Transfer of Power

 

II Kings 2:1-12

 

      Now that is the way we all want to go, isn't it?  When the time is right, the chariot will come and sweep us off of our feet and take us to heaven.  There is a similar story in Genesis about a man named Enoch.  We are told that "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."  Wouldn't it be great to just get picked up and taken off into heaven and not have to taste death?  If I had my choice I think I would ask to be picked up by a limousine since I have never ridden in one.  But the closest I think I will come to that is Dave Petke's hearse. 

 

      Of course we all know that faithfulness is no guarantee of bypassing death.  I was reminded of that on Wednesday  when I read about the death of Doug Marlette.  Doug was a Baptist who poked fun at fundamentalist religion.  He was the artist for the Kudzu cartoons featuring Rev. Will B. Dunn.  On July 10th he was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 57.  Four days before that, on July 6, he delivered the eulogy at his father's funeral.  Being people of faith does not keep us from the tragedies of life. 

 

     I guess we could spend our time this morning daydreaming about how we are going to get to heaven, but that is not the central message of chapter 2 of II Kings.  It is about the transfer of power from Elijah to Elisha. 

 

      I learned something this week.  Listen closely to the last verse of the first chapter of II Kings ends with the words "Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel."  And now listen closely the first verse of the third chapter of II Kings, "In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned twelve year."  What is interesting is that chapter 2 does not mention any of the kings.

 

      Now at first look that may seem insignificant.  But is it possible the writer of Kings was suggesting that there is the history of the kings, a history that is brief, often ends badly, and even the good ones have their flaws and shortcomings.  And then there is the reality of God, a God working through people to bring good news, to usher in hope, to bring life out of death.  So who are we going to center our attention on, the earthly rulers or God.  II Kings is very clear, the power of the king is no match for the power of God. 

 

      This may be God's way of saying, you wanted a king, you've got a king.  But don't expect the king to save you.  While the king is leading you astray, my spirit will be working through certain individuals to help you hear the truth that will set you free.        My power is not transferred from father to son, it is given to the one I choose to be a leader among my people.  I have chosen Elijah and now I choose Elisha.  Listen to him.

 

      There is a history lived out through the leaders of nations that is on the news every day.  Often it is news of hurt and destruction, of deceit and deception.  And then there is the work of God's Spirit that goes on under the radar.  There are decisions made on Capitol Hill and then there is ministry that takes place in a small, leased building called Waverly Across the Road.  Did you ever think that what you are doing may be more significant than what the president or the senators or the representatives are doing?   When the Holy Spirit of God is leading us we actually have the power to bring new life to people.  With all the bad news we hear on the news it is such a great joy to see the Spirit of God at work in children and adults.  One of the things that energized me is seeing the Spirit at work in you.  Watching the news on TV, all of the violence, can drain the life right out of us.  Seeing people experience the grace of God is life giving.

 

     It is important to recognize that Elisha realized he needed God's help to carry out the ministry.  He asked for a double portion of Spirit.  He realized he could not do it alone.  Maybe one of the things we need to pray for as we try to carry on the ministry of God here in Kingsport is a double portion of Spirit.  God it is not what we do but what you do through us that is most important. 

 

      There was another man who ascended into heaven, Jesus.  But his situation was a little different than Elijah and Enoch.  It was more like Doug Marlette.  He was beaten and hung on a cross and actually died before he was raised to new life.  Herod and Pilate were leaders back then but it was the history that Jesus made that was most important. 

 

      And today he is calling us again to be a part of that ministry.  Take eat.  Let me fill you with my Spirit.  While the leaders of the world are doing their thing, help me do my thing.  Share my love, my grace, my peace.  Let people know who the real king is and invite them to be a part of his kingdom.