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{{DOD-April}}
Chapter 22 records Ahab's defeat and [[death]]; but his wicked son, Ahaziah, reigned in his place and the nation continued in its [[sin]].
The Book of II Kings continues the history of the kingdoms to their captivities. It also includes the translation of [[Elijah]] and the ministry of [[Elisha]].
The works of [[Elijah]] and [[Elisha]] have often been contrasted. [[Elijah]] was a fiery [[prophet]] who suddenly appeared in a dramatic fashion, while [[Elisha]] was a faithful pastor-[[prophet]], who ministered in a personal way to his people. [[Elijah]] was a solitary servant, while [[Elisha]] enjoyed fellowship with people. [[Elijah]] was a [[prophet]] of [[judgment]] who sought to turn the nation back to [[God]], while [[Elisha]] was a minister of [[grace]] who called out a remnant before the nation was destroyed.
Chapter 1 records the [[judgment]] of fire and chapter 2 the chariot of fire. We see again that it always pays to be faithful to the calling [[God]] has given us. [[Elisha]] did receive the double portion he requested from [[Elijah]]. He took [[Elijah]]'s mantle and trusted [[God]] for the power he would need to continue [[Elijah]]'s work. It was one thing to cross [[Jordan]] with [[Elijah]], but quite another to step out on [[faith]] by himself. Yet, when a man trusts the [[Lord]] [[God]] of [[Elijah]], he does not need [[Elijah]] too. [[Elisha]] did trust the [[Lord]] and his ministry was richly blessed.
Both [[Elijah]] and [[Elisha]] allowed [[God]] to use them and they trusted in His Word. When we trust in the [[Word]] of [[God]] our lives become profitable for Him. Each of us should be found faithful in following [[God]]'s will for our lives. He wants to bless us; He wants to use us; but He cannot unless we are willing to submit ourselves to the power of the Holy [[Spirit]] who lives within us.