When would it make sense to select 2 Kings 2:1-25 as your sermon text?
2 Kings 2:1-25 could be preached as part of a series of sermons dealing with Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:1-19:21; 21:1-29; 22:51-2 Kings 8:15; 2 Kings 13:14-21).
If you use the lectionary, 2 Kings 2:1-12 is the Old Testament reading for the Transfiguration of the Lord, Year B. 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 is the Old Testament reading for Proper 8, Year C. In the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, 2 Kings 2:1-15 is the Old Testament reading for Proper 12, Year B. It is also an alternate reading for Ascension Day, Year C.
If you are a pastor in the Dutch Reformed tradition, and your text selection is guided by the content of the Heidelberg Catechism, 2 Kings 2:1-25 could be preached in connection with Answer 19, which describes how the holy gospel was proclaimed “by the holy patriarchs and prophets.” Or this text could be preached in connection with Answer 31, where Christ is said to be “our chief prophet and teacher.” Another possibility would be to use this text in connection with Question and Answer 84, which explains how preaching the holy gospel opens and closes the kingdom of heaven.[1]