DoublePortion_October2023_8.5x5.5_REV.indd

Note that these are the exact same words that Elisha spoke to Elisha as he was taken up to heaven in the chariot. Joash, pagan though he was, recognized Elisha as a true man of God.Though just a man, Elisha personified the strength of Israel and protection against its enemies. So, with just a few breaths remaining, Elisha said to Joash, “Take a bow and arrows. Put your hand on the bow. Open the window toward the east, Shoot!” (2 Kings 13:15-17). After the king shot the arrow, Elisha continued, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Aram; for you will defeat the Arameans at Aphek until you have destroyed them” (2 Kings 13:17). The exercise symbolized the fact that God’s presence was still with Israel, despite the imminent death of the prophet. East was the direction of the enemy. Arrows being shot in that direc tion meant Israel intended to engage in battle, one in which Elisha promised victory in advance. The older we get, the more likely we’ll face health issues. The goal is not to be obsessed by them.The stereotypical senior citizens sit around discussing aches and pains. My wife and I, now in our mid 60s, catch ourselves falling into that trap from time to time.Yet, we’re determined not to obsess about growing old. Elisha serves as a worthy role model for the elderly and sick.Though at the point of death, he allowed God to use him in a significant way. He could have stopped working completely at that point, given his critical condition. Instead, he availed himself to the king. One of my key mentors in ministry, MiltonWood, the pastor when I was saved, died on October 14, 2022, after 62 years in the pastorate (two more than Elisha). Diagnosed with cancer two years before, he continued to serve. In fact, during that time, though battling cancer, he was called upon by a fledgling church, down to

132