FAITHFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH
II Kings 2:1-12
For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important “way stations” that become a part of our pilgrimage. We find them suggested in II Kings 2:1-12. Elisha’s dedication to Elijah might well typify the Christian’s dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Faithful unto Bethel: “the House of God”.
“And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there and make there an altar unto God, who appeared unto you when you fled from Esau your brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and all that were with him: Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.” Genesis 35:1-3.
The Christian has good reason to be faithful to the church as stated in Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.”
II. Faithful unto Jericho: typifies the Christian warfare which is won by faith. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.” Hebrews 11:30
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called.” I Timothy 6:12
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all those who love His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8
III. Faithful unto Jordan: typifies the boundary between this life and eternity. Such hymns as “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” and “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone” suggest this. After wandering forty years in the wilderness, Israel came to the Jordan River where on the other side was the Promised Land.
“Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
