Thursday, January 4, 2018

PROPHETS & KINGS: Audio & Pull Quotes- Chapter 19

A Prophet of Peace

Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/__gb-TzAMFM?list=PL4ByrircmXL4AIWLkRrpeoEq_A6VmA54y

Like the Savior of mankind, of whom he was a type, Elisha in his ministry among men combined the work of healing with that of teaching.
-*-Reverence should be shown for God's representatives-- for ministers, teachers, and parents, who are called to speak and act in His stead. In the respect shown them, God is honored.
These youth had heard of Elijah's ascension, and they made this solemn event the subject of their jeers, saying to Elisha, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. At the sound of their
mocking words the prophet turned back, and under the inspiration of the Almighty he pronounced a curse upon them. The awful judgment that followed was of God. There came forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two of them. 2 Kings 2:23, 24.
 Even kindness should have its limits. Authority must be maintained by a firm severity, or it will be received by many with mockery and contempt. The so-called tenderness, the coaxing and indulgence, used toward youth by parents and guardians, is one of the worst evils which can come upon them. In every family, firmness, decision, positive requirements, are essential.
Courtesy, also, is one of the graces of the Spirit and should be cultivated by all. It has power to soften natures which without it would grow hard and rough.
-*-The child was old enough to be out in the field with the reapers. One day he was stricken down by the heat, and he said unto his father, My head, my head. The father bade a lad carry the child to his mother; and when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. 2 Kings 4:19,20
In her distress, the Shunammite determined to go to Elisha for help.
When they reached the house, Elisha went into the room where the dead child lay, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 2 Kings 4:35
Jesus comforts our sorrow for the dead with a message of infinite hope: I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction. Hosea 13:14