Sermon Snippet – One of the Few – (Really, a Few of the Few) – Part VII
INTRODUCTION – This is not a Thanksgiving message, although we can all be thankful that it is relatively brief. We have been studying the lives of believers in Elijah’s day. That prophet thought that he was all alone in Israel in his faith (I Kings 19:14), but God assured him that there were a few others (I Kings 19:18), including the government official Obadiah (I Kings 18:1-16), the prophet Elisha (I Kings 19:19-21), an unnamed prophet (I Kings 20:1-16), and the prophet Micaiah (I Kings 22:1-18). II Kings 2:15-24 presents two groups of young men. The first trusted in God; the second rejected Him.
I. THE SONS OF THE PROPHETS GREW IN THEIR FAITH
(verses 15-22) – We need to understand that these young men did not have a predictive ministry as Elijah and Elisha had. The primary role of any prophet was preaching, forthtelling rather than foretelling. These men were being trained in the Law (the first five books of the Old Testament) so that they could teach it to others. They were spiritually-minded people, immediately accepting Elisha’s leadership (verse 15). This respect for authority was somewhat offset by their lack of understanding of Elijah’s translation into heaven (verses 16-18). In fairness to these young men, Elijah was noted for disappearing for lengthy periods of time (I Kings 18:7-16), and translation into heaven had only one precedent (Enoch – Genesis 4:24). Still, they should have believed the word of godly Elisha (who was “ashamed” at their lack of comprehension). He let them learn for themselves; this confirmation gave them a greater resolve to follow their new leader. Their witness to the truth of Elisha’ message caused others to seek his help (verses 19-22). The bad (“nought”) water was made good (“healed”). Together, the young preachers and Elisha had a positive, restorative effect upon the city. Together, we can help our little part of the world.
2. THE SCORNERS OF THE PROPHET GREW IN THEIR UNBELIEF
(verses 23-24) – These were also young men (the King James Version’s “little children” is better translated in newer versions to indicate that these were not youngsters). With forty-two of them being mauled by the aggressive Syrian bears, this mob of young hooligans must have been large and organized. Their mocking of Elisha was a direct challenge to his authority and, more importantly, to the authority of God. Elisha may have been prematurely “bald” (he lived another fifty years), but it is more likely that he had shaved his head as a sign of mourning, perhaps for Elijah’s absence, certainly for the sin of unbelief that dominated the nation and was exemplified in these antagonistic young men. Their judgment was also an indictment of the vicious paganism of the vast majority in Israel.
CONCLUSION – Both the sons of the prophets and the scorners did not really believe Elisha. However, the young prophets listened and learned; they were willing to admit that they were wrong. The thugs persisted in their thuggery. Both groups were relatively young, came from essentially the same background, and had the same access to the truth (including Elisha!). Their decidedly different responses challenge us to make the right choice today. Romans 6:23 proclaims, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Like the mockers, we can choose “death”; or like the prophets, we can choose “eternal life.” May each of us make the right decision to trust in Jesus and live forever.