WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.880 But let's begin with a question. 00:00:02.040 --> 00:00:06.560 What connects the following disparate figures? 00:00:06.560 --> 00:00:06.719 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.240 Leadership brought success, shaped movements, dominated organizations, and indeed nations. 00:00:41.820 --> 00:00:47.519 Such that their exits created uncertainty. 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:50.340 Who is going to take over? 00:00:51.260 --> 00:00:53.039 What's going to happen next? 00:00:53.659 --> 00:00:55.280 Will there be a power vacuum? 00:00:55.500 --> 00:00:58.900 Will there be losses in their absence? 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:04.260 Exits can create uncertainty. 00:01:05.260 --> 00:01:09.879 We come to the final story of the life of Elijah. 00:01:10.200 --> 00:01:19.120 Here is the moment where the changing of the guard, where the passing the mantle, passing the baton, comes to be fulfilled. 00:01:21.240 --> 00:01:22.900 And everybody knows it's coming. 00:01:23.879 --> 00:01:26.680 We know it's coming from the very beginning of the text. 00:01:26.819 --> 00:01:29.980 We're told the Lord is about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:35.159 Elisha and the prophets, they know what's coming. 00:01:35.980 --> 00:01:37.319 We heard it in verse 3. 00:01:38.319 --> 00:01:41.739 The prophets asked Elisha, do you know the Lord is going to take your master from you today? 00:01:41.819 --> 00:01:42.420 Yes, I know. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:44.519 So be quiet. 00:01:44.519 --> 00:01:47.679 So everybody knows. 00:01:47.679 --> 00:01:51.259 But it seems like nobody wants to talk about it openly. 00:01:51.979 --> 00:01:59.920 This is one of these moments that is so massive that it's creating so much fear in the hearts of many. 00:02:00.780 --> 00:02:03.899 What is this going to mean for the nation? 00:02:03.900 --> 00:02:09.960 And what's this going to mean for us spiritually as this giant leaves the scene? 00:02:09.960 --> 00:02:21.240 If you turn with me to verse 12, you get a sense of just how significant Elijah is to the nation of Israel. 00:02:21.240 --> 00:02:32.760 As Elisha sees the horses of fire with a chariot come down, he says, my father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:37.760 And so we might think he's saying, Elijah, look, there's the chariots coming from heaven. 00:02:37.759 --> 00:02:41.659 But actually, Elisha is speaking about Elijah. 00:02:42.919 --> 00:02:49.679 In other words, to have the prophet Elijah on your side was to have the Lord's armies on your side. 00:02:50.780 --> 00:02:56.620 And so now we can perhaps begin to understand why the prophets are nervous and they're speaking quietly together. 00:02:56.719 --> 00:02:59.199 Do you know that this is about to happen? 00:03:01.939 --> 00:03:05.539 Uncertainty and tension is in the air. 00:03:05.539 --> 00:03:11.699 And through this text, God wants to reassure Elisha and the prophets, 00:03:12.199 --> 00:03:16.840 but also more widely to think about the nation as they hear these stories, 00:03:17.680 --> 00:03:23.299 that they would understand that God is certain hope in uncertain times. 00:03:24.459 --> 00:03:25.899 God isn't going to change. 00:03:27.079 --> 00:03:29.019 He's still going to be for and with his people. 00:03:30.299 --> 00:03:32.840 Now, as we think about tension and uncertainty, 00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:36.500 where do we enter into that story ourselves? 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:43.140 Perhaps it's because we're about to start university or a new term of university. 00:03:43.939 --> 00:03:45.840 We're thinking about how the course is going to go, 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:48.520 perhaps how friendships are going to develop. 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:50.500 Or maybe it's a spiritual question. 00:03:50.580 --> 00:03:52.759 What's it going to be like to live for Jesus at uni? 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:54.360 How will I get on in that? 00:03:54.360 --> 00:03:59.360 Maybe for others of us, it's major life moments. 00:04:01.340 --> 00:04:03.580 It's the empty nest or the expanding home. 00:04:04.940 --> 00:04:07.320 A change of location or a change of role. 00:04:07.600 --> 00:04:09.020 And it leaves us uncertain. 00:04:09.140 --> 00:04:12.180 What is life going to be like? 00:04:12.180 --> 00:04:18.459 We can have a sense of uncertainty in our life together as a church. 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:25.139 How are we going to make an impact for Jesus with his help? 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:29.180 How are we going to make and take gospel opportunities? 00:04:30.399 --> 00:04:35.180 We can feel uncertain as we look at ourselves and we feel anxious and fragile and weak. 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:41.240 Perhaps it's as we look around society. 00:04:42.519 --> 00:04:45.959 We take in the news headlines of a past week. 00:04:46.740 --> 00:04:50.819 And we see division and hatred and fear. 00:04:52.160 --> 00:04:54.960 And we wonder where is good news going to come from? 00:04:55.019 --> 00:04:55.860 Where are we going to turn? 00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:01.139 Let me suggest that this story comes to us as a gift. 00:05:01.139 --> 00:05:05.399 If we find ourselves in uncertain times. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:14.300 Because it reminds us in so many ways that we can and we should find certainty in our God and Savior. 00:05:15.459 --> 00:05:17.740 Three ways I think the text does it for us. 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:23.459 First of all, you can be certain that God still works in power. 00:05:24.740 --> 00:05:26.680 This takes us to Elijah's journey. 00:05:26.680 --> 00:05:32.560 At first, did you notice that Elijah, as he knows he's about to be taken up to heaven, 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:34.439 that he goes to visit the prophets? 00:05:35.420 --> 00:05:37.740 Verse 3, he goes to the prophets at Bethel. 00:05:38.340 --> 00:05:41.180 Then in verse 5, he goes to the prophets at Jericho. 00:05:41.840 --> 00:05:45.620 And then we meet the prophets again, 50 of them watching, 00:05:46.139 --> 00:05:48.840 as Elijah and Elisha arrive at the Jordan. 00:05:51.379 --> 00:05:52.660 Elijah's a faithful man. 00:05:52.660 --> 00:05:56.840 And here he is giving last words of encouragement. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:06:00.420 Not that long ago, he thought he was the only one. 00:06:00.460 --> 00:06:03.439 And he discovers there's actually 7,000 who are faithful to God. 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:06.060 And so no doubt he's urging them to keep the faith. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:10.300 Don't bow down to idols, but continue to follow the Lord. 00:06:11.040 --> 00:06:12.460 But more than that, 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:18.000 what we have in 2 Kings 2 is a very significant journey. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:22.620 The places that are mentioned are important. 00:06:23.660 --> 00:06:26.800 Because 600 years ago, 00:06:27.860 --> 00:06:31.699 the people of Israel made another very similar journey. 00:06:31.779 --> 00:06:34.699 You can read about it in Joshua chapters 3 to 5. 00:06:36.139 --> 00:06:41.920 The moment where Joshua led the people through the Jordan River 00:06:41.920 --> 00:06:43.779 into the Promised Land. 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:49.459 And then there was a covenant renewal ceremony at Gilgal. 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:54.739 And of course, Jericho was the site of their first victory 00:06:54.739 --> 00:06:56.500 in the Promised Land, 00:06:56.599 --> 00:06:59.859 where God was clearly fighting and acting for his people. 00:07:01.079 --> 00:07:03.239 So think about what was happening at that time. 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:05.319 Another giant had just died. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:06.979 Moses had died. 00:07:07.059 --> 00:07:08.719 He'd led the people for decades. 00:07:09.779 --> 00:07:11.479 And Joshua had replaced him. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:13.400 But wonderfully, 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:16.860 the people in Joshua's generation are discovering 00:07:16.860 --> 00:07:20.360 God is still working powerfully 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:23.080 in a different generation with a different leader. 00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:25.180 Now fast forward 600 years, 00:07:26.060 --> 00:07:28.500 and it's exactly the same message. 00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:31.040 God has been working, and we've seen it. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:33.640 God has been working powerfully through Elijah, 00:07:34.220 --> 00:07:38.060 and he's still going to work in power through Elisha. 00:07:38.060 --> 00:07:40.399 And if we need proof, 00:07:40.939 --> 00:07:42.259 go to verse 8, 00:07:43.100 --> 00:07:44.439 where we find Elijah, 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:45.959 at one last time, 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:47.060 taking his cloak, 00:07:47.480 --> 00:07:48.220 rolling it up, 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:49.560 and striking the water, 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:51.240 and the water divided, 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:53.540 and they crossed on dry ground. 00:07:53.879 --> 00:07:56.620 And then verse 13 and 14, 00:07:57.120 --> 00:07:59.379 we have Elisha picking up Elijah's cloak, 00:08:00.259 --> 00:08:01.319 striking the water, 00:08:01.540 --> 00:08:02.899 and the water parts, 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:04.060 and he crosses over. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:08.280 God is still working in power. 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:11.360 And this is a theme 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:13.780 that we can track through the Bible. 00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:16.959 We've said it already, 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:20.019 that when we get to the story of John the Baptist, 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:23.560 we are to understand that he is the second Elijah 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:25.160 who was anticipated, 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:26.899 the one who was the messenger 00:08:26.899 --> 00:08:28.519 preparing the way for the Lord. 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:29.879 So think about what's happening 00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:31.459 with John the Baptist and Jesus. 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:32.819 John the Baptist, 00:08:32.939 --> 00:08:34.439 he had a very powerful ministry, 00:08:34.539 --> 00:08:34.840 didn't he? 00:08:35.019 --> 00:08:36.960 He was gathering many people, 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:39.799 and they're turning away from darkness 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:41.120 to trust in the Lord. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:44.000 But as soon as Jesus comes on the scene, 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:46.039 John is very happy to acknowledge 00:08:46.039 --> 00:08:47.659 and point the people to Jesus, 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:48.860 who is greater. 00:08:49.939 --> 00:08:50.799 He must increase, 00:08:50.879 --> 00:08:52.000 and I must decrease. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:54.679 The one coming is so great, 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:56.159 I'm not worthy to bend down 00:08:56.159 --> 00:08:58.460 and untie his shoelaces. 00:08:58.460 --> 00:09:00.560 And there at the Jordan, 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:04.759 John the Baptist passed the mantle 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:07.120 very happily to Jesus, 00:09:07.240 --> 00:09:08.820 the true and final prophet. 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:10.720 And in the life of Jesus, 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:14.019 we see that God still works in power, 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:15.820 in great power, 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:17.300 bringing in his kingdom, 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:19.800 bringing us salvation. 00:09:21.420 --> 00:09:21.940 And then in the, 00:09:22.060 --> 00:09:22.759 it's interesting, 00:09:23.280 --> 00:09:26.120 between Acts 1 and 1 and 2 Kings, 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.840 so many themes connecting. 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:28.480 In Acts 1, 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:29.519 where we've been in the morning, 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:31.159 Jesus with his apostles. 00:09:33.060 --> 00:09:34.039 He says, 00:09:34.159 --> 00:09:35.560 just before he ascends, 00:09:35.799 --> 00:09:37.440 that he will send the Spirit. 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:39.820 The Spirit will give them power 00:09:39.820 --> 00:09:41.740 to be his witnesses. 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:43.019 And to read the book of Acts, 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:44.179 we understand that Jesus 00:09:44.179 --> 00:09:46.679 continues to work in power 00:09:46.679 --> 00:09:49.279 while he has gone to heaven. 00:09:49.279 --> 00:09:53.120 Because God is unchanging 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:54.919 in his power. 00:09:55.939 --> 00:09:59.879 God continues to work out his purposes. 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:02.819 His arm is never short 00:10:02.819 --> 00:10:04.899 so that he cannot save. 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:07.539 And if that was true 00:10:07.539 --> 00:10:10.100 in the Moses and Joshua generations, 00:10:10.339 --> 00:10:10.980 if that was true 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:12.759 in the Elijah, Elisha generations, 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:13.459 if that was true 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:14.419 in the John and Jesus 00:10:14.419 --> 00:10:15.579 and Apostle generations, 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:16.980 it is true 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:19.300 in our generation as well. 00:10:20.800 --> 00:10:23.279 It is a truth for our church. 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:25.800 It is a truth for your life 00:10:25.800 --> 00:10:27.240 and for mine. 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:30.300 So if we find ourselves 00:10:30.300 --> 00:10:32.600 in a season of new starts 00:10:32.600 --> 00:10:34.039 or where everything is changing 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:35.620 and everything feels up in the air 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:37.060 and maybe it's clouded 00:10:37.060 --> 00:10:38.019 with uncertainty, 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:39.960 we remember the God 00:10:39.960 --> 00:10:41.560 who never changes, 00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:45.060 whose power for his people 00:10:45.060 --> 00:10:46.740 remains unchanged, 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:48.060 he is still 00:10:48.060 --> 00:10:49.360 and will always be 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:51.480 the shepherd who leads 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:52.759 and feeds 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:53.960 and guides 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:54.600 and protects. 00:10:55.480 --> 00:10:56.480 He still cares. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.659 He still builds his church. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:01.019 He still invites us to him 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:02.639 to find rest 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:04.120 and to trust. 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:05.600 And so we can pray 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:06.259 and we can work 00:11:06.259 --> 00:11:06.980 with confidence. 00:11:08.639 --> 00:11:09.560 We think about our own 00:11:09.560 --> 00:11:10.960 work in witness here. 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:11.580 We think about 00:11:11.580 --> 00:11:12.680 the church plants 00:11:12.680 --> 00:11:13.320 that we support. 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:14.080 As you think about 00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:15.279 the churches that you've come from, 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:16.399 the nations you represent, 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:17.659 we can be confident 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:18.659 in God's mission 00:11:18.659 --> 00:11:19.579 in his world. 00:11:20.699 --> 00:11:21.879 We can be confident, 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:23.699 weak as we often feel 00:11:23.699 --> 00:11:25.439 that God can change us 00:11:25.439 --> 00:11:27.600 and he can change others. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:29.959 He can use our witness 00:11:29.959 --> 00:11:31.579 to open people up to Jesus. 00:11:31.939 --> 00:11:33.519 He can take our words 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:34.980 to speak the gospel 00:11:34.980 --> 00:11:36.539 that saves. 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:40.799 God is not limited to certain times, 00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:43.599 not limited to just the time of Elijah. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:46.379 He's not limited to certain types of leaders, 00:11:46.459 --> 00:11:47.459 not just Elijah, 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:49.039 but Elisha too 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:50.299 will demonstrate 00:11:50.299 --> 00:11:52.459 God continues to work in power. 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:53.879 And so our call 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:54.679 is to have faith. 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:57.819 Our call is to look to the Lord 00:11:57.819 --> 00:11:58.500 as our rock, 00:11:58.579 --> 00:11:59.299 as our redeemer, 00:11:59.419 --> 00:12:00.439 but also our commander 00:12:00.439 --> 00:12:01.279 and mission leader 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:03.819 because we can be certain 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:06.860 that God does still work in power today. 00:12:09.679 --> 00:12:10.819 Here's the second thing 00:12:10.819 --> 00:12:11.819 that we are invited 00:12:11.819 --> 00:12:12.779 to be certain of 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:13.620 through our text. 00:12:14.039 --> 00:12:14.459 And again, 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:16.539 it ties up with the book of Acts. 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:18.079 You can be certain 00:12:18.079 --> 00:12:22.000 that God still sends his spirit. 00:12:23.199 --> 00:12:24.519 Now we have that phrase, 00:12:24.600 --> 00:12:24.819 don't we, 00:12:24.839 --> 00:12:26.439 the passing of the mantle 00:12:26.439 --> 00:12:27.139 in English, 00:12:27.259 --> 00:12:29.120 that idea of a succession 00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:30.320 that takes place. 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:31.259 And you can almost imagine 00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:33.379 it could have its roots here 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:35.320 with the symbolic passing 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:36.480 of the cloak 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:38.340 of Elijah to Elisha 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:39.399 that is the symbol 00:12:39.399 --> 00:12:41.440 that Elisha is now being tasked 00:12:41.440 --> 00:12:42.679 to be God's prophet 00:12:42.679 --> 00:12:44.159 and he will receive 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:45.899 God's spirit. 00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:48.980 So those fears 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:50.720 that the prophets had 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:52.980 about a power vacuum, 00:12:55.060 --> 00:12:55.919 the anxieties, 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:56.759 how will we cope 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:58.220 without Elijah 00:12:58.220 --> 00:13:00.600 where those worries 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:00.960 and fears 00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:01.779 are going to be answered 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:02.740 by the Lord God 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:03.540 in a visual, 00:13:03.720 --> 00:13:05.740 in a very striking way. 00:13:07.300 --> 00:13:08.440 Just remind ourselves 00:13:08.440 --> 00:13:09.060 of the flow 00:13:09.060 --> 00:13:10.420 of this story. 00:13:11.340 --> 00:13:12.060 Verse 8, 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:13.080 we come to the point 00:13:13.080 --> 00:13:14.879 where Elijah and Elisha 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:15.740 have now reached 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:16.460 the Jordan. 00:13:17.540 --> 00:13:18.740 Elijah strikes the water 00:13:18.740 --> 00:13:20.019 and they cross over. 00:13:20.540 --> 00:13:21.759 And then in verse 9, 00:13:21.920 --> 00:13:23.200 Elijah asks the question, 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:24.399 tell me what can I do 00:13:24.399 --> 00:13:24.740 for you 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:26.180 before I'm taken from you? 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:28.080 To which Elisha replies, 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:28.960 let me inherit 00:13:28.960 --> 00:13:29.920 a double portion 00:13:29.920 --> 00:13:31.160 of your spirit. 00:13:32.680 --> 00:13:33.820 Now this is not 00:13:33.820 --> 00:13:34.700 Elisha thinking, 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:35.200 do you know what, 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:35.840 I want to build 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:36.840 a really big platform 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:37.420 for myself, 00:13:37.520 --> 00:13:38.180 so I want double 00:13:38.180 --> 00:13:39.320 what Elijah had. 00:13:40.400 --> 00:13:42.340 This is him in humility, 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:43.300 like Solomon 00:13:43.300 --> 00:13:43.900 when he's about 00:13:43.900 --> 00:13:44.680 to take over, 00:13:45.180 --> 00:13:45.860 recognizing, 00:13:46.300 --> 00:13:48.080 I need God's help. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:50.160 I need God's spirit 00:13:50.160 --> 00:13:51.700 if I am to serve 00:13:51.700 --> 00:13:52.460 in a way 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.300 that pleases him. 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:53.820 And so he asks 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:54.759 for this double portion. 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:56.480 And there is the promise 00:13:56.480 --> 00:13:57.519 that is given, 00:13:57.799 --> 00:13:58.240 verse 10, 00:13:58.319 --> 00:13:59.559 you've asked a difficult thing, 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:00.840 yet if you see me 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:02.000 when I'm taken from you, 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:03.980 it will be yours. 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:05.059 And then you get 00:14:05.059 --> 00:14:06.179 that dramatic scene, 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:07.200 the chariot of fire 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:07.860 and the horses, 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:09.819 and Elijah went up to heaven 00:14:09.819 --> 00:14:10.860 in a whirlwind, 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.519 and Elisha saw it, 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:15.240 and Elisha saw him no more. 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:17.879 And then symbolically, 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:18.799 Elisha takes hold 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:19.779 of his own cloak, 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:21.500 and he tears it in two. 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:22.919 He's done with 00:14:22.919 --> 00:14:24.279 that old cloak. 00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:24.959 He's done with 00:14:24.959 --> 00:14:26.000 that old way of life 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.839 because Elisha then 00:14:27.839 --> 00:14:29.519 picks up Elijah's cloak, 00:14:30.339 --> 00:14:31.079 and he goes back 00:14:31.079 --> 00:14:32.000 to stand at the bank 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:32.620 of the Jordan. 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:35.379 And he takes the cloak, 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:36.959 and he strikes the water, 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.000 and he asks that question, 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.319 where now is the Lord, 00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:40.699 the God of Elijah? 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.319 And of course, 00:14:41.839 --> 00:14:43.579 we know the answer. 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:44.220 The Lord, 00:14:44.459 --> 00:14:45.240 the God of Elijah, 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:47.740 is now with Elisha, 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:48.779 the prophet. 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:50.480 And he sent him 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:52.779 his spirit in power. 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:56.439 What happens next 00:14:56.439 --> 00:14:58.620 maybe seems a little bit unusual. 00:14:59.839 --> 00:15:01.159 The company of the prophets, 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.039 verse 15. 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:03.939 They're watching, 00:15:05.799 --> 00:15:07.279 and notice there's certainty 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:09.439 with them on the one hand. 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:12.059 The spirit of Elijah 00:15:12.059 --> 00:15:14.100 is resting on Elisha. 00:15:14.199 --> 00:15:15.559 So they're really clear 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:17.199 that this succession 00:15:17.199 --> 00:15:18.399 has taken place. 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:20.059 So there is a certainty there, 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:22.600 but there's still uncertainty 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:23.439 as well. 00:15:25.679 --> 00:15:27.459 There's uncertainty implied 00:15:27.459 --> 00:15:29.799 by the search 00:15:29.799 --> 00:15:31.159 that they suggest. 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:32.939 Verse 16, 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:33.420 Look, 00:15:33.420 --> 00:15:35.000 we, your servants, 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:36.260 have 50 able men. 00:15:36.340 --> 00:15:36.760 Let them go 00:15:36.760 --> 00:15:37.760 and look for your master. 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:39.000 Perhaps the spirit of the Lord 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:39.740 has picked him up 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:40.400 and set him down 00:15:40.400 --> 00:15:41.120 on some mountain 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:42.320 or in some valley. 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:43.660 Why do they want 00:15:43.660 --> 00:15:44.860 to go on that search? 00:15:47.520 --> 00:15:48.580 Because they still 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:49.300 are struggling 00:15:49.300 --> 00:15:50.120 to imagine 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:51.460 what it's going to be like 00:15:51.460 --> 00:15:52.820 if Elijah's not around. 00:15:53.960 --> 00:15:55.280 They cannot imagine 00:15:55.280 --> 00:15:56.960 how things will go 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:58.280 without Elijah, 00:15:58.380 --> 00:15:58.880 the servant, 00:15:59.000 --> 00:16:00.040 the prophet of the Lord, 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:00.799 with them 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:02.679 even as they know 00:16:02.679 --> 00:16:03.579 that that succession 00:16:03.579 --> 00:16:04.199 has taken place. 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:05.059 They're still struggling 00:16:05.059 --> 00:16:06.439 with what it's going 00:16:06.439 --> 00:16:06.980 to look like 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:07.699 on the ground. 00:16:10.299 --> 00:16:11.279 But here we have 00:16:11.279 --> 00:16:11.839 Elisha 00:16:11.839 --> 00:16:14.159 and he's been filled 00:16:14.159 --> 00:16:14.819 with the spirit 00:16:14.819 --> 00:16:17.179 and he's been filled 00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:17.819 with the spirit 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:18.459 of wisdom. 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.039 And so he says, 00:16:21.099 --> 00:16:21.779 Don't go looking. 00:16:22.719 --> 00:16:24.099 That's a pointless search. 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:25.639 But they beg 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.019 and they beg 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:26.379 and they beg 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:27.199 until he gets embarrassed. 00:16:27.319 --> 00:16:27.419 He says, 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:28.139 Well, have a go. 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:28.779 On you go. 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:29.379 And so they go 00:16:29.379 --> 00:16:30.480 for three days 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:32.480 on a fruitless search 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:34.159 and verse 18, 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.080 when they returned, 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:37.100 he said to them, 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.299 Didn't I tell you 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:39.759 not to go? 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:42.120 In a sense, 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:42.659 he's saying to them, 00:16:42.699 --> 00:16:43.980 Listen, I told you so. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.480 But not in that 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.939 kind of annoying way. 00:16:48.939 --> 00:16:49.639 But rather, 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.939 he's inviting them 00:16:50.939 --> 00:16:52.159 to learn, 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:52.919 to rest, 00:16:53.039 --> 00:16:54.139 and to trust 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:54.759 in 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:57.039 the word of Elisha, 00:16:57.080 --> 00:16:58.159 the new prophet of God. 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:00.279 To rest 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:01.139 and to trust 00:17:01.139 --> 00:17:02.200 in God's wisdom 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:03.120 as it comes 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:04.440 through his prophet. 00:17:06.119 --> 00:17:06.859 To learn 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:07.819 that just as God 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.379 had been with Elijah 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:10.140 and spoke 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:10.859 through Elijah, 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.099 so he will be 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:12.720 with Elisha 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:13.259 and speak 00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:13.920 through Elisha. 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:14.720 God has sent 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.279 his spirit 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:16.379 and so the spirit 00:17:16.379 --> 00:17:17.000 will guide 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:18.319 into truth 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:20.059 and into life. 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:25.119 We see 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:26.119 the same principles 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:27.039 in the stories 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:27.919 that we've thought about. 00:17:28.659 --> 00:17:29.500 If we were to go back 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.119 just for a moment 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:30.759 to the story, 00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:32.579 after Moses dies 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.460 and there's that sense 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:34.259 of uncertainty, 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.480 God comes to Joshua 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:35.940 and says, 00:17:36.099 --> 00:17:36.599 Do not fear, 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:37.480 I am with you. 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:39.579 I will do what I promised. 00:17:39.659 --> 00:17:40.159 I'll take you 00:17:40.159 --> 00:17:40.539 and the people 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.460 to the promised land. 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:44.279 Go forward 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:45.139 to John the Baptist 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:45.919 and Jesus. 00:17:47.339 --> 00:17:48.119 Think about Jesus 00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:48.919 being baptized 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:50.120 at the Jordan. 00:17:51.340 --> 00:17:52.140 There's significance 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:52.660 there. 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:56.100 God's appointed one, 00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:57.960 God's final prophet, 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.720 the baton is passed 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.420 at the Jordan 00:18:01.420 --> 00:18:02.180 just as it was 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:03.480 with Elijah and Elisha 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:05.380 and the message 00:18:05.380 --> 00:18:06.019 is clear. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:06.920 As the dove 00:18:06.920 --> 00:18:07.620 comes down, 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:08.860 as the spirit descends, 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:10.080 Jesus will be 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:12.039 the spirit anointed, 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.560 spirit filled 00:18:13.560 --> 00:18:15.200 prophet of God 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:17.279 as God speaks 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.800 in a whole new way. 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:20.259 As the book of Hebrews 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:20.720 told us, 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.300 in the past 00:18:21.300 --> 00:18:21.880 God spoke 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:22.539 through the prophets 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.220 but now 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:24.680 he's spoken 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:25.420 through his son. 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.600 And Jesus 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:29.920 gave wonderful promises 00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:32.000 to his disciples 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.940 and to the apostles 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:34.600 about the spirit. 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:36.180 So before 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:37.220 Jesus went 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:37.800 to the cross, 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:38.880 John chapter 16, 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:40.840 he said to them, 00:18:40.880 --> 00:18:41.300 the spirit, 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:43.120 when he comes, 00:18:43.800 --> 00:18:44.519 he will guide you 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.380 into all truth. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.920 Or Acts chapter 1, 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:49.700 the spirit will be sent 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:50.180 and the spirit 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:51.080 will give you power, 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:52.300 he will be your teacher, 00:18:52.620 --> 00:18:53.820 he will keep showing you 00:18:53.820 --> 00:18:55.140 the glory of the Lord Jesus. 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:56.519 So even as Jesus 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:57.620 returns to heaven, 00:18:57.940 --> 00:18:58.940 the church is not 00:18:58.940 --> 00:18:59.580 left alone, 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:01.000 not left with a vacuum 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:01.700 of wisdom 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:03.300 because the church 00:19:03.300 --> 00:19:04.380 has given the spirit. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:07.539 And that's wonderfully true 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.580 for every believer 00:19:08.580 --> 00:19:09.360 here today, 00:19:10.080 --> 00:19:11.240 that you and I, 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:13.100 we have the Holy Spirit 00:19:13.100 --> 00:19:13.840 within us. 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:15.599 God the Father 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:16.480 and God the Son 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.480 are pleased 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.439 to make their home 00:19:18.439 --> 00:19:18.980 in you 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:20.399 and in us. 00:19:21.919 --> 00:19:23.059 And because we have 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:23.579 the spirit, 00:19:23.699 --> 00:19:24.379 we have the power 00:19:24.379 --> 00:19:26.079 to live for God, 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.039 we have the power 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:28.619 to serve our Savior, 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:30.079 and we have wisdom. 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:31.919 And we can ask 00:19:31.919 --> 00:19:32.439 for wisdom, 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:32.859 to know, 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:33.919 how can I live 00:19:33.919 --> 00:19:35.480 for Jesus today, 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.299 in this moment, 00:19:37.379 --> 00:19:38.480 in this new situation? 00:19:38.879 --> 00:19:39.799 How can I walk 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:41.199 worthy of him 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:42.620 with my classmates 00:19:42.620 --> 00:19:43.680 or my colleagues, 00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:44.860 in this place, 00:19:45.100 --> 00:19:46.200 this conversation, 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:47.160 what is going to bring 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:48.279 glory to Jesus? 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.720 And remember, 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:55.860 the privilege of prayer. 00:19:56.880 --> 00:19:57.460 And remember, 00:19:57.600 --> 00:19:58.380 we have a Father 00:19:58.380 --> 00:20:00.019 who gives generously. 00:20:00.600 --> 00:20:01.400 And one of the things 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:02.559 the Father generously 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:03.620 loves to give 00:20:03.620 --> 00:20:05.519 is his wisdom 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:06.720 when we need it. 00:20:07.400 --> 00:20:08.420 Wisdom that comes 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:09.620 through the Spirit. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:14.539 in uncertainty, 00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:15.980 of whatever shape, 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.680 there are times 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:18.700 when we need a friend. 00:20:19.860 --> 00:20:20.640 There are times 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:21.420 when we need 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:22.539 someone who's going 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:23.220 to give us 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.740 good counsel. 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:27.759 I think it's one 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.340 of the reasons 00:20:28.340 --> 00:20:30.779 why fellowship 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:32.460 is such a gift 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:34.380 in the Christian church. 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:36.220 Why it's so important 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:38.380 to find 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:39.559 a church home 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.519 to belong to 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.519 and believers 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.659 to connect with, 00:20:42.879 --> 00:20:43.720 to help us 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.259 on the journey 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:44.679 of faith. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:45.440 Because there are times 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:45.980 when we need 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:46.879 the wisdom 00:20:46.879 --> 00:20:47.779 of God 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.220 that comes 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:48.879 from other people, 00:20:48.980 --> 00:20:49.539 the prayers 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:51.099 of other people 00:20:51.099 --> 00:20:52.179 for us. 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:53.859 That's why we value 00:20:53.859 --> 00:20:54.639 community group. 00:20:56.659 --> 00:20:57.659 But most of all, 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:58.679 it's why we value 00:20:58.679 --> 00:20:59.579 what the Lord Jesus 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:00.240 says. 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.579 That we have 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:04.259 him as a friend 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.279 and a counselor 00:21:05.279 --> 00:21:06.500 and he sends 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:06.899 us 00:21:06.899 --> 00:21:08.859 his Holy Spirit. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.180 The Spirit of Christ 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.200 is sent to live 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:11.859 within us. 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:13.460 So that no matter 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:14.299 what's going on, 00:21:14.379 --> 00:21:15.920 we can be certain 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:17.319 that God 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:17.859 still 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.940 sends 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:20.059 the Spirit. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.779 So we can be certain 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.519 that God still works 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:24.879 in power, 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.700 he still sends 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:26.119 the Spirit. 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:26.599 Thirdly, 00:21:26.660 --> 00:21:27.960 you can be certain 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:29.079 that God 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:30.119 still rules 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.399 as King 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:33.160 of glory. 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:33.960 And this really 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:34.360 takes us 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:35.360 to the drama 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:36.560 of the last act 00:21:36.560 --> 00:21:38.360 of Elijah's life. 00:21:38.840 --> 00:21:39.800 It takes us 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:41.519 to verse 11, 00:21:42.060 --> 00:21:43.259 suddenly a chariot 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:43.800 of fire 00:21:43.800 --> 00:21:44.340 and horses 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:44.900 of fire 00:21:44.900 --> 00:21:45.320 appeared 00:21:45.320 --> 00:21:45.980 and separated 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.740 the two of them 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:47.680 and Elijah 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:48.580 went up to heaven 00:21:48.580 --> 00:21:50.360 in a whirlwind. 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:53.480 Elijah has been 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:54.460 a faithful servant 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.100 of God 00:21:55.100 --> 00:21:56.600 and he's been 00:21:56.600 --> 00:21:57.700 in spiritual battle 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:59.280 against Baal 00:21:59.280 --> 00:22:00.220 and his prophets 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:01.600 and now it's as if 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:02.500 God, 00:22:02.620 --> 00:22:03.279 his commander, 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:04.360 comes down 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:04.900 to take him 00:22:04.900 --> 00:22:05.740 out of the battle, 00:22:05.860 --> 00:22:06.279 to take him 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.799 up to heaven 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.500 to receive 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:09.100 his reward. 00:22:09.600 --> 00:22:10.500 But what's significant 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:10.940 for us 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:12.440 is that for one last time 00:22:12.440 --> 00:22:13.579 in Elijah's life, 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.620 we are getting 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:15.279 to see 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:16.500 who is really 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.519 in charge. 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.160 Who is 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:20.100 the King of glory? 00:22:21.140 --> 00:22:22.700 And one last time, 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.720 Elijah's life 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:24.400 is inviting us 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:25.019 to recognize 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.960 it's not Baal, 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.960 although he has made 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:27.720 or people make 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:28.480 on his behalf 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.620 big claims, 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:31.519 it's the Lord God 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:33.380 of the Bible. 00:22:34.620 --> 00:22:35.400 So it's one of the 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:36.220 great patterns 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:37.140 of Elijah's life 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:38.600 that he has used 00:22:38.600 --> 00:22:40.620 in his faithfulness 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:42.279 to show the reality 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.059 of the one true 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.740 and living God 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:45.519 versus the idols 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.079 that people are 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:47.120 bowing down to. 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.460 Eugene Peterson 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.819 has a really nice 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.240 little book 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.500 called 00:22:51.500 --> 00:22:52.920 A Long Obedience 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:55.039 in the Same Direction. 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:57.259 That's absolutely 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.920 the pattern 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.639 that we see 00:22:58.639 --> 00:23:01.500 in Elijah's life. 00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:03.480 And do you know 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:03.879 it's one of the 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.899 wonderful privileges 00:23:04.899 --> 00:23:06.740 about life 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:08.059 in this church 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:09.960 that we have 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:11.139 examples of godly 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:11.879 older men 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:12.279 and women 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.559 who have walked 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:14.099 in faith, 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.440 who have walked 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.359 that long obedience 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:17.480 in the same direction, 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.139 and they set us 00:23:18.139 --> 00:23:19.500 a wonderful example 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:21.980 to live by, 00:23:22.099 --> 00:23:23.019 to learn from, 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:24.359 by God's grace, 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.519 to follow after. 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:28.420 But how does the story 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.819 show that God 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.779 is the king of glory 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.599 and not Baal? 00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:33.480 Well, it takes us 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.240 one last time 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.299 to some of the big claims 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:36.240 that people made 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.119 about Baal. 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:38.180 In Baal imagery, 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.099 if you went to see 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:40.220 some Baal art, 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:41.359 or if you went 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:42.119 to worship Baal, 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:42.960 certain things 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:44.139 were associated 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:44.700 with him. 00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:45.799 Baal was regarded 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:47.680 as the storm god. 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:50.819 He was connected 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:52.420 with fire and lightning. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.639 He was pictured 00:23:54.639 --> 00:23:56.180 as one who rode 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:57.400 on the clouds. 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:59.039 He was the weather god. 00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:00.019 He was associated 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:00.740 with control 00:24:00.740 --> 00:24:01.660 over the rain 00:24:01.660 --> 00:24:03.559 and over the waters. 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:05.379 And time and time again, 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.879 in the Elijah story, 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.339 Baal has been shown 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.619 to be a non-thing, 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:12.200 and God has been shown 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:13.240 to be the true king. 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:16.519 And here we see it again. 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:19.420 Who is the god of fire? 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.859 It's not Baal. 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:22.639 It's the Lord. 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.460 Who is the god 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:25.800 who rides on a chariot 00:24:25.800 --> 00:24:26.580 on the storm? 00:24:28.520 --> 00:24:29.440 It's not Baal. 00:24:30.160 --> 00:24:31.380 It's the god of the Bible. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.740 Who is it 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:35.100 that acts in the whirlwind 00:24:35.100 --> 00:24:35.640 with power? 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.360 It's not Baal. 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:38.940 It's Elijah's god. 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.620 And think about verse 14. 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.140 Elisha's question 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:45.320 as he strikes the water, 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:47.080 where now is the Lord, 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:48.320 the god of Elijah? 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.740 He is right here 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.919 showing his authority 00:24:50.919 --> 00:24:52.039 over the waters 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:53.460 as he parts the water. 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:57.079 God's in charge. 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:58.559 God's the king. 00:24:59.179 --> 00:25:00.839 God deserves all praise 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:02.139 and glory. 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:04.819 Elijah's life has shown it. 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:05.740 Elisha's life 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:07.399 is going to show it too. 00:25:09.179 --> 00:25:10.119 But just think about 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:10.939 that pattern 00:25:10.939 --> 00:25:12.500 of God showing himself 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:14.119 to be over the storm, 00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:15.599 to be over the seas, 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.519 and over the waters, 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.379 to be the one true 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:17.980 and living God. 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.480 Think about it 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.379 in the story of Moses 00:25:19.379 --> 00:25:20.099 and Joshua. 00:25:20.199 --> 00:25:20.980 Where do we see it? 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:23.539 We see it when the Red Sea 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:25.740 parts to give salvation 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:26.299 to Israel 00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:27.039 and bring judgment 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.799 on Egypt. 00:25:28.699 --> 00:25:29.819 We see it as God 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:31.659 appears in the desert 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:33.000 as the pillar of cloud 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:34.099 and the pillar of fire. 00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:36.279 We see it as the glory cloud 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.679 comes to cover the temple 00:25:37.679 --> 00:25:38.939 and to guide the people. 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:42.480 And what about when Jesus, 00:25:42.620 --> 00:25:43.320 the Son of God, 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:43.720 comes? 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.380 When do we see it then? 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:48.519 How do we see Jesus 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:50.200 as Lord and King of glory? 00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:53.980 We see it as he walks 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:55.180 on the water. 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:58.680 We see it as he rebukes 00:25:58.680 --> 00:26:01.000 the storm with just a word. 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:05.000 Here is God in the flesh. 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.740 Here is the Lord 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.819 with all authority 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:09.259 and glory. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.599 And when he returned 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:12.160 in glory, 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:14.180 he was taken up 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:14.940 in the clouds 00:26:14.940 --> 00:26:16.680 with that promise 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:17.779 that he would return 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:20.160 in the same way. 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:22.880 And everyone on that day 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:25.460 will see his glory. 00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:30.140 But to take up that imagery 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:31.220 in a different way, 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:35.180 as Jesus dies on the cross, 00:26:36.120 --> 00:26:37.600 wonderfully in the story 00:26:37.600 --> 00:26:38.500 of salvation, 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:41.860 Jesus experiences the fire 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:43.240 and the whirlwind 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:45.579 of God's judgment upon sin. 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:49.120 For everyone that Jesus 00:26:49.120 --> 00:26:50.059 came to save, 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:51.460 he was loaded up 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.720 with our sin. 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:55.140 And in his great love, 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:56.940 he took God's wrath 00:26:56.940 --> 00:27:00.140 for that sin upon himself. 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:02.539 He willingly went 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.980 into the whirlwind 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:07.059 so that you and I, 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:08.000 by faith in him, 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:09.000 we can be sheltered 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:09.680 from the storm. 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:12.400 That we can hear 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:13.140 God's still, 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:14.140 small voice 00:27:14.140 --> 00:27:15.259 speak good news 00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:15.980 of grace 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.819 and salvation. 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.420 Undoubtedly, 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:23.059 you and I are going 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.660 to live through 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:24.579 lots of times 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.480 and places 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.380 and experiences 00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:28.079 when life will feel 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:29.440 very uncertain. 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:32.279 And in those days, 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:33.600 we could be tempted 00:27:33.600 --> 00:27:34.920 to look within ourselves 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:36.480 and try and find solutions. 00:27:37.080 --> 00:27:38.340 Or we could be tempted 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:39.600 to throw our hands up 00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.980 in panic or despair. 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:43.960 But what should we do 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.980 as the people of God? 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:46.620 What do we have 00:27:46.620 --> 00:27:47.779 as the people of God? 00:27:49.340 --> 00:27:50.880 We have certain hope. 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:53.180 As we learn to behold 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.980 our God 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:56.220 seated on his throne. 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:59.380 As we see the Lord Jesus, 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:00.839 our King 00:28:00.839 --> 00:28:02.079 and our Saviour. 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:03.200 As we understand 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.160 that he still 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.980 works in power 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:08.200 in and for his people. 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:10.160 As he still 00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:11.720 sends his spirit 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:13.600 to be with 00:28:13.600 --> 00:28:15.380 and for his people. 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:17.640 As he still rules 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:19.160 as the great King 00:28:19.160 --> 00:28:19.799 of glory. 00:28:20.539 --> 00:28:21.339 Inviting us 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:22.180 to trust him. 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:24.160 To worship him. 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:26.560 and to live for him today.