IMITATE THEIR FAITHY/ELIJAH - Transferring the Mantle

 The time had now come for Elijah to relinquish his official assignment. Note what he did. As he and Elisha were leaving the town of Gilgal. Elijah urged Elisha to remain there while he went on, alone to Bethel about 11 kilometers (7 mi) distant. Elisha's response was firm: "As surely is Jehovah is living and you are living, I will not leave you." After the pair arrived at Bethel, Elijah advised Elisha that he would be traveling alone to Jericho, some 22 kilometers (14 mi) away. Elisha steadfastly replied as he had before. A third time, at Jericho, the same scene was played out before they headed toward the Jordan River, some 8 kilometers (5 mi) away. Again, the younger man held firm. He would not leave Elijah! -2 KINGS 2:1-6. 

Elisha was demonstrating a vital quality, loyal love. This is the kind of love that Ruth showed for Naomi, the kind of love that is firmly committed to its object and refuses to let go. (Ruth 1:15, 16) All servants of God need that quality-today more than ever. Do we see its importance as clearly as Elisha did? 

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