LESSON-- Exposition of the text.
A. Elisha was near death and Joash came down to him out of respect for his prestige. Vs. 14
1.Joash wept over him.
2. He uttered the same cry of despair and grief that Elisha had used at the dramatic departure of Elijah in the whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:12
B. A prophet to the end, Elisha used a "visual aid" to predict victory over the Syrians. Vs. 15-17
1. He laid his hands on the bow and arrows.
2. He ordered Joash to shoot an arrow out of the window.
3. He promised victory over the Syrians "till they were consumed." (This should have aroused enthusiam in Joash.)
C. Elisha's last instruction met with failure. Vs. 18-19
1. He told Joash to strike the remaining arrows on the ground.
2.Joash strikes only three times.
3. Elisha rebukes his lack of zeal for a complete victory.
a. The promise of a "consuming victory" failed to stimulate Joash.
b. Joash was expected to focus on the words of the prophet for his response.

APPLICATION--
A. In both the Old and New Testaments we find admonitions to develop zeal.
1. In loving God. Deuteromony 6:5, 1 John 4:10-11
2.In loving the Word. Psalm 119:137-140, 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10
3. In doing any kind of work. Ecclesiastes 9:10, Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23
B. I am dissapointed with the lack of zeal some display.
1. You may have the right to say, "Physician, heal thyself."
2. If you lack zeal, you do not need to explain to me...try your excuse on Christ.
3. If I lack zeal, I answer to Christ first, to you second (as your servant).