Passing the Torch

One Year Bible (June 22)

2 Kings 3:1-4:17

“Passing the Torch”

This phrase originated in the early 1800s in connection with the Greek race and passing the torch as a traditional pre-ceremony. We use this phrase metaphorically to symbolize the picture of the runner passing it off to the next runner who would carry it across the finish line.

To “Pass the Torch” is to hand off your responsibility to those who will come after you. Today’s Bible passage is about the transfer of spiritual authority and power in the Transference of the Mantle. However, it is about much more than that. It is about “connecting all the dots”...

Yesterday, we saw Elijah perform his very last miracle on earth by parting the Jordan with his MANTLE, so he and Elisha could walk across on dry ground. Does this remind you of anyone else in scripture? Yes, that would be Moses.

We see Elisha boldly ask for “two shares of Elijah’s spirit”. (2:9) This was not a random request. Deut. 21:17 states that a “firstborn” son was entitled to “two shares” of his father’s estate. Elisha was the “spiritual first son” of Elijah and will carry on the prophet’s work that Elijah began with a “double portion” of his power.

As Elisha begins his ministry, we see him confront an evil king, Joram, and he delivers a prophecy to him about “water in a dry land”. Sound familiar? Not only was the water supply a miracle in itself, but God also used it to fool the Moabite army into thinking that the ground was soaked in the blood of their enemies.

Like Elijah, Elisha will wear the same mantle and follow in his footsteps. We see Elisha minister to a widow with a “single jar of oil” that multiplies, raise a son from the dead, and stand up to evil kings. Familiar stories, Indeed!

The Passing of the Torch is much bigger than just a story about Elijah and Elisha, however.

It is about Elijah, Moses, Jesus, and you and I as well.

Remember the saying, “In the Old Testament the New is CONCEALED, in the New the Old is REVEALED”? (Augustine)

Well, God is always up to something BIG and the connections always point to HIM.

It is interesting that against Elisha’s wishes the prophets hunt for Elijah, but he is not to be found… YET!

Elijah won’t be seen again until several hundred years later when he appeared with Moses on “A High Mountain” where both men talked with the Son of God before his transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-3)

Why were these two men, Moses and Elijah, chosen to be there with Jesus, and what did they have in common with this miraculous event?

What is significant about the transfiguration is that the Torah requires two witnesses to establish a matter. The two witnesses present with Jesus were Moses (who had died) and Elijah (who had never died). Romans 14:9 says that the Messiah is “Lord both of the dead and of the living”.

Did you know that Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all fasted for forty days and nights? All three fasted, receiving spiritual strength, comfort, and intervention from God while "On The Mountain”.

Mount Sinai (Horeb) is a very significant place in Israel’s history. It is where God first revealed himself to Moses in the burning bush. (Exodus 3: 1-2) God also revealed Himself in fire, smoke, thunder, lightning, and a quaking mountain. (Exodus 19:18, 20:18)

Moses was led to Mount Horeb (Sinai) to receive The Ten Commandments and a despondent Moses goes back up to Mount Sinai after the breaking of the Ten Commandments and the idol worship of the people.

How interesting is it that a despondent Elijah goes to the very same mountain (after 40 days and nights) while running from Jezebel after destroying the idols and the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel? Also, both Moses and Elijah had experienced God’s force of power in nature.

Elijah learned that His true presence was not in the force of nature but in the “still small voice”. (I Kings 19:12-13)

Why were Moses and Elijah chosen to be there with Jesus?

Essentially, Mt. Sinai is a symbol of our sin and a reminder of our need for a Savior. It was there that the Ten Commandments were given.

Through these two men, Moses and Elijah, people were called back to worship the ONE TRUE GOD and to look for the Messiah.

At the Transfiguration, the completion of the covenant was revealed. It is interesting to see how Jesus explained this connection, “Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”(Luke 24:27)

So, what can we learn today about, “Passing the Torch”?

Elisha is not alone. He has a double portion left to him to carry on in the spirit of Elijah. He wears his master’s mantle of authority.

The amazing thing that the New Testament reveals to us through Elijah’s reappearing with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration is that we are not left alone either. We also have a mantle (The Armor of God) and a “double portion” of power (The Holy Spirit).

Let’s look at some of Jesus’ parting words to his disciples,Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5)

He also told his disciples, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:12)

May we always read the Old Testament with New Testament Eyes!

The Passing of the Torch…

Never Alone. Double Portion. Greater Works.

Debbie Sempsrott

There truly is no “Hood” like “Motherhood”!  As an adoptive mom and as a mom of a child of special needs, Debbie Sempsrott has a special calling to support and encourage other moms.  She is also a very proud “Nana” to two little boys. (Is there such a thing as “Nana-hood”?) Debbie is a pastor’s wife, women’s ministry leader, and a fourth-grade teacher.  She will be the first to tell you that her life has been changed by women who have mentored her life as “mothers in the faith”. From mothering to mentoring, to encouraging women in the ministry, Mom-Sense has endless opportunities to encourage women through-out the entire Imperial Valley and beyond. What a blessing it will be to see counseling provided for women with hurting hearts and to connect women who lead in ministry.  The possibilities for Mom-Sense are unlimited with prayer and support as we follow God’s leading. Debbie is so thankful for the Mom-Sense team as we begin this new chapter in ministry. Together, we will CHOOSE LIFE, EMBRACE LIFE, and SPEAK LIFE! What a great privilege we have to encourage women in the Imperial Valley together!

Previous
Previous

You Can’t Keep a Good Man Down

Next
Next

Divided