Elijah: Legacy of Faith and Leadership

 

Summary

In our journey through the life of Elijah, we have reached the final chapter, reflecting on the later years of this remarkable prophet. Elijah's life was marked by extraordinary faith and courage, serving God during a time of rampant idolatry and under the reign of Israel's worst king, Ahab. Despite the uphill struggle, Elijah's story is a testament to the surprising influence of a godly life, even when it seems less fruitful than hoped.

Elijah's later years were characterized by a shift from being the lone prophetic voice to mentoring and launching the ministry of others. God, in His wisdom and kindness, lifted Elijah from his despair by giving him three gifts: the gift of work, the gift of a marvelous promise, and the gift of friendship. Elijah was tasked with anointing new leaders, a work that proved more fruitful than his earlier ministry. This period of mentoring and raising a new generation of godly leaders was the most fruitful era of his life, demonstrating the power of investing in others.

On the last day of his life, Elijah, full of vigor and peace with God, made a farewell tour to encourage the sons of the prophets, a testament to his enduring influence. His departure was marked by a miraculous ascent to heaven, a vivid picture of the Christian hope of being lifted into God's presence after passing through death.

Elisha, Elijah's successor, faced the challenge of continuing the work without his mentor. In his grief, Elisha took up Elijah's cloak, symbolizing the continuation of Elijah's ministry. This act reminds us that the right response to the loss of a godly person is to carry on their legacy, empowered by the same God who sustained them.

As a church, we are called to embrace this vision of raising up new leaders, both locally and globally. By investing in the next generation, we contribute to the rapid advance of the gospel, fulfilling our role in God's grand narrative. Let us pray for the grace to end well, to move forward in our ministries, and to see the fruitfulness of God's word multiplied for His glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gift of Work: God lifted Elijah from his despair by giving him the gift of work, a new calling to anoint leaders and mentor others. This teaches us that engaging in meaningful work, especially for the benefit of others, can be a powerful remedy for discouragement and darkness. [06:36]

- The Promise of Future Fruitfulness: God promised Elijah that his work would bear more fruit in the future than it had in the past. This encourages us to trust that our efforts in God's service, though seemingly small, can have a lasting impact beyond our lifetime. [10:19]

- The Gift of Friendship: God provided Elijah with the gift of friendship through Elisha, highlighting the importance of companionship and collaboration in ministry. This reminds us that we are not meant to serve alone but to support and be supported by others in our journey. [11:44]

- A Peaceful Departure: Elijah's peaceful departure to heaven illustrates the Christian hope of being lifted into God's presence after death. It reassures us that, in Christ, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God. [24:27]

- Continuing the Legacy: Elisha's response to Elijah's departure, taking up his cloak, symbolizes the continuation of Elijah's ministry. This challenges us to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before us, empowered by the same God who sustained them. [39:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Elijah's Final Chapter
- [00:43] - Elijah's Uphill Struggle
- [01:55] - Mount Carmel and Discouragement
- [03:25] - Elijah's Last Period of Life
- [05:09] - A Godly Leader's Last Years
- [06:36] - The Gift of Work
- [09:26] - The Promise of Future Fruitfulness
- [11:18] - The Gift of Friendship
- [15:23] - Vision for Raising New Leaders
- [21:00] - Elijah's Last Day
- [29:24] - The Last Moments of Elijah's Life
- [39:01] - Elisha's First Steps
- [43:47] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 1 Kings 19:15-21
- 2 Kings 2:1-14

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific tasks did God assign to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-16, and how did these tasks signify a new phase in his ministry? [05:21]
2. How did Elijah's ministry change in his later years, and what was the significance of this change? [05:51]
3. Describe the events that took place on the last day of Elijah's life as recorded in 2 Kings 2. What was Elijah's focus during this day? [21:14]
4. What symbolic act did Elisha perform after Elijah's departure, and what did it represent? [39:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the gift of work help lift Elijah from his despair, and what does this suggest about the role of meaningful work in overcoming discouragement? [06:36]
2. In what ways does the promise of future fruitfulness given to Elijah encourage believers to trust in the long-term impact of their efforts for God? [10:19]
3. How does the gift of friendship with Elisha illustrate the importance of companionship in ministry, and what can we learn from this about serving together? [11:44]
4. What does Elijah's peaceful departure to heaven teach us about the Christian hope of eternal life, and how can this perspective influence our view of death? [24:27]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when engaging in meaningful work helped you overcome a period of discouragement. How can you seek out or create opportunities for such work in your current situation? [06:36]
2. Consider the promise of future fruitfulness in your own life. What small steps can you take today to invest in work that may bear fruit beyond your lifetime? [10:19]
3. Identify a person in your life who has been a source of friendship and support in your spiritual journey. How can you express gratitude to them this week, and how might you offer similar support to someone else? [11:44]
4. How does the hope of being lifted into God's presence after death affect your daily life and decisions? Are there specific fears or anxieties about death that you need to address with this hope in mind? [24:27]
5. Think of a godly person whose legacy has impacted you. What specific actions can you take to carry on their legacy in your own life and community? [39:01]
6. As a church, how can we collectively embrace the vision of raising up new leaders? What practical steps can we take to invest in the next generation both locally and globally? [15:23]
7. Reflect on the idea of ending well in your personal ministry or life journey. What changes or commitments do you need to make to ensure that you finish strong and leave a lasting impact? [44:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Purposeful Work
Engaging in meaningful work, especially for the benefit of others, can be a powerful remedy for discouragement and darkness. Elijah's life exemplifies this truth as God lifted him from despair by giving him the gift of work. Elijah was tasked with anointing new leaders and mentoring others, which proved to be more fruitful than his earlier ministry. This shift in focus from his own struggles to investing in others brought about a profound transformation in his life. It teaches us that when we engage in purposeful work, particularly in service to others, we can find renewed strength and hope. [06:36]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can engage in meaningful work for the benefit of others today? How might this shift your perspective on your current struggles?


Day 2: Trusting in Future Fruitfulness
God promised Elijah that his work would bear more fruit in the future than it had in the past. This promise encourages us to trust that our efforts in God's service, though seemingly small, can have a lasting impact beyond our lifetime. Elijah's later years were marked by a shift from being the lone prophetic voice to mentoring and launching the ministry of others. This period of mentoring and raising a new generation of godly leaders was the most fruitful era of his life, demonstrating the power of investing in others. We are reminded that our faithfulness today can lead to a harvest we may not see in our lifetime. [10:19]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small act of faithfulness you can commit to today, trusting that God will bring fruit from it in His timing?


Day 3: The Strength of Companionship
God provided Elijah with the gift of friendship through Elisha, highlighting the importance of companionship and collaboration in ministry. Elijah's relationship with Elisha reminds us that we are not meant to serve alone but to support and be supported by others in our journey. This companionship not only provided Elijah with encouragement but also ensured the continuation of his ministry through Elisha. It is a powerful reminder of the strength and encouragement that comes from walking alongside others in our faith journey. [11:44]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can reach out to for support or offer support to in their journey today?


Day 4: The Hope of a Peaceful Departure
Elijah's peaceful departure to heaven illustrates the Christian hope of being lifted into God's presence after death. His miraculous ascent serves as a vivid picture of the hope we have in Christ, that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God. This hope reassures us that our earthly struggles and trials are temporary, and we can look forward to a future where we are united with God. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate home is with Him. [24:27]

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How does the hope of eternal life with God influence the way you live your life today? What changes might you make to align more closely with this eternal perspective?


Day 5: Carrying on the Legacy
Elisha's response to Elijah's departure, taking up his cloak, symbolizes the continuation of Elijah's ministry. This act challenges us to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before us, empowered by the same God who sustained them. Elisha faced the challenge of continuing the work without his mentor, yet he stepped into his role with courage and faith. We are reminded that the right response to the loss of a godly person is to carry on their legacy, trusting in God's provision and strength. [39:01]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who is a godly person in your life whose legacy you can carry on? What specific steps can you take to honor their influence and continue their work today?

Quotes

"Elijah must have wondered how in all the world he could accomplish anything of significance when he was away from the people of God and when he was so hidden from public view. We saw, however, that God brought him back and gave to him a moment in which he was platformed to speak a message from God to the entire nation." [00:01:35]

"Elijah must have looked at the situation and said, well, after all my work, what has actually changed? Ahab is still on the throne, Jezebel is worse than she ever was, people now say they believe in the God of the Bible, but their lives are not actually changed. After all this prayer, after all this ministry, after all this effort, what have I actually accomplished?" [00:02:24]

"Elijah's felt in despair he said now what in the world have I really accomplished in my life and God delivers him out of this darkness and I want you to see the three gifts that God gives to him by which he is delivered from this dreadful dreadful darkness you may be in a situation of darkness today." [00:06:00]

"Elijah go and return on your way there's work for you to do there are people for you to anoint Elijah has been exhausted he has been discouraged God has allowed him to withdraw for a little while but brooding on your own thoughts tends to make the darkness worse you found that." [00:06:36]

"God does not come to Elijah at this point and say well now you're getting to be an older fellow and you've had your day and you better go off and retire and get to some place where you're out of the road no that is not what God says he says Elijah I want you to pour the remaining years of your life into the development of a new generation of leaders." [00:08:16]

"God says to him in verse 18 here there will be seven thousand seven thousand now um the statement is rightly translated by the English Standard Version of the Bible in the future tense I know some translations don't have that there is discussion about this I'm quite certain that the ESV is right here it's a future statement because it is a promise." [00:09:34]

"God gives him the gift of friendship verse 19. The focus of Elijah's work in this last era is going to be on finding other people and is going to be on launching them into ministry now this is quite different because for most of his life Elijah has been used to working on his own." [00:11:18]

"Elijah must have traveled between 25 probably 30 miles something of that in the single day so quite an exerted day to do all of this walking between these various locations and to greet and to encourage these folks before we look at what we're told there I just want you to notice what he didn't do." [00:23:06]

"Isn't it marvelous that when it comes to the last day of this man's life he does not sort of hunker down some place thinking oh I'd better make my peace with God. Why did he not do that because he already had peace with God he had it and if you truly are a Christian today you have it." [00:23:44]

"Think of it this way the right way to respond after you have grieved to the loss of a godly person is to carry on in the path that they followed were they humble you must be humble now did they pray it is your turn to pray you must pray." [00:41:30]

"Elisha now turns and returns to the work to which God is calling him and notice what he says and with this that we close he he calls on the God of Elijah verse 14. I love this he doesn't spend the rest of his life saying where is Elijah he comes back to the Jordan and he says where is the God of Elijah." [00:42:56]

"The God that sustained your great friend and your wonderful teacher will be with you all your days in everything that you are called to do for him and he will be sufficient for you." [00:43:25]

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Transcript
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