The Death of Elisha

2 Kings 13: 14-25

Review: Joash in his early years of his reign desired for the house of God (temple) to be restored. It pleases the Lord that His house be maintained and presented acceptable at all times. This is only accomplish when those who worship there are willing to give of their resources. Not giving to the needs of the house of God is a reflection of one’s attitude toward the work of the church and God’s kingdom.

The Passing of a Prophet

• A life of plains, valleys, and mountain top experiences
• Weeping for Elisha- Joash stability was leaving
• Regarded as more importance than all the armies of Israel

The Prophecy of the Prophet

• Demonstrated the meaning of the arrows
• Shooting the arrow eastward
• The defeat of the enemy- Syrians in Aphek
• Joash strikes the arrow only 3 times- Limiting God’s power

The Passion of the Prophet

• He was wroth.
• Joash knew better- He refuse to believe
• He was disappointed and frustrated with Joash
• He saw Joash as a faithless man who depended on his own.

The Power of Influence of the Prophet

• Man made alive in Elisha’s tomb
• Bore testimony his character-activity- preserver- life giver
• Bore witness to his connection to God- “Surely this was a prophet of God”
• God still wanted to work his divine purpose for Israel even though the prophet was no longer on earth.
• It showed that God was the “God of the living and dead”

The Promise of the Prophet fulfilled

• God kept his promise/covenant with Israel
• The promises of God are always kept, but we must also keep our promises that we make to God.

The Temple Repaired

2 Chronicles 24:4-14

Review: The Famine in Samaria

God does not always answer prayers our way

The Lepers- Just don’t sit there, Do something!

Put some actions to your prayers-

Don’t keep the blessings to yourself, share with others.

The Reign of Joash- King of Judah- Bad blood. Jezebel & Ahab, but raised by a good man- Jehoiada. His life started out good, but he succumbed to the influence of those he associated with.

1. The affects of worldly associations.
1. Love the sinner, but hate the sin
2. Jesus, a friend of sinners
3. Where do we draw the line? Unequally yoked?

The Reform of Joash- The house of God- the temple was left in disrepair because the desire for the glory of God was gone. When true worship of God is gone, then His house is no longer a priority

2. Working toward Reform- the physical and spiritual
1. Making a new start- Opportunity taken- Remember God
2. Unity the people- Focus on a goal- Sin is denounced
3. Organize effort- discipline your life

The Repair of the temple was neglected- The Levites failed to follow through with their responsibility.

3. Reasons for neglect
1. They hasten not… it was not a priority
2. The task seem overwhelming- insurmountable odds
3. The money was not coming in- no support
4. The people did not see their money at work
5. Lack of trust in God to do something

The Revenue is abundant for God’s house

4. Inspiring people to give
1. Method of collection- creativity- trying new ideas
2. Attitude change- give unto the Lord with joy
3. Keeping it safe- don’t be careless
4. Accountability- Use it for the original purpose
5. Pay out for those who go beyond and above what is expected- don’t take advantage of the workman.