Passing the Baton (2 Kings 2:9-11, 6:8-23)

PASSING THE BATON (2 KINGS 2:9-11, 6:8-23)

There is no event in the track and field more absorbing, climatic and patriotic than the 4 x 100m race. The most dramatic losses for the competitive United States team in the history of 4 x 100m relays were in 2008.

First, the men’s race was going smoothly for the United States through the first two legs of the 400-meter relay preliminaries until Darvis Patton closed in on Tyson Gay. Gay reached backward, they couldn't connect. Patton made a final lunge to get the stick to Gay before he ran out of the 20-meter passing zone, but as Gay's hand closed, the stick wasn't in it. It bounced off the rain-slickened track, and the crowd gasped. Gay said he felt the baton. “Then I went to grab it and there was nothing,” he said.

Next, the U.S. women were also in good shape heading into the final exchange, but Lauryn Williams didn't receive the baton from Torri Edwards. It fell to the ground as Edwards yelled and covered her face with her hands. Williams went down in history as the American involved in not one but two faulty Olympic exchanges that cost her team medals. Four years earlier, she misconnected with Marion Jones in the final and the Americans were disqualified for making the exchange outside the 20-meter handoff zone. “U.S. 4x100m Teams Both Drop Batons” http://www.nbcolympics.com/trackandfield/news/newsid=243415.html

No matter how talented, trustworthy and treasured the leaders of a generation are, the baton has to change hands one day. The old has to give way to the young. Prime time becomes past time in no time. It’s the circle of cycle. The Chinese say, “The back waves push the front waves in the ocean.”

Elijah was more than happy to pass the ministry baton and the hot potato to Elisha, who was more than happy to catch the pass. While it was not easy to follow in the footsteps of a spiritual giant and powerhouse like Elijah, Elisha did the impossible and an impeccable job, especially on how he treated the Israelites, his servants and the Arameans.

How does one follow in the footsteps of a leader and a legend? Is there room to improve at the top? What does God expect of believers learning to serve and succeed in ministry?

Better Yourself by Breaking Barriers
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” (2 Kings 6:8-12)

Peanuts’ Lucy asked, “Charlie Brown, life is like a deck chair on a cruise ship. Passengers open up these canvas deck chairs so they can sit in the sun. Some people place their chairs facing the rear of the ship so they can see where they've been. Other people face their chairs forward - they want to see where they're going. On the cruise ship of life, which way is your deck chair facing?’

Charlie replies, “I've never been able to get one unfolded.”

Do you live life clinging to a negative “Life is hard” motto or mantra?

I have put together some interesting “Live is hard” quotations from the web:
“Life is hard, choices make it harder.”
“Life is hard, so wear a helmet.”
“Life is hard, but that’s no excuse.”
“Most of life is hard, but not all of it.”
“Life is hard but you make it harder.”
“Life is hard, but harder for some more than others.”
“Life is hard, but compared to what?”

Oswald Sanders was right when he said, “The world is run by tired men.”

In 1 Kings 19, the depressed Elijah feared for his life (1 Kings 19:3), fled to the desert (1 Kings 19:4), prayed for instant death (1 Kings 19:4) and retired into a cave (1 Kings 19:9). The determined Elisha, on the other hand, survived and thrived despite asking for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9) and doubling his scope of ministry in the process. His ministry overlapped the geographical barrier, crossed the dynasty barrier, and broke the race barrier.

The optimistic successor, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah (2 Kings 3:11), couldn’t be any different from his pessimistic predecessor. While Elijah limited himself to the northern kingdom of Israel, Elisha extended himself to Israel and Judah, to Israel and Aram, to the household of Ahab or the next dynasty of Jehu. In fact, he was fair and frank in all and to all his challenges. In chapter three, he offered help to Ahab’s son Joram, king of Israel – the northern kingdom, and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah – the southern kingdom, even though the good king Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab by marriage (2 Chron 18:1). Elisha scoffed at Joram, saying, “If I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you.” (2 Kings 3:14)

True, Elisha scorned Joram in word, but he never abandoned him in deed and in war. The prophet had all the reasons in the world to despise rather than deliver Joram (2 Kings 3:1-3). Although the northern king will threaten to cut off the prophet’s head by the chapter’s end. (2 Kings 6:30-32), but “time and again” he “warned” (v 10) the king of Israel of the Arameans’ location, plans and activities. “Time and again” (v 10) in Hebrew is “not once or twice” in Hebrew; it means multiple, numerous, countless times. Elisha was tireless, passionate and active. “Time and again” is a powerful contrast to Elijah’s exhaustion, fatigue and resignation (1 Kings 19) at battling Ahab’s family. Even near his death, the dying Elisha could only think of helping Jehoash, three kings and another dynasty removed, defeat the Arameans (2 Kings 13:14-20).

Elisha fulfilled his potential and duty as a prophet regardless of Joram’s merit or asking. A prophet’s duty, as outlined in Ezekiel 3 (Ezek 3:17, 18, 18, 19, 20, 21, 21) and Ezekiel 33 (Ezek 33:3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) – is to “warn” others – the same word found in verse 10, whether they be righteous (Ezek 3:21) or wicked (Ezek 3:18). Elisha was the quintessential watchmen of Ezekiel 3 and 33. He never hesitated to warn (v 10) the king of the danger.

Further, Elijah’s ministry covered not more than the 22 years of Ahab’s reign (1 Kings 16:29), but Elisha served more than twice as long, beginning from Joram’s 12 years (2 Kings 3:1), the next dynasty’s king Jehu - 28 years, Jehoahaz – 17 years (2 Kings 13:1), and Jehoash – 16 years (2 Kings 13:10) – 50 or more years.

The account of Elijah covers seven chapters (1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2) but Elisha’s 17 chapters (1 Kings 19- 13).

Also, Elijah was strictly concerned with Ahab and his house, but Elisha strived to minister to both the Israelites and the Arameans. Not that Elijah did not have a chance to engage the Arameans, but he passed. As you may remember in the case with Elijah, he was instructed by God to anoint Hazael to be king over Syria or Aram (1 Kings 19:15), which he never did. The task was later completed by Elisha instead (2 Kings 8:13). For reasons not explained in the Bible, Elisha restricted himself to the Israelites, while Elisha reached out to the Gentiles, including Namaan. Still, while their gifts, personality and ministry were unique, they both served the Lord and complemented each other.

Better Yourself by Bearing Burdens
13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:13-17)

I was surrounded by welcoming and warm people when I first arrived in Dallas in 1987. Even today, an employee’s greeting colleagues and visitors reverberate in my ears: “You all comeback now, you hear?”

Let me test you with a question: What do you say to a person who greets you with a “How are you?” question? There are four types of people revealed in greetings. The clueless type includes a blank look, a cold shoulder or a suspicious stare, which are common among teenagers.

The polite type answers the question with “Fine, thank you” and walks away hurriedly. The third type replies “Fine, thank you” and graciously returns the question: “And you?” or “How are you?”

To be perfect, of course, is to be the person to offer the greeting, but sadly in Hong Kong, only paid employees, from security to supermarket staff people, do that! Too often I open or hold the door for a stranger in Hong Kong who marches right through it without a word of thanks, as if I am the doorkeeper. In fact, even people in church do not greet each other “Hello” “Good morning” or “How are you?” Whatever was considered rude in the past is considered routine in the present. I find that a greeting, a nod or a smile – which is dumb and suspicious in Hong Kong - opens the door to evangelism faster than a tract. I try to making life easier for employees with a greeting when embarking the ferry, riding a mini-bus, or shopping for groceries. I considered it a challenge to ambush supermarket employees near my previous apartment/flat with their standard greeting (歡迎光臨) for customers, drawing chuckles and laughter from them.

The friendly Elisha was night and day from the frosty Elijah in endearing himself to others. The former was a companion, colleague, coworker, confidant and coach without peer. In fact, the sons of the prophets (“company of the prophets” in NIV) appeared prominently 10 times in Elisha’s ministry (2 Kings 2:3, 2:5, 2:7, 2:15, 4:1, 4:38, 4:38, 5:22, 6:1, 9:1), but they never hung out with Elijah. Not much is recorded of Elijah’s relationship with fellow prophets other than anointing Elisha (1 Kings 19:16), an act which was ordered by God rather than offered by Elijah, while Elisha did not stop mingling with and ministering to the school of prophets, who he considered peers, partners and prophets in ministry. Note they were sons of the prophets (plural) and never students of the prophet (Elisha, singular). Elisha effortlessly, naturally and voluntarily interacted with those around, while Elijah did not talk much and have nothing to say to other prophets. It is not hard to imagine why, since Elijah reiterated three times he was “the only one left” (1 Kings 18:22, 19:10, 19:14), the last of the Mohicans if you will.

Elisha is the type of mentor that exudes and inspires confidence, attracts and affirms people, and calms fears and nerves. He is a leader you cannot help but love, follow and trust. The way he carried himself around the sons of the prophets and his servants was very radical in his day. People can talk to him, tell their troubles and trust his actions.

Notice Elisha was handed the speaking parts that Elijah never got:
Prophets: “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?”
Elisha: “Yes, I know, but do not speak of it.” (2 Kings 2:3)

Prophets: “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?”
Elisha: “Yes, I know, but do not speak of it.” (2 Kings 2:5)

Prophets: “Look, we your servants have fifty able men. Let them go and look for your master.” (2 Kings 2:16)
Elisha: “No, do not send them.”
Elisha: “Send them.”
Elisha: “Didn't I tell you not to go?” (2 Kings 2:18)

Prophets: “Look, our lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive.”
Elisha: “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” (2 Kings 2:19-20)

Elisha: “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men."
Prophets: “O man of God, there is death in the pot!”
Elisha: “Get some flour. Serve it to the people to eat.” (2 Kings 4:38-41)

Prophets: “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to live.”
Elisha: “Go.”
Prophets: “Won't you please come with your servants?”
Elisha: “I will.” (2 Kings 6:1-3)

Prophets: “Oh, my lord, it (axhead) was borrowed!"
Elisha: “Where did it fall?...Lift it out.” (2 Kings 6:5-6)

Whereas Elijah had no conversation with other prophets, he did speak to his servant, but his approach is more instructional and imperatival (1 Kings 18:43-44 - “Go” and “look” toward the sea; “Go back” and “Go” and “tell” Ahab, “Hitch up” your chariot and “go down” before the rain stops you.), unlike Elisha’s inspirational method. In this latest episode, Elisha said to his servant who yelled “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” (v 15): “Don't be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them” and then prayed for him, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” (vv 16-17)

Better Yourself by Building Bridges
18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike these people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. 19 Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. 20 After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. 21 When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” 22 “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” 23 So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory. (2 Kings 6:18-23)

A story is told of Peter Miller, a plain Baptist preacher living in Ephrata, Pennsylvania in the days of the Revolutionary War. Near his church lived a man who maligned the pastor to the last degree. The man became involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to be hanged. The preacher started out on foot and walked the all seventy miles to Philadelphia to plead for the man's life. Washington heard his plea, but he said, “No, your plea for your friend cannot be granted.” “My friend!” said the preacher. “He is the worst enemy I have.” “What!” said Washington, “you have walked nearly seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon.” (from Illustrations of Bible Truths # 339)

By the way, Elisha never had an enemy in his life. Verse 18’s “enemy came down” is grossly exaggerated. The Hebrew version is “they came down.” He never regarded the Arameans as “enemies.” “They” refers to the “servants” (vv 8, 11, 12) of the king of Aram. In fact, just a chapter ago, he broke barriers by healing their captain or commander (2 Kings 5:1), Naaman, of leprosy. Elisha is always associated with Gentiles in the New Testament. The only occurrence of his name in the New Testament refers to him healing a foreigner (Luke 4:27).

A number of scenarios could have played out after the Arameans were struck with blindness and led to Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” (v 21) The king’s repetition of the question exposes the king’s hidden motives or renders it a rhetorical question.

The history of treating political prisoners of war is not pretty. Light cases of abuse end with prisoners humiliated or harassed. Serious cases of abuse result in prisoners disfigured or dead. Most are injured or imprisoned.

Elisha could have released the Syrians without feeding them. He could have sent them home red-faced and empty-handed. Or he could have sent them with eyes blind and stomach empty. The prophet had demonstrated his wits, displayed his wisdom and defended his watch, but he used the opportunity to teach both the Arameans and Joram. He advised the king to let the prisoners do three things: free them, feed them and fatten them.

Note that “he prepared” (v 23) refers to Joram and not Elisha. I am not sure what the king fed them since this Hebrew word for “feast” (v 23) makes its only appearance in the Bible. The king got the idea, preparing a “great feast” (v 23), feeding them generously, not grudgingly; with big portions, not budget food.

Conclusion: God is not interested to know how things are doing; He is interested to see if you are growing. There is no defeat in serving; there is only the lack of desire and determination. It’s been said, “The world is run by tired men.” Do you hope for God’s work or do you hide from God’s work? Do you rail about not having resources, revival, respect and so on? One person cannot do it all. We are in the work of motivating God’s people, mining their resources, maximizing their gifts, multiplying their effectiveness, and mentoring the young.