijah was taken up to heaven alive. There he joined Enoch, the only other person transferred to heaven without dying.

Elisha's ministry began with two miracles of opposite extremes. One a demonstration of God's power in showing mercy and the other in judgment. Both highlighted the fact that Elisha was now serving on God's behalf and previewed the devastating judgment to come on the northern kingdom because they would refuse to repent despite the prophet's ministry.

Some conclusions from this study include:

1. Persistence in ministry is always a must.
2. The work of the Lord does not depend on man.
3. No one is irreplaceable.
4. Strength and power come from God, not man.
5. God is both kind and harsh.
6. Believers are to be lights in the midst of spiritual darkness.
7. The anticipation of the Church is our translation to heaven!