All right. Hey, on Thursday nights we're going through the Old Testament book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by

verse tonight. We're in Second King's chapter two, and oh what a chapter it is.

Really looking forward, I've been really looking forward to this chapter. Very exciting.

We're going to see some very interesting things happen and really

miraculous things happen. So why don't we go to the Lord in prayer, ask his blessing on our

time together in His Word, if you would join with me. Loving Heavenly Father, will you now settle our hearts and focus our attention upon you and

your word and that which you have for us in your word tonight?

Lord, we don't want any distractions to keep us from what you would desire to minister

and speak into our lives in and through your words. So, Lord, we want to give you our undivided

attention as you do. So, Lord, please speak. Your servants are listening. In Jesus' name. Amen. All right, let's jump in.

Verse 1. And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a

whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

Then verse 2, Elijah said to Elisha, stay here, please.

For the Lord has sent me on to Betel.

But Elisha said, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.

So they went down to Betel.

All right.

A couple thoughts here right at the start, first of which has to do with Elijah's servant,

Elisha, who's been with him and loyal to him for what's about been about 10 years. And it seems that even

though Elisha has been loyal to him, Elijah, knowing he's about to be taken up to heaven,

is still wanting to test his loyalty, which is interesting.

And I point that out because to me it speaks to the importance of loyalty on the part of God's

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