“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

2 Kings 2:23-25

09/07/2008Dr. Dane Boyles

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

Introduction– This next passage is often a favorite of

those who are balding. – In this lesson we want to take a closer

look at this event in the life of Elisha.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

• Elisha and the Two Bears (2 Kings 2:23-25).– Elisha Heads for Bethel.

23 From there Elisha went up to Bethel. (2 Kings 2:23)

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

• They were a people living in idolatry and badly in need of the Word of God.

• “Bethel” means “house of God” or “place of God.

• The city was now idolatrous and anything but a center of worship.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

– Elisha is Mocked.23As he was walking along the

road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. “Go on up, you baldhead!” they said. “Go on up, you baldhead!” (2 Kings 2:23)

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

• On his way to Bethel Elisha is verbally attacked by some ‘youths’.– We never know (even though the

Lord does) when Satan or others under his control or influence, are going to attack.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

• “Youths” does not mean very young kids.– The Hebrew word used here refers

to young men or “lads.”• The word used here, “jeered,” means a

scornful belittling of something or someone.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

– “Go on up”... “go on up,” ascend up as you claim Elijah did.

– The important thing here is Elisha’s reaction to this and God’s action in response.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

• Elisha Curses the Young Men (2:24-25).24 He turned around, looked at

them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. (2 Kings 2:24)

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

25 And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria. (2 Kings 2:24-25)

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

– This seems harsh, but God takes very seriously any attack made against His Word and His servants. • He “…called down a curse on them in

the name of the Lord.”• Elisha simply turned them over to God

for God to take care of the problem.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

• Lessons for us to learn:– God does not take it lightly when we

ignore His Word or hinder His work. – It is serious business to stand in the way

of God’s man doing God’s work.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

– As believers, we should expect opposition. – The more we move forward for the Lord,

the more attacks we may have to face from our adversary.

– We need to be more like Elisha, by standing fast and responding to the attacks in biblical ways leaving the results to the Lord.

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”

– We need to move forward in our ministries while always trusting God to make a way and remove the obstacles.

Conclusion

“The Life of Elisha: His Second Miracle”2 Kings 2:23-25

09/07/2008Dr. Dane Boyles