Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

GO UP, BALD HEAD, GO UP!

Once disdained, or at least recognized as cause for offense: sarcasm, ridicule, fleshly humor at another’s expense are all elevated to be acceptable humor in the modern, more degenerate society. Furthermore, these things are often drawing cards in commercial competition ever vying for a few moments’ attention from consumers seen as potential patrons.

What was taboo, and quickly rejected by generations gone by, seems to have found new favor in an “enlightened generation” free from the protocols and civilities of the past. So deeply ingrained is this attitude that some younger ones are often made to wonder at those earlier restraints, and to make fun of anyone whose deportment matches those of yesteryear. This is not a compliment, but more of a disparagement. Think with me about a peculiar incident of long ago.

The Old Testament prophet Elisha was an understudy of the prophet Elijah. Elisha wanted a double portion of the spirit that rested on Elijah, and was told it would be so, if he saw him when the Lord took him up. It happened! 2 Kings 2. A chariot of fire took Elijah up that he did not see death. Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and began to work wondrous deeds. Of course, this vastly unusual incident was noised far and wide in Israel.

It came to pass that in Elisha’s travels, some children saw him and began to shout tauntingly: “Go up thou bald head, go up!” They were children! Doubtless they had heard disparaging statements from their parents and/or other adults of a cynical nature. So, they made fun of the work of the Lord that had occurred, and of the prophet Elisha. Under the curse of the prophet, two bears ran out of the woods, and tore up 42 of them for their sacrilege “fun” made of God’s work and God’s prophet. Read it! 2 Kings 2.

Modern man should give tremendous pause to this historic incident. Above all, DO NOT JUDGE GOD, YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED! God called those children home for an act that probably lies at the feet of their disrespectful parents. Make of the incident what you will, it must be understood that God does not take lightly to sinners poking fun, and speaking disparagingly of His Mighty will, work, and word.

“But worse, is perpetuated in the world today,” one may protest. Certainly, that is the truth, but the will of God is seen in this act preserved for all time, just as his judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah depicts His judgment of perverted lifestyles for all time. No one gets away with anything. For it is appointed unto men once to die, and after that THE JUDGMENT! Heb. 9:27. Men shall indeed give account to the King of Kings and LORD of Lords for even every idle word spoken. “Go up bald head, go up!” became the up-going, not of the prophet, but of the children. How respectful then should we be of God and of all that is holy!?

FOR THOUGHT: How respectful are you toward God, His Word and His work in others? Do you find an arresting lesson in 2 Kings 2? What is it? Are you adding it to your deportment?