Pastor and 1st Lady Mims

Mims Chapel Church

Week 6, January 4

LESSON 6

Aspiring to Be Like the Leader

Lesson Text:

2 Kings 2:1-14; 2 Timothy 3:10-15

Memory Verse
"But continue thou in the things which thou bast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou bast /earned them."
2 Timothy 3:14

Key Terms
Acolyte • A devoted follower or attendant.

Catharsis • Release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that refreshes the spirit
Translation • Transformation; change or conversion to another form, appearance, etc.

Suggested Emphasis

The succession of leadership is of critical importance in the Church. It is optimal that new officers be trained before the transfer of power; perhaps the best model is as an apprentice to the officer they are replacing. Circumstances in life may not permit this kind of preparation, but it is the biblical standard. As the Apostle Paul could remind his son in the Gospel, close proximity afforded Timothy opportunity to study his mentor's "doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffer-ing, charity, patience, persecutions, and sufferings" (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Everything about Paul that was transferable was made available to Timothy by the access he had. The young preacher learned important things about ministry and leadership as a companion of the great apostle; there were lessons he could draw upon for wisdom after he became a church leader himself.

Emphasis 1:

Elisha Sought a Double Portion
of the Spirit

The model of mentorship is shown repeatedly in scripture, but a perfectly illustrative example is found in the relationship of Elijah and Elisha. By command of the Lord, Elisha had been appointed Elijah's successor (1 Kings 19:16). At their first meeting, the elder prophet had thrown his mantle (the actual coarse-haired shawl, which symbolized his prophetic burden) upon the young man, and from that moment the latter followed and served the former. Elisha turned his back on a profitable livelihood to become an acolyte. And all along, he was undoubtedly encouraged by the opportunity to someday inherit his master's office.

As the time of their sojourn together drew to a close, Elisha resisted breaking away from his master prematurely. Elijah tried several times to leave his servant behind before his translation, perhaps because he was uncertain whether having a witness to that event was the will of God (as implied by 2 Kings 2:10). Nonetheless, the young servant refused every invitation to leave, and faithfully trailed behind the prophet. Finally, the master spoke directly to the situation: "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." The answer revealed that Elisha had actually considered his future ministry. "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me," he replied (2 Kings 2:9).

Biblical commentators have debated the meaning of this phrase. Is Elisha asking for-twice the anointing of his master Elijah, or does this request reflect the laws of primogeniture (as the elder son receives twice the inheritance of his younger siblings), meaning he's seeking twice the anointing of the other sons of the prophets? Whatever the intent, Elijah understands there is a limit to what he can pass down. He could leave his mantle, effectively presenting Elisha the office, but he couldn't determine the level of power the young man would walk in. And then, as if channeling a message from above, Elijah presented a condition: "Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so" (2 Kings 2:10).

Emphasis 2:

Losing a Father in Ministry

The condition for Elisha to receive the double anointing begs the question why he had been so careful not to leave Elijah earlier. Was the acolyte already intuitively aware that he had to remain in proximity to get the degree of anointing he craved? This writer is also struck by the fact that the sons of the prophets in each place they visited asked Elisha "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?" (2 Kings 2:3,5) and he responded each time that he knew. None of these students of the prophetic were unaware of what was happening. And Elisha in particular, being intimately involved in the transfer of power, seems to have had an impression of how things would progress. The master prophet was only confirming what the Lord had already imparted to the younger man.

The condition of remaining nearby was costly to fulfill. Elisha had to observe the great prophet's ascension in its suddenness and ferocity, and he was overcome with emotion. He was now bereft of a "father"—the nation, of a protector. He was in mourning. In Jewish tradition, the rending of a garment allows the mourner a controlled, religiously sanctioned act of catharsis. And yet, although grief-stricken, Elisha picked up the fallen mantle to test whether the power-transfer he sought had been completed. When he repeated the same miracle that his master had performed (in 2 Kings 2:8) he confirmed that Israel sill had a prophet with the supernatural gifting of Elijah.

Emphasis 3:

Followers Imitate Leaders

A disciple should aspire to emulate the works of his teacher. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Moreover, it is the only way a teacher can successfully reproduce himself... the only way he can maintain his influence in the world after he is gone. Fine artists and tradesmen take on apprentices for just this reason. Similarly, Jesus seeks out disciples to still do "greater works" in the earth. When the Apostle Peter raised Dorcas (Acts 9:40) it was a repetition of the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:41). It's an excellent picture of how the disciples of Jesus are called to do the things he has done. We must aspire to be Christ-like, both to be contented and to be effective in the vocation to which we were called.

Missions Application Questions

Why did Elisha refuse to leave his master's side?
Since the mantle represented the "office" of the prophet, how did Elisha's request signify he wanted something more than a position?
At what point does aspiration turns to selfish ambition?

World Missions Prayer Points

Let us pray that our leaders manifest character traits and qualities that inspire imitation.
Let us pray that those of us who seek offices and promotions in the Church learn how to be faithful followers first.
Let us pray that the Church affirm and advance ministers who are anointed by the Spirit of God.