Faithful to the Finish, 7 July 2019
08 07 19 Filed in: Sermons | All the King's Choices
Faithful to the Finish
Series—All The King’s Choices
2 Kings 2:1-15
Big Idea: God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness.
What is your favorite attribute of God?
I am in awe of God’s power, grateful for His grace, thankful for His love, amazed by His wisdom, …but I think my favorite attribute of God is His faithfulness.
Moses wrote,
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
The original Hebrew word for faithful here is “emunah,” meaning faithfulness, steadiness, trustworthiness. The same word is used in the book of Lamentations:
Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
My favorite hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Although Heather and I have experienced countless storms, incredible pain, and more than a few surprises in life, we’ve found God to be faithful. We’re not always happy. We’ve been disappointed many times. But ultimately God has always proven Himself to be faithful to us.
A different, yet similar, word is used in this psalm:
He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. (Psalms 146:6)
The Hebrew word here is “emet” which is faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness truth.
Communion is a reminder of God’s faithfulness as recorded by John:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The Greek, pistos, used here indicates God is faithful, true, and trusty (it’s a word!).
This is our God! He is faithful!
God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness.
Faithfulness is growing increasingly uncommon in our contemporary vocabulary. For one thing, faith seems to be in decline, whether that’s actually true or not. Full of faith might only describe the truly zealous.
I looked up the word and definitions include
- Loyal
- Constant
- Steadfast
- Devoted
Is that quality you desire from a friend? A family member? A Father?
Today we’re going to look at two men who were faithful, not only for a season of their lives, but faithful to the finish. They had experienced God’s faithfulness and returned the favor! These two men had similar roles and similar names…Elijah and Elisha. In the book of 2 Kings, we see the prophet Elijah nearing the end of his days on earth. He was faithful to God throughout, and God blesses his faithfulness.
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. (2 Kings 2:1)
Faithful servants remain faithful to the finish.
I often say it doesn’t matter who’s winning the game or the race in the final seconds. What matters is the end. The first to cross the finish line is the winner. The team with the most points when the buzzer goes off is the victor.
I’m so tired of hearing about gifted, talented, charismatic pastors who crash and burn before the finish line. They might be best-selling authors, megachurch leaders, or popular conference speakers who talk a good talk, but then self-destruct. Virtually every instance involves money, sex, and/or power. Success in the middle of the race is not enough. We must all finish well.
On more than one occasion I’ve heard people say they only read books by dead authors. They know how they finished!
Elijah’s story begins in 1 Kings chapter 17 in the 9th century BC. His highlight reel included raising someone from the dead, calling down fire from the sky, and defending the worship of the Hebrew God against the false god Baal. He was so significant that he is mentioned in several books of the Bible and even other religious books such as the Quran and the Book of Mormon. In one miraculous scene, Elijah appears with Moses in the Transfiguration of Jesus in Luke chapter 9.
One of the greatest moments in Elijah’s life occurs in what could only be described as a near-death experience…because Elijah never dies! He’s one of two people in the Bible taken up to heaven before ever dying (the other is Enoch, Genesis 5:21-24). We’ll get to that in a moment.
One of the most important questions my late dad ever asked me is, “Who is your mentor?” Throughout my life, I had no greater mentor than my dad, and I have missed him for many years.
Who is your mentor? Who are you mentoring?
Among the most humbling moments in my life have been the times young pastors in Burundi asked me to be their mentors. Another e-mailed me this past week.
Who is your mentor? Who are you mentoring?
The question could be plural. Different people can mentor us in different areas of life. For example, you might have someone who is showing you how to be a good spouse, another person modeling parenthood for you, a financial coach, a home-improvement guide, and a person teaching you how to play tennis.
In the days of Jesus, the most outstanding students would leave home and travel with a rabbi for months or even years. These “talmidim” or disciples did more than acquire knowledge. They sought to become like their teacher, eventually becoming teachers themselves.
Centuries earlier, young prophets learned from mentors like Elijah. They would gather in groups and be trained in guilds in places throughout Israel. Elijah knows he’s about to end his ministry on earth and he is with his protégé of seven or eight years, Elisha. The baton pass from Elijah to Elisha is nothing short of remarkable as Elijah embarks on his farewell tour.
Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. (2 Kings 2:2)
Elisha is deeply devoted to Elijah.
The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” (2 Kings 2:3)
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. (2 Kings 2:4)
Did Elijah forget Elisha’s devotion? He’s not leaving his mentor!
The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” (2 Kings 2:5)
Everyone seems to know Elijah’s leaving soon, and they all want Elisha to know. First, the prophets of Bethel. Now the prophets of Jericho.
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. (2 Kings 2:6)
Elijah, take a hint! Elisha’s not leaving your side!
Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. (2 Kings 2:7-8)
That’s amazing, not unlike God’s work in parting the Red Sea or the Jordan River for the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land, perhaps marking a parallel between Joshua succeeding Moses and Elisha succeeding Elijah. Here the cloak was more than a piece of clothing. It was symbolic of one’s authority. In Elijah’s case, it was powerful.
This is all setup. It’s just a reminder that
Faithful servants remain faithful to the finish.
Where are you at on your life journey? We’ve all made mistakes, but the fact that you’re here today means you have at least a basic interest in following God. I long to be faithful, and I desire that for you, too. That means devoting ourselves to prayer, to the scriptures, to generosity and obedience. Most of all, it means loving others—even our enemies—as we are filled by the Holy Spirit.
It can also be said that
Faithful servants seek God’s power (for the spiritual battle, not for themselves)
Power is one of the most enticing things on earth. We have a natural craving for control. I used to think it was unique to USAmericans, but it seems people all over the world desire power…and it’s as old as humanity.
Is power good or bad? It depends upon how it’s used.
We all have some amount of power, control, influence. The question is how do you use power for your own pleasure or to serve others.
I confess I have struggled, at times, with the power I have as pastor of First Alliance Church. We’re not a huge church, but we have been a flagship congregation within the Great Lakes District over the years. God has done incredible things in and through the people of FAC. As the lead pastor, I have been granted an amount of power and authority. I don’t pretend to be the most powerful or influential person in our church family, but my position affords me a certain degree of power…to be used for my selfish benefit or to serve others. I strive for the latter, and I hope that’s been your experience!
Last Sunday we talked about the very real war being waged in the heavenly realms, good versus evil. We need God’s power, not to do tricks and impress people, but to bring God’s kingdom into reality here on earth as it is in heaven. We need God’s presence, the fruit of the Spirit, and spiritual gifts to bless others.
Our story continues…
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. (2 Kings 2:9)
Elisha knows about the spirit of God given to Elijah. He recognizes the need for supernatural power if he is to serve others as a prophet. This isn’t a selfish request. In the day, the firstborn son received a double portion of the inheritance of his father. Elisha is expressing his devotion to Elijah as his spiritual son as well as his desire for God’s power to serve others.
“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” (2 Kings 2:10)
Elijah couldn’t give the double portion, but he was saying the evidence of the double portion from God would be if Elisha saw Elijah depart.
Now Elisha’s really going to stay close to Elijah’s side!
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. (2 Kings 2:11-12)
Wow! I’d love to see that scene on Netflix! Elijah goes us in a chariot of fire. Hollywood’s got nothing on that image! Horses and chariots were not merely transportation, but symbols of warfare, with fire and wind being signs of God’s presence, perhaps a storm with lightning and thunder.
For Elisha, the bad news is Elijah is gone. The good news is he witnessed an incredible miracle, which also meant he would be given a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Now it’s up to Elisha to continue the work started by his mentor, Elijah, whose death he mourned through the tearing of his garment.
Through it all, Elisha was faithful to Elijah…and God.
Faithful servants do the work God assigns them.
God’s love language is obedience. Servants serve. It might be in a school, home, office, or church. It might be a public role or a private one. It might impact one life or millions. When we’re faithful with small things, prepare to be given greater opportunity. Such was the case for Elisha.
Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. (2 Kings 2:13-14)
The baton—or cloak—has been passed. The transition is complete. The mantle of authority has been transferred from Elijah to Elisha. Just as Joshua parted the Jordan River like Moses, Elisha sees God part it as Elijah had experienced.
The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. (2 Kings 2:15)
The other prophets were eyewitnesses of the beginning of the powerful ministry of the prophet Elisha, a fruitful work that would continue for about six decades! He would be known for his humility, love for the people of Israel, and, of course, his faithfulness.
So What?
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. How you run the race matters, and how you finish is most important.
God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness. Elijah and Elisha are both examples of this. A reading of 1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 13 is a great study of these two godly yet imperfect men, prophets of God. They were blessed by God for being a blessing to others.
It’s unlikely God will call any of us into a ministry which will be remembered for generations, but each day we make choices. We choose to follow God or the world. We choose to use power for ourselves or others. We choose to take short cuts and live for the moment or make sacrifices for the long run, knowing life is a marathon and we want to finish well.
On a personal note, I’m so grateful for your prayers. No child dreams of going to prison, yet there are pastors from Toledo there today. No seminary student thinks about resigning from their church because of moral failure, yet that’s been the story of some of my colleagues. Better men and women than me have fallen before they reached the finish line, and but by the grace of God so go I. I really need and appreciate your prayers, and I know our staff and elders do, too. We’re in a battle and one mistake can be costly. I want to finish well. I want you to finish well.
God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness. What is your next step? What is God calling you to do? Who do you need to mentor and disciple? Who do you need to mentor you? Discipleship is a multi-generational process that we’re all commanded to participate in. May all who come behind us find us faithful…for the glory of God!
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.
Series—All The King’s Choices
2 Kings 2:1-15
Big Idea: God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness.
What is your favorite attribute of God?
I am in awe of God’s power, grateful for His grace, thankful for His love, amazed by His wisdom, …but I think my favorite attribute of God is His faithfulness.
Moses wrote,
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
The original Hebrew word for faithful here is “emunah,” meaning faithfulness, steadiness, trustworthiness. The same word is used in the book of Lamentations:
Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
My favorite hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Although Heather and I have experienced countless storms, incredible pain, and more than a few surprises in life, we’ve found God to be faithful. We’re not always happy. We’ve been disappointed many times. But ultimately God has always proven Himself to be faithful to us.
A different, yet similar, word is used in this psalm:
He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. (Psalms 146:6)
The Hebrew word here is “emet” which is faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness truth.
Communion is a reminder of God’s faithfulness as recorded by John:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The Greek, pistos, used here indicates God is faithful, true, and trusty (it’s a word!).
This is our God! He is faithful!
God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness.
Faithfulness is growing increasingly uncommon in our contemporary vocabulary. For one thing, faith seems to be in decline, whether that’s actually true or not. Full of faith might only describe the truly zealous.
I looked up the word and definitions include
- Loyal
- Constant
- Steadfast
- Devoted
Is that quality you desire from a friend? A family member? A Father?
Today we’re going to look at two men who were faithful, not only for a season of their lives, but faithful to the finish. They had experienced God’s faithfulness and returned the favor! These two men had similar roles and similar names…Elijah and Elisha. In the book of 2 Kings, we see the prophet Elijah nearing the end of his days on earth. He was faithful to God throughout, and God blesses his faithfulness.
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. (2 Kings 2:1)
Faithful servants remain faithful to the finish.
I often say it doesn’t matter who’s winning the game or the race in the final seconds. What matters is the end. The first to cross the finish line is the winner. The team with the most points when the buzzer goes off is the victor.
I’m so tired of hearing about gifted, talented, charismatic pastors who crash and burn before the finish line. They might be best-selling authors, megachurch leaders, or popular conference speakers who talk a good talk, but then self-destruct. Virtually every instance involves money, sex, and/or power. Success in the middle of the race is not enough. We must all finish well.
On more than one occasion I’ve heard people say they only read books by dead authors. They know how they finished!
Elijah’s story begins in 1 Kings chapter 17 in the 9th century BC. His highlight reel included raising someone from the dead, calling down fire from the sky, and defending the worship of the Hebrew God against the false god Baal. He was so significant that he is mentioned in several books of the Bible and even other religious books such as the Quran and the Book of Mormon. In one miraculous scene, Elijah appears with Moses in the Transfiguration of Jesus in Luke chapter 9.
One of the greatest moments in Elijah’s life occurs in what could only be described as a near-death experience…because Elijah never dies! He’s one of two people in the Bible taken up to heaven before ever dying (the other is Enoch, Genesis 5:21-24). We’ll get to that in a moment.
One of the most important questions my late dad ever asked me is, “Who is your mentor?” Throughout my life, I had no greater mentor than my dad, and I have missed him for many years.
Who is your mentor? Who are you mentoring?
Among the most humbling moments in my life have been the times young pastors in Burundi asked me to be their mentors. Another e-mailed me this past week.
Who is your mentor? Who are you mentoring?
The question could be plural. Different people can mentor us in different areas of life. For example, you might have someone who is showing you how to be a good spouse, another person modeling parenthood for you, a financial coach, a home-improvement guide, and a person teaching you how to play tennis.
In the days of Jesus, the most outstanding students would leave home and travel with a rabbi for months or even years. These “talmidim” or disciples did more than acquire knowledge. They sought to become like their teacher, eventually becoming teachers themselves.
Centuries earlier, young prophets learned from mentors like Elijah. They would gather in groups and be trained in guilds in places throughout Israel. Elijah knows he’s about to end his ministry on earth and he is with his protégé of seven or eight years, Elisha. The baton pass from Elijah to Elisha is nothing short of remarkable as Elijah embarks on his farewell tour.
Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. (2 Kings 2:2)
Elisha is deeply devoted to Elijah.
The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” (2 Kings 2:3)
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. (2 Kings 2:4)
Did Elijah forget Elisha’s devotion? He’s not leaving his mentor!
The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” (2 Kings 2:5)
Everyone seems to know Elijah’s leaving soon, and they all want Elisha to know. First, the prophets of Bethel. Now the prophets of Jericho.
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. (2 Kings 2:6)
Elijah, take a hint! Elisha’s not leaving your side!
Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. (2 Kings 2:7-8)
That’s amazing, not unlike God’s work in parting the Red Sea or the Jordan River for the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land, perhaps marking a parallel between Joshua succeeding Moses and Elisha succeeding Elijah. Here the cloak was more than a piece of clothing. It was symbolic of one’s authority. In Elijah’s case, it was powerful.
This is all setup. It’s just a reminder that
Faithful servants remain faithful to the finish.
Where are you at on your life journey? We’ve all made mistakes, but the fact that you’re here today means you have at least a basic interest in following God. I long to be faithful, and I desire that for you, too. That means devoting ourselves to prayer, to the scriptures, to generosity and obedience. Most of all, it means loving others—even our enemies—as we are filled by the Holy Spirit.
It can also be said that
Faithful servants seek God’s power (for the spiritual battle, not for themselves)
Power is one of the most enticing things on earth. We have a natural craving for control. I used to think it was unique to USAmericans, but it seems people all over the world desire power…and it’s as old as humanity.
Is power good or bad? It depends upon how it’s used.
We all have some amount of power, control, influence. The question is how do you use power for your own pleasure or to serve others.
I confess I have struggled, at times, with the power I have as pastor of First Alliance Church. We’re not a huge church, but we have been a flagship congregation within the Great Lakes District over the years. God has done incredible things in and through the people of FAC. As the lead pastor, I have been granted an amount of power and authority. I don’t pretend to be the most powerful or influential person in our church family, but my position affords me a certain degree of power…to be used for my selfish benefit or to serve others. I strive for the latter, and I hope that’s been your experience!
Last Sunday we talked about the very real war being waged in the heavenly realms, good versus evil. We need God’s power, not to do tricks and impress people, but to bring God’s kingdom into reality here on earth as it is in heaven. We need God’s presence, the fruit of the Spirit, and spiritual gifts to bless others.
Our story continues…
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. (2 Kings 2:9)
Elisha knows about the spirit of God given to Elijah. He recognizes the need for supernatural power if he is to serve others as a prophet. This isn’t a selfish request. In the day, the firstborn son received a double portion of the inheritance of his father. Elisha is expressing his devotion to Elijah as his spiritual son as well as his desire for God’s power to serve others.
“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” (2 Kings 2:10)
Elijah couldn’t give the double portion, but he was saying the evidence of the double portion from God would be if Elisha saw Elijah depart.
Now Elisha’s really going to stay close to Elijah’s side!
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. (2 Kings 2:11-12)
Wow! I’d love to see that scene on Netflix! Elijah goes us in a chariot of fire. Hollywood’s got nothing on that image! Horses and chariots were not merely transportation, but symbols of warfare, with fire and wind being signs of God’s presence, perhaps a storm with lightning and thunder.
For Elisha, the bad news is Elijah is gone. The good news is he witnessed an incredible miracle, which also meant he would be given a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Now it’s up to Elisha to continue the work started by his mentor, Elijah, whose death he mourned through the tearing of his garment.
Through it all, Elisha was faithful to Elijah…and God.
Faithful servants do the work God assigns them.
God’s love language is obedience. Servants serve. It might be in a school, home, office, or church. It might be a public role or a private one. It might impact one life or millions. When we’re faithful with small things, prepare to be given greater opportunity. Such was the case for Elisha.
Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. (2 Kings 2:13-14)
The baton—or cloak—has been passed. The transition is complete. The mantle of authority has been transferred from Elijah to Elisha. Just as Joshua parted the Jordan River like Moses, Elisha sees God part it as Elijah had experienced.
The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. (2 Kings 2:15)
The other prophets were eyewitnesses of the beginning of the powerful ministry of the prophet Elisha, a fruitful work that would continue for about six decades! He would be known for his humility, love for the people of Israel, and, of course, his faithfulness.
So What?
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. How you run the race matters, and how you finish is most important.
God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness. Elijah and Elisha are both examples of this. A reading of 1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 13 is a great study of these two godly yet imperfect men, prophets of God. They were blessed by God for being a blessing to others.
It’s unlikely God will call any of us into a ministry which will be remembered for generations, but each day we make choices. We choose to follow God or the world. We choose to use power for ourselves or others. We choose to take short cuts and live for the moment or make sacrifices for the long run, knowing life is a marathon and we want to finish well.
On a personal note, I’m so grateful for your prayers. No child dreams of going to prison, yet there are pastors from Toledo there today. No seminary student thinks about resigning from their church because of moral failure, yet that’s been the story of some of my colleagues. Better men and women than me have fallen before they reached the finish line, and but by the grace of God so go I. I really need and appreciate your prayers, and I know our staff and elders do, too. We’re in a battle and one mistake can be costly. I want to finish well. I want you to finish well.
God is faithful…and blesses our faithfulness. What is your next step? What is God calling you to do? Who do you need to mentor and disciple? Who do you need to mentor you? Discipleship is a multi-generational process that we’re all commanded to participate in. May all who come behind us find us faithful…for the glory of God!
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.