“Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” 2 Kings 2:11
In the book of 1st Kings in the Old Testament, we find the account of God giving to Elijah specific instructions concerning who was to succeed him as a prophet in Israel. God commanded him to “…anoint Elisha…as prophet in your place.” (19:16) There came a day when Elijah came to the field where Elisha was plowing. Scripture tells us that Elijah “…passed by him and threw his mantle (or cloak) on him.” (19:19) This was a remarkable act, one which Elisha understood very clearly, for he knew that farming was over, that he would be leaving his home and family, to follow Elijah. Certainly, Elisha had known Elijah, heard of God’s hand upon him, and probably had seen some of the wondrous things that God accomplished through him. But now, the revelation of the calling of God to Elisha took on a very specific meaning, one that would have powerful ramifications, or effects. By Elijah throwing his mantle upon him, Elisha was designated by God to succeed him. But this was not all. Though we do not see exactly when Elijah anointed Elisha, there would come a day, a moment, when the reality of that anointing would be revealed.
After some time following Elijah, learning from him as much as he could grasp of God, and how God deals with men, specifically in and through the role of a prophet, the Lord began to make aware to Elijah, Elisha, and the sons of the prophets that the time had come to take Elijah out of this world, and to put Elisha in his place and role as prophet. However, the one thing needful, and that for which Elisha had made request to Elijah that he should do before he was taken away, was expressed in the words of Elisha to him: “…Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2:9) Why did Elisha ask this? Though Elisha did not understand fully the implications of succeeding Elijah, he did feel very keenly his need for the authority and power of God to fulfill his calling, and mission. He would be alone, his mentor and teacher absent from view or sense. He would need to know absolutely the reality of the hand of God upon him, for him, and faithfully meeting him. It is in his appeal to Elijah that we see expressed that which had been growing in Elisha’s heart and mind for some time, being brought to the critical point of asking Elijah for it now. Time was short, and the opportunity narrow. Elijah’s response to Elisha was not negative, or a denial of the blessing. But he did say that it was conditional. He told Elisha, “IF you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” (2 Kings 2:10) Why did Elijah specifically say this? What was it about seeing the departure of Elijah that was key to Elisha receiving the “double portion of his spirit?”
The moment came in God’s perfect time, when there appeared a chariot of fire from heaven, separating the two of them, carrying Elijah by a whirlwind up into heaven. Elijah was no more present. Elisha, after crying out at the sight, being overwhelmed and rending his clothes in two, was briefly alone in the solemn stillness of the moment. It is then that he sees the mantle of Elijah laying on the ground. He takes it up, and returns to the Jordan River, where Elijah had formerly taken the mantle, rolled it up, and then struck the waters, dividing them so that they could pass over. It is then that Elisha also struck the waters with the mantle of Elijah, saying: “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” Then the waters parted.
Faith for the double portion required a vision of God’s power.
Dear Father, Show us Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.