2 Kings 13:14-20 – STEADY TO THE END
Life of Elisha, The Steady Prophet #9 of 9
Elisha was an old man who was on his deathbed. However, Elisha was still steady, challenging Joash to a deeper faith.
POWER NEEDED – Vs. 14
Joash was probably lamenting the eminent death of Elisha, and realized that his power as a prophet in Israel would be missing. The King evidently realized that the loss of a godly man was equivalent to a loss of God’s power. See 2 Kings 2:12. We have probably lamented the death of a godly man or woman who showed the power of God in their lives. We have probably wondered who would replace them.
POWER COMMUNICATED – Vss. 15-16
Elisha placed his hands on the king’s hands, indicating that the power was coming from God. We must remember that power has been communicated to us through the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
POWER PROMISED – Vs. 17
The king was to shoot an arrow in the direction of the enemy.
The arrow was symbolic of the victory that God would give over the enemy.
POWER NEGLECTED – Vs. 18
Elisha told the king to smite the ground with the arrows. Perhaps he was to shoot them into the ground. Instead of using up all his arrows, he showed his limited faith by only hitting the ground 3 times.
POWER LIMITED – Vs. 19
Elisha was unhappy with Joash’s lack of faith. The king should have hit the ground more often and he would have had total victory! Each time the King hit the ground was symbolic of a battle won over the enemy. We are limited in our victories over Satan by our lack of faith. The more we use our faith, the more we will have the victory!