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Prophets and Kings
It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot.
Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During
the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid fast
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hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly
messengers of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he
had seen the encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel
and the horsemen thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence
of sympathizing angels, and he was sustained. Throughout his life he
had exercised strong faith, and as he had advanced in a knowledge of
God’s providences and of His merciful kindness, faith had ripened into
an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready
to rest from his labors.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Psalm
116:15
. “The righteous hath hope in his death.”
Proverbs 14:32
. With
the psalmist, Elisha could say in all confidence, “God will redeem my
soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.”
Psalm
49:15
. And with rejoicing he could testify, “I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”
Job
19:25
. “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be
satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.”
Psalm 17:15
.
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